What Is It? 

Encounter 2012 aligns itself with national service initiatives around the country to train young adults and teens as artists working in public service. The ensemble-based performance program is also a leadership training program. For Encounter, playwriting and performance work demand both leadership skills and a desire to be of service to the community.

Our unique collaborative process weaves the stories of students from across the state of Maryland together into one play. During the first half of the season, teens work together to develop a creative community while writing their play. The second half of the season focuses on performance. Encounter students are guided through a unique performance training process that develops their own distinctive presence and style. Students are trained as individual thinkers and innovators. The training, both physical and contemplative, draws on the principles of varied training methods and physical disciplines. The program culminates in a fully staged final production of the play in late April.

How Do I Participate?

The first three sessions (October 3, October 10, and October 17) of Encounter are considered auditions. They are required for all Encounter participants, and allow us time to consider if the program and student are a good match.

Click here to apply. Please return your application mail, fax, or email by Monday, September 26, 2011 to:

Rosiland Cauthen, Education Coordinator CENTERSTAGE
700 North Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
rcauthen@centerstage.org
410.986.4051 (phone)
410.539.3912 (fax)

There is a program fee of $200. This fee may be paid in installments and scholarships are available here. Community service credit hours are also available. For more information, call the Department of Education and Community Programs at 410.986.4050 or e-mail education@centerstage.org.