What is Summer YPI?

HartBeat Ensemble’s Youth Play Institute (YPI) is a 5-week professional paid internship in acting, playwriting, theater design or stage management for young adults between the ages of 16 and 21 years old. In this YPI session, a group of 12 young people will create and perform their own one-act play.

How Does The Process Work?

The group will be given a broad topic and will then conduct research and interviews on the issue. Based their findings, the group works together to write their play with guidance from HartBeat Teaching Artists. Once the show is written and revised (multiple times), the casting is done and rehearsals begin.  The program culminates with three public shows of the group’s work.  Each performance is followed by a talk-back with the audience.

When And How Often Does YPI Meet?

• There is a mandatory YPI orientation on Saturday, June 29th (times to be decided)

• The session then begins on Monday July 1st and meets Monday through Thursday from 10am to 4pm for 5 weeks.

• Designers’ hours will vary.

• The Stage Manager is expected to work for an additional half hour before each rehearsal.

• The shows are on August 2nd, 3rd and 4th

Where Does YPI Meet?

At HartBeat’s new home, the Carriage House Theater at 360 Farmington Avenue in Hartford.

Would I have To Be At Every Workshop/Rehearsal?

YES!

How Much Would I Get Paid?

Each intern is given a stipend of $200 per week for 5 weeks.

(Stage Manager is paid for extra time)

Do I Have To Be A Student Enrolled In a School?

No. Anyone between the ages of 16 and 21 is eligible to try out for YPI.

What kind of training would I receive?

Although all interns have a part in creating the final show, each intern enters the program as either an actor, set designer, sound designer, costume designer, lighting designer, prop designer or stage manager. HartBeat Teaching Artists will train each intern for their specific position.