Mead Ensemble

The Voices of Now Mead Ensemble is a prestigious program for dedicated student-artists in grades 7-12 that gives students an engaging environment in which to write, perform and share stories that shape their lives.

Young artists in the Mead Ensemble train in the Voices of Now devising process and techniques once a week during the school year while exploring the topics that are most pressing and inspirational to the participants. The ensemble meets at Arena Stage with master teaching artists to create and perform an original, autobiographical theater piece to be performed at the Voices of Now Festival at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater.

Previous performance experience is not required.

Watch the 2023 Mead Ensemble's Original play Sideline

Directed by Josh Bickford & Rachel Dixon

REGISTRATION TO THE 2024 VOICES OF NOW MEAD ENSEMBLE IS NOW OPEN!

Dates

Saturdays starting November 4, 2023 until May 19, 2024, from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (with extended rehearsals during Spring 2024.)

Download the 2023-2024 Mead Ensemble rehearsal schedule here

Rehearsals

The 2024 Voices of Now Mead Ensemble meets, rehearses, and performs in-person at Arena Stage.

Requirements

  • Young artists in grades 7 - 12 are encouraged to register
  • No audition is required.
  • Registered artists are encouraged to bring a water bottle, a small snack, and shoes and clothing in which they can move freely and comfortably.

Registration

Tuition for the Voices of Now Mead Ensemble is $1,000*. Click on the link below to register for the 2024 Mead Ensemble.

REGISTER

(*) Need-based financial assistance is available by contacting Community Programs Manager, Mauricio Pita at mpita@arenastage.org

From Past Seasons

"Sideline" by the Mead Ensemble at the VON Festival 2023. Directed by Josh Bickford and Rachel Dixon. Photo by Cameron Whitman.
"Sideline" by the Mead Ensemble at the VON Festival 2023. Directed by Josh Bickford and Rachel Dixon. Photo by Cameron Whitman.
"Sideline" by the Mead Ensemble at the VON Festival 2023. Directed by Josh Bickford and Rachel Dixon. Photo by Cameron Whitman.
"Sideline" by the Mead Ensemble at the VON Festival 2023. Directed by Josh Bickford and Rachel Dixon. Photo by Cameron Whitman.