Student Leadership Program
Content updated 3/6/08
Trollwood Performing Arts School is built upon the belief that the arts can transform people’s lives. One of the most powerful ways to heighten learning in the arts is to be mentored by a professional artist/technician who is willing to share their expertise and experience. An advanced student can in turn share their experience and become the mentor for a beginning or younger student, layering in another facet of learning through teaching.
The TPAS Student Leadership program provides talented young adults the opportunity to work closely with artists in their field of interest, while also receiving leadership training that enables them to, in turn, mentor others at Trollwood, their home school and other arts settings. This process extends a circle of personal growth and fulfillment into actions that strengthen the entire team.
Leadership training through the performing arts is a unique and effective way to develop skills transferable to all aspects of life. How we communicate, how we help others, how we solve problems, how we respond to new challenges and collaborate with others in the context of creating performing arts experiences can set the stage for how we deal with any future relationships, and our own career development.
Students involved in the Student Leadership program will work one-on-one with their mentor to help them be more deliberate in setting goals, develop a plan to achieve their goals, and assist in the creation/production process, while also leading their peers through the experience of creating a theatrical production.
As a Mainstage Musical or Second Stage Student Leader you will serve as an assistant to a designated member of the TPAS artistic staff. Student leaders are in a position of respect and responsibility, with an invaluable opportunity to receive training, guidance, and experience in a specific discipline while developing leadership skills.
As a Totally Trollwood Mentor you will become the TPAS artistic team member’s “right hand,” learning about your chosen art-form through personal tutelage and hands-on experience, under the guidance of a professional artist. You will serve as a mentor to Totally Trollwood students, leading daily rehearsals and supervising student groups.
NOTE: Totally Trollwood mentors can not also be involved in the mainstage musical.
WHO can be a part of the Student Leader program?
Any student who has been at TPAS for at least two years, or is a junior or senior, is eligible to apply.
What QUALIFICATIONS do I need to have to be selected?
We are looking for students who have a solid base of knowledge of the discipline in which they are applying, have demonstrated an ability to work as a team player, show positive leadership attributes in their previous work, possess a solid work ethic, and truly love to work within the arts.
What Leadership POSITIONS are available?
Mainstage Musical Leadership Positions:
Administrative: Marketing
Cast: Choreography, Directing, Vocal
Orchestra: Brass, Director, Rhythm, Strings, Winds
Technical: Costume, Lighting, Makeup, Properties, Scenic Art, Sound, Stagecraft, Stage Management
Second Stage Leadership Position: Directing
Totally Trollwood Mentorship Positions: Dance, Acting, Vocal
Positions will be awarded based upon qualified applicants, and departmental needs of TPAS. Not all positions may be filled in a given year, and additional positions may be added at discretion of TPAS.
How do I apply?
Call (701-241-4799) or come to the TPAS office at Trollwood Park to get an application form. Applicants who are interested in multiple areas of interest are asked to submit a separate application for each area of interest.
Applications are due in the Trollwood office by Friday, May 2, 2008 by 5:00 pm.
Applicants will be notified about the Student Leader awards beginning Monday, May 12, 2008.