YOUNG ARTIST COLLECTIVE
A PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM FOR ARTISTS AGES 15-24
PRESENTED BY
Join Blindspot Collective and UCSD this summer for a four-week workshop of a new musical created for young artists between the ages of 15 to 24. The program is designed for young performers who have a serious interest in musical theater and culminates in performances at the Epstein Family Amphitheater at UC San Diego.
Participants will collaborate with experts and professional artists as they receive training in acting, singing, and dancing as well as master classes about writing, devising new work, and technical theater. Performers will present a staged concert of Chasing Fear, an original musical by Blake McCarty and Truth Bachman, whose work has been presented on stages across the country.
TIMELINE
May 6: Application and Audition submissions are due.
Late May: Group Interviews (schedule TBA).
June 1: Registration Due.
July 8: Program begins. The majority of the program will be held in downtown San Diego at 1100 Kettner Boulevard. In the last week, some rehearsals will be held on the UCSD campus.
The program will operate Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm each day.
Participants will be required to provide their own lunch.
Evening rehearsals will be held Monday, July 29-Thursday, August 1. Exact hours and details will be shared in advance.
Culminating performances will be conducted on the UC San Diego campus
on Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3.
Applicants of all experience levels will be considered equally. Participants must be at least 15 and no older than 24 when the program begins on July 8, 2024.
Because Blindspot Collective is committed to inclusivity and authentic representation, members of historically excluded or marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply. These communities include but are not limited to: people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“It has been so fulfilling and amazing to get the chance to collaborate with my peers and professional artists."
- Sashank Kanchustambam, previous participant
ABOUT THE SHOW
Chasing Fear began its development at the La Jolla Playhouse in 2016 and has received developmental support from New York University, New Village Arts, Cygnet Theatre, and New York Theatre Barn. Turkish and American folklore inspired this coming-of-age musical about finding hope in the unlikeliest of places.
A teenager leaves home in search of the truth, encountering monsters both real and imagined on their journey toward adulthood. Fantasy and reality blur in this topical and timeless story about outsiders and otherness.
Select songs from the show can be found online...
HOW TO APPLY
All interested applicants must submit this form by 11:59pm on Monday, May 6. The form collects personal information, and the following attachments:
1. A resume (if a resume is not available, please do not create one but submit a paragraph describing any previous theater, dance, or singing experience.)
2. A headshot (if you do not have a headshot, please provide a recent selfie.)
3. A statement of interest describing why you are interested in this program and what you hope to learn or gain from the experience. The statement should be no more than 200 words.
4. An audition video of approximately 1-minute of singing. We encourage applicants to record a pop, rock, or musical theater song that showcases their emotional depth and storytelling abilities. The show includes a wide array of musical styles including folk, gospel, and world music.
VIDEO AUDITION TIPS
Begin by introducing yourself. Tell us your name, age, what voice part you are (if you know), and any special skills you have.
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For best results, place your device on a stationary object such as a tripod or table.
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Record a wide shot that includes your full torso and arms.
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Do not sing acapella and make sure that we will be able to hear your singing and the accompaniment track.
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Stand in front of a blank wall or door.
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Do not send prior performances or a recording from a previous show.
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Do not put pressure on yourself to deliver the “perfect” audition. Be authentic and don’t forget to have fun!
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
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To maximize access, it is 100% free to apply to this program.
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Accepted participants must pay a $200 registration fee by June 1. There are no other fees to participate. This program is generously supported by the City of San Diego and the California Arts Council to ensure that young artists from across San Diego County may participate.
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If the registration fee is a burden, scholarships are available. No income information or financial explanation is required. Please submit this form to apply for a scholarship. If you have any questions, please email info@blindspotcollective.org.
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The program will primarily be held in downtown San Diego at 1100 Kettner Boulevard which is ideally located near public transit. Select rehearsals will be conducted on the UC San Diego campus.
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Participants must provide their own transportation. Housing and travel accommodations are not available
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Healthy snacks and water will be provided, but participants must provide their own lunch.
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Blindspot Collective believes in creating a safe and structured learning environment. Our teaching artists and staff are trained to cultivate a positive and professional rehearsal process. Workshops will include daily warmups, writing activities, ensemble-building, and introductions to multiple methods of developing original work.
Should you have any questions or require assistance of any kind,
please email us at info@blindspotcollective.org.