Education
Since 1969, it has been part of the Mac-Haydn Theatre’s mission to cultivate young talent for careers in theatre. After School at the Mac is a nine-day program that will educate participants in the theatrical arts, giving hands-on experience in the theatre, developing talent and an appreciation for the performing arts, and developing an audience for the future.
PROGRAM PERKS:
ATTEND SHOW & TALKBACK: Students will receive one comp ticket to Hairspray on 8/29 at 7pm as well as a discount code for one family member to join them. We will provide dinner before the show and invite students and family to attend an exclusive post-show talkback with the cast and crew.
SHOWSTOPPERS: For this spectacular event, students will rehearse and perform a show-stopping musical number right alongside our resident company of professional actors. It’s an incredible chance to share the spotlight, learn from the pros, and bring the house down. Showstoppers will hit the stage for two nights only on September 2 and September 4.
FINAL SHOWCASE: Students will perform featured scenes and songs for an invited audience of friends and family on our final program day, 9/6.
CRAFT a foundation of performance skills in a variety of disciplines:
ACT: Dive deep into monologue and scene work
SING: Tackle classic Broadway repertoire in both small groups and large production numbers.
DANCE: Learn show-stopping choreography inspired by iconic Broadway masters.
MOCK AUDITION: Audition directly for Mac-Haydn’s Artistic Director, John Saunders, in a professional style setting featuring cold readings and constructive, personalized feedback.
MASTER CLASS: Learn from the pros as visiting Broadway professionals share their unique, specialized industry expertise.
DISCOVER backstage career paths. Explore technical and creative careers behind the scenes with hands-on workshops in:
Scenic Design & Props Mastery
Lighting & Sound Design
Costume & Makeup Design
Stage Management
PERFORM on the Mac-Haydn stage! Put your skills to the test and take center stage at in TWO exciting productions: The Final Showcase and Showstoppers!
Schedule
August 29–September 6
8/29: 12pm–5pm (Attend Hairspray, 7pm)
8/30: 12pm–3pm
8/31: 12pm–5pm
9/1: 12pm–4pm
9/2: 5pm–9pm (perform in Showstoppers, 7:30pm)
9/3: Day Off
9/4: 11am–5pm (perform in Showstoppers, 3:00pm)
9/5: 10am–4pm
9/6: 9am–12:30pm (perform in Final Showcase, 11am)
Applications and Eligibility
Middle and High School students, age 12–17, who reside within a 40 mile radius of Chatham, NY. Candidates will be considered by video submission and applicant review. Please fill out the application form and we will reach out to you with more details.
Class Size
The program will have a maximum of 12 participants. The program director will have final approval of all candidates.
Sign Up Deadline: AUGUST 17
Apply now to be considered for Mac-Haydn’s 2026 After School Program.
VIDEO SUBMISSION: Due to the limited number of spots available in the program we ask that all prospective students provide us with a video submission in order to be considered. Video guidelines are as follows:
REQUIRED: A short video of the student singing a musical theatre song. (Please no pop/radio songs)
OPTIONAL: A clip of the student in a previous production (examples: School musical, community theatre, professional production)
If you do not have the ability to provide a Youtube, Vimeo, or similar link you can email your video submission to: eledford@machaydntheatre.org