The Zelda and John Schwebel Family Foundation
MUSICAL THEATRE CONSERVATORY
LEARN WHAT SETS US APART
The Barrington Stage Company’s Musical Theatre Conservatory (MTC) offers an immersive 8-week training program designed for pre-professional performers. Guided by industry experts, participants will reside on our campus in the Berkshires. The rigorous curriculum encompasses acting, singing, and dance, culminating in two mainstage performances. Additionally, students will engage in master classes with renowned artists and gain insights into the business of performing and audition techniques, equipping them for success in the professional realm.
Our esteemed past faculty and visiting artists include Mary Ann Lamb, Valarie Pettiford, Bill Bowers, Ryan K. Johnson, Corey J. Snide, Ta’Nika Gibson, Jesénia Jackson, Jose Simbuan, Elizabeth Stanley, John Cariani, Debra Jo Rupp, Joshua Henry, Joe Iconis, Julianne Boyd, Alan Paul, Chloe O. Davis, Arbender Robinson, Michael Kushner, Candis C. Jones, Jason Danieley, Teri Ralston, Mark H. Dold, and Alan H. Green.
Previous casting directors have included Pat McCorkle, Jeffrey Dreisbach, and Michael Cassara, among others. Join us and elevate your craft to new heights!
"It was amazing, I gained so much confidence. I would tell my peers, it’s the perfect stepping stone into the industry. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get into the ring while also being in an environment where it is safe to grow."
- Brady Cunningham '22
"This program blew me away. I got so much more individual time and feedback than I had expected. To come in and meet all of these working professionals and to have them invest so much time, care, and energy into our development as artists was so heartwarming and made me feel seen and welcomed, and like I belong in this industry."
- Joshua Schull '23
"Ten years prior to being a guest teacher with the MTC program, I myself was an MTC student! It has been amazing to see how it's grown, shifted, and adapted to a very different theatre industry. It is a very professional yet nurturing experience and I have no doubt these attendees will change the face of theatre."
- Michael Kushner, MTC 2013
Guest Faculty, 2023
“The level of personal attention I received here really sets this program apart from anything else I've ever done. From the start, the programming was shaped around the classes in which we expressed interest during our interviews. It felt really customized to our needs, and the needs of the industry! … The guest artists really took the time to get to know us, and gave personal feedback regarding our individual strengths and weaknesses as artists. I feel like I have a much stronger sense of self than I did eight weeks ago!”
- MTC Participant 2024
"I was so impressed by the offerings of the Musical Theatre Conservatory at Barrington Stage Company - what a unique opportunity for young performers to learn immersively within a thriving professional theatre environment."
- Michael Cassara, CSA
NYC Casting Director, Guest Faculty '23
2026 MTC COHORT
 Orlando Montalvo Avalo |  Shania Adams |  Esme Mitchell |
|---|---|---|
 Venus Clark |  Kaleigha Le'Vae Sioson |  Mairead Camas |
 Nigel Swinson |  Kelsey Dodd |  Ben Templeton |
 Nate Algor |  Ben Terry |  Andy Correa |
All 2026 MTC cohort members received new headshots thanks to Michael Kushner @themichaelkushner https://www.michaelkushnerphotography.com/