Q. How do I apply?

A.  Find an audition location near you on our AUDITION/ADMISSION page.  All applicants will participate in a dance audition and a vocal audition.  Be prepared to learn a short dance combination and also to sing a short (16-bar) song that shows you 'at your best.'  Bring sheet music for an accompanist to play.  No CD accompaniment. 

Q.  I am not an expert dancer or singer?  Can I still be admitted?

A.  Of course!  The whole point of the program is to improve.  No matter what your level of experience or training in acting, dance and singing, the most important thing we are searching for is passion to make progress in training. 

Q.  I don't have a professional headshot.  Can I still attend the audition?

A.  Sure!  Just bring a picture of yourself so we can remember your face after the audition.

Q.  I cannot attend the audition.  Can I still audition?

A.  Sure!  You can audition online by applying ONLINE.  All of your audition materials may be submitted by clicking HERE:

--> 1.  Create an audition video (uploaded to YouTube).

--> 2.  Fill out the ONLINE APPLICATION.

--> 3.  Submit a one-page resume (attached to the essay email).

--> 4.  Send in a short email essay explaining some of your theatre experiences, what you hope to gain from The Open Jar Institute and why you feel passionate about theatre.

Send resume and essay to:  don.alden@openjarproductions.com

Q.  What should my audition video contain?

A.  The video should be a recording of a live performance in a show, or a recording of you performing your favorite audition song.  The recording should be less than 5 minutes and should show you at your best.

Q.  Can I send in an audition video submission online?

A.  Yes.  It's so easy!  Your audition video can be uploaded to YouTube and you can send us the link  to that video in the ONLINE APPLICATION.

Q.  Can I send in a DVD audition?

A.  Yes.  Send it to our office address found on the Contact Page.

Q.  When are the audition video, resume, picture and essay due?

A.  The application, essay and video submission must be submitted to The Open Jar Institute by March 7, 2012.  Applications received after this date will only be reviewed on a space-available basis.

Q.  What happens if I send in an audition after the deadline?

A.  Any audition received after the deadline will be reviewed at the discretion of Open Jar Institute on a space availability basis.  We have a limited number of spaces available.

Q.  What type of resume do I need to submit?

A.  Students should submit a resume listing performances, training, awards, projects done in or out of school.  Resume should be one-page.

Q.  Where can I find information on the audition process and admission requirements?

A.  Visit our Audition/Admission page for information on admission and audition requirements and deadlines.

Q. Where can I find detailed information on the institute costs?

A.  Visit our NYC SUMMER CAMP page, where the tuition fees are detailed.  If you also need housing, visit our HOUSING page.  You can also download WHAT TO EXPECT.

Q.  Is housing available?

A.  Yes.  We are pleased to offer you a place in a shared mid-town hotel.  Students share 4 to a chaperoned room (2 double beds).

Q.  What hotel are we staying in?

A.  The Novotel New York Times Square Hotel:  226 West 52nd Street, New York, NY  10019 - 212-315-0100.  Students are responsible to find their own way to the hotel.   *The Novotel Hotel is nearest to New York, LaGuardia Airport, but also easily accessible from JFK Airport and Newark (New Jersey) Airport.  If you need assistance identifying the easiest mode of transport, let us know and we’ll be happy to help.

Q.  I'll be traveling with my child.  Can I stay in the hotel, too?

A.  Sure.  We're happy to offer you access to our bank of rooms.  Contact our Housing Coordinator, Sue Teater, to make arrangements.  Email:  Sue.Teater@openjarproductions.com

Q.  What type of financial aid or scholarships are available?

A.  Currently, we offer a limited amount of talent and need-based assistance.  Scholarships are given to students who indicate interest when they audition.

Q.  How will I be notified if I am accepted into the Institute?

A.  You will be notified of your application status by email in late March.  At that time registration and housing materials will be sent to you.

Q.  When are the tuition and housing fees due?

A.  Tuition Deposit is due April 1, 2012 (non-refundable).  The remainder of tuition is due May 31, 2012.  Housing payment is due May 31, 2012.

Q.  Is travel included in my tuition?

A.  Tuition does not include travel arrangements.  Students are responsible for making and paying for all travel arrangements, including air, train, bus and car travel, and transits between the airport and the program site.

Q.  What audition songs should I prepare for class?

A.  Each student should have two audition songs to work on throughout the week.  These should be songs that you love to sing, show off your voice, and are short (no longer than one minute each).  Once you've chosen your songs, find a short ‘cutting’ that you like.  Usually, this is the verse, chorus, and the ending – usually two or three pages.  Once you’ve put it together and clearly marked the ‘cut’, make a photocopy of it, place it in plastic protector sheets, and place the songs in a 3-ring binder.  Then, memorize it.  Know it backwards and forwards - this is difficult - but you MUST know this piece really well, so well that you could do it in your sleep.  Memorization is very important because we want to take the time in class to actually work on the acting choices, the vocal technique, etc.  This is very difficult to do if your brain is full trying to remember the words.  Start now so that you can be ready for the summer workshop.

Q. What should I wear to the institute?

A.  Be sure to wear clothing in which you feel comfortable to move.  No skirts or flip-flops.  Jazz shoes or jazz sneakers are appropriate, but not required.  Sneakers are fine.  You may want to bring a change of dry clothes to change into after dance class.

Q.  What is the daily schedule?

A.  Class begins each day promptly at 10 am.  Please arrive a few minutes early to warm up and be ready to go on time.  Throughout the day there will be a combination of dance class, singing class, acting classes, which end at 4 pm.  There is a 1/2 hour lunch break.

Q.  What should I bring with me?

A.  Remember that these classes are for YOU.  It’s up to you to get the most out of them.  The teachers you will have are the best in the business and will be sharing the most valuable information available in the business today.  Make sure you are prepared to learn from them.  This means:

These workshops are designed to participate in and not just observe.  You’ll quickly see, our teachers are always asking ‘who wants to go first’ or ‘who wants to try this’.  They’ll never make you uncomfortable and we always have a BLAST.  Make the decision now to be willing to try new things and learn from these great teachers.

Q.  What Broadway shows are we going to see?

A.  Open Jar Institute attends the newest and most popular Broadway shows, based upon availability.

Q.  Are the tickets to the shows included in the tuition?

A.  Yes.  Each students gets one ticket to 4 Broadway shows with tuition.

Q.  Where are the workshops held?

A.  Shetler Studios, 244 W. 54th Street -  12th Floor – New York, NY  10019.

244 West  is located on 54th Street, between 7th and 8th Ave..  Enter the building and look for the main elevators.  The elevators will take you to the 12th Floor.  There, you’ll see directions for Open Jar Productions’ Studio. 

Q.  Can I sit in on the classes to watch my child?

A.  We maintain a ‘closed rehearsal’ standard for all Open Jar classes.  Parents and chaperones are not allowed in the classroom, except by special invitation. 

Q.  May I be considered as a chaperone?

A.  Sure.  You can email our Housing Coordinator, Sue Teater, for information on how to apply.  sue.teater@openjarproductions.com

Q.  Are there any internship opportunities available?

A.  Yes.  We offer several internships for the summer program.  For information, send an email inquiry to Don Alden (don.alden@openjarproductions.com).

Q.  I need to cancel, but have already paid.  Can I get a refund?

A.  Deposits are non-refundable.  If you have paid all or part of your tuition and need to cancel for some reason, you can receive 50% of your tuition before one month (four weeks) prior to the workshop you are attending.  After that date there are no refunds available.

Q.  Is there any type of insurance I can get?

A.  Sure!  We've arranged insurance for you, if you want it, through TravMark.  Here is the INSURANCE INFORMATION.

Q.  I have additional questions.  What do I do?

A.  We are happy to answer any of your questions.  Feel free to contact our institute coordinator (don.alden@openjarproductions.com) or our housing coordinator (sue.teater@openjarproductions) for any additional information.