Faqs

What Is Musical Theatre University (MTU)?
David Green’s Musical Theatre University is an after-school, intensive and comprehensive Conservatory training ground in the performing arts—both on stage and behind the scenes -- designed for young people, grades 8-12, from throughout the Coachella Valley and neighboring communities who have aspirations for careers in professional theatre.

How Do I Participate?
Any young person, grades 8-12, from any public or private school in the Coachella Valley (and neighboring communities) is eligible to participate in the MTU program. Participants are selected through an audition process.

How Much Does The MTU Program Cost?.
The MTU program is provided to participants free of charge.

Do I Have To Attend Rancho Mirage High School To Participate?
No. Participants may attend the public or private middle or high school of their choice and attend MTU after school. However, priority for acceptance is given to students who attend Rancho Mirage High School. Students who are selected into MTU from anywhere in The Coachella Valley may transfer to Rancho Mirage High School as their academic school, as space allows.

Do I Have To Attend A School In The PSUSD To Participate?
No. Students from all school districts within the Coachella Valley and the region are invited to audition for the MTU program and, if accepted, may attend the school of their choice in any school district. However, priority for acceptance will always be given to students from the PSUSD and a minimum of sixty-five percent of the students will always come from the PSUSD.

What Are The Audition  Requirements?
All interested students must go through an audition to be accepted into MTU to gauge whether this is the right program for the student, and vice versa. There are multiple audition dates throughout the summer and spots are filled at every audition, so it is best to schedule an audition as soon as the student in prepared to insure that spots are still available.

If a student is interested in The Musical Theatre Major they must prepare:
One vocal selection: Approx. 32 bars, preferably from a Broadway Show, uptempo or ballad – student must provide sheet music for an accompanist at the audition or bring their own accompaniment CD.

One monologue:  Dramatic of comedic, no more than 1 ½ minutes in length, memorized, from a published source (no original monologues), age appropriate.

If a student is interested in Theatre Writing they must prepare:

A writing sample demonstrating any previous experience in theatre or creative writing and an essay outlining the students goals and desires for an education in theatre writing.

Participate in a personal interview with the MTU Director..
 

What Is MTU Looking For At The Audition or Interview?
Potential and passion. MTU is an educational program so we are not looking for “seasoned professionals”, rather we are looking for young people who have a certain level of talent and/or aptitude and are willing to work hard and grow in the program. Once accepted, students are placed in levels based on their level of experience.

When And Where Does MTU Meet?
MTU meets four afternoons a week, Monday through Thursday, from 3:30-5:30 pm at Rancho Mirage High School. Because students may be involved in other activities at their academic school, it is possible for students to participate in MTU lesser days per week, at the discretion of the MTU Director – but it is expected that MTU is a student’s top priority and attendance at least two days per week is mandatory.

Is Transportation Available To Rancho Mirage High School For MTU?   
No. Participants must provide their own transportation. However, participants come from every city in the Coachella Valley and many MTU students carpool with other families.

What Are The Areas Of Instruction At MTU?
Currently MTU has two “Majors” – Musical Theatre (Acting, Singing and Dance), and Theatre Writing (Book writing, Lyric writing and composition). All MTU students, regardless of department, are eligible to participate in all special master Classes and performance opportunities,

Who Are The Faculty Members?
The faculty is primarily made up of current or past professional actors, directors, choreographers and vocalists from Broadway and Hollywood. Instructors are required to have a masters degree or equivalent professional experience. The core faculty is supplemented by guest-artist “master teachers” from the professional industry.

Are There Performance Opportunities?
MTU produces at least three Main-Stage musicals each year in the Helene Galen Performing Arts Center at RMHS . Students are joined by celebrated actors from Broadway and Hollywood along with local professional actors for these productions to provide a professional theatrical experience for participants. In addition, all MTU students participate in informal recitals and performance opportunities throughout the year, including the program’s song and dance troupe, NEXTGEN Broadway.