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. The 2025 residency will begin in late May and end after the first week of August.
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Each summer, the Young Company begins their residency with a theater production for young audiences. In 2024, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! will tour central and southern Vermont. Recent shows include Seussical, Shrek, and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Junie B. Jones: The Musical. 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)