Lyric Theater’s New Apprentice Program

Lyric’s Thelma Gaylord Academy in Oklahoma City introduces a new musical theatre learning program for high school students, Lyric’s Thelma Gaylord Academy Apprentice Institute.  Lyric is holding auditions and interviews for interested students on February 28 starting at 5:00pm at Lyric’s Production Center at 1801 NW 16^th Street in Oklahoma City.  

“The Institute” is a five week course starting June 4, and is open to any student who is in tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade. The inaugural class of 2012, will consist of 10 participants whose emphasis will be performing, and 10 who will focus on the technical aspects of theatre. Performing participants will be featured in Lyric’s summer production of BYE BYE BIRDIE, and will assist with the construction of set and prop pieces for several of Lyric’s other summer shows. Technical participants will assist in construction and running of BYE BYE BIRDIE and will work on the sets for SWEET CHARITY and CALL ME MADAM.            

Unlike other training institutes, Lyric’s Institute is not just a theoretical or academic look at the business of musical theatre, but is instead a totally hands on experience. Participants will work alongside professional directors, choreographers, technicians and performers learning the business from the inside out.

“I’m excited that we are creating this new Institute to offer even more intensive training to the next generation of theatre artists.  We have had some incredible talent come through the academy and The Institute is a way for Lyric to extend even more professional experiences for students wanting to pursue a career in theatre, whether it be on stage or behind the curtain,” says Michael Baron, Lyric’s Artistic Director. “So many of Lyric’s Thelma Gaylord Academy students move on to star in lead roles on Broadway and National Tours including Christopher Rice in the current National Tour of WEST SIDE STORY and Annie Funke who starred as Tracey Turnblad in Broadway’s HAIRSPRAY.  We know that The Institute will be a beneficial and inspiring program for those students who want to work toward a professional career in the theatre.”

Besides having the opportunity to perform in a professional musical production, participants will also get numerous benefits such as tuition waivers for Lyric’s Summer workshops taught by many of the professionals working with Lyric during the summer season. Past teachers have included Dirk Lumbard, Barb Schoenhofer, Con O’Shea Creel, Jonathan Beck Reed and others. 

The student tuition for The Institute is being provided to all 20 participants without cost, thanks to the many sponsors of Lyric’s Thelma Gaylord Academy.

All students wishing to participate must apply and audition or interview during Lyric’s spring auditions on February 28 at 5:00 pm. Signup will begin at 4:00 at Lyric’s Production Center at 1801 NW 16^th St, in Oklahoma City. Applicants must have a current resume, headshot (performers only), and letters of recommendation from two teachers, directors or theatre professionals who have worked with them in a theatrical capacity.             

For more information about The Institute, call (405) 524-9310 or go to www.LyricTheatreOKC.com/education-and-academy/apprentice-institute.