Weston Young Company
Professional Opportunities & Training
Founded in 2000, the Weston Young Company is a summer-long residency program for Non-Equity, college-aged performers who are attending or no more than one year beyond graduation from a conservatory or undergraduate training program. This program provides professional performance opportunities, training, and a forum for sharing the expertise of Weston-related theater professionals through a series of workshops, discussions, and interactive exercises.
Auditions for the Weston Young Company are limited to students based in Vermont and select BFA musical theater programs including:
Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory
Boston College Conservatory
CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory
NYU New Studio on Broadway
PACE Musical Theatre
University of Michigan Musical Theatre
YoCo FAQs
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The Young Company spends the bulk of their summer “in residence” in Weston, typically from the last week of May through the first week or September. Summer 2024 dates are TBD.
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Each summer, the Young Company begins their residency with a theater production for young audiences. In 2024, Junie B. Jones: The Musical will tour central and southern Vermont. Recent shows include Seussical, Shrek, and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Young Company members are also expected to attend a variety of outreach events for local children and families.
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Young Company members are eligible to earn Equity (EMC) points through their work on the mainstage musical. This track may also involve some backstage and/or shift responsibilities.
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SNL meets 54 Below in Weston’s tastefully irreverent Cabaret. Young Company members may elect to lead the charge on this well-loved Weston tradition and are encouraged to explore comedic writing and performance throughout the summer.
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In addition to Cabaret rehearsal and performance commitments, Young Company members are responsible for striking and maintaining the tour production elements (props, costumes, etc.) throughout the run of that show.
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Young Company members benefit from workshop instruction and discussion sessions throughout the season. These are coordinated by the Weston artistic and education staff and typically include masterclasses with Weston-related theater professionals.
"Being at Weston this summer and being a part of the YoCo reminded me why I had always wanted to be an actor as a kid. The sense of community here, from the actors, to the crew, to the audience is truly so special.”
-Emma Diner (2021 Young Company)