A study of four selected career-entry training programs in the performing arts

Career-entry training programs in the performing arts often bridge the gap between an artist's formal education and professional career, and give young artists the necessary experience so that they may enter the professional world. This thesis is a study about career-entry training programs. Four career-entry training programs were selected and investigated. The programs were the New World Symphony (Miami, FL); the Wolf Trap Opera Company (Vienna, VA); the Joffrey II Dancers (New York, NY); and the Shakespeare Theatre at the Folger, Acting Fellowship Program in partnership with the University of South Carolina (Washington, DC). Results from this research were promising. The four training programs had all been successful in accomplishing their goals and mission. Career-entry training programs made a positive impact on the young artists' professional careers and gave the artists the experience needed to gain positions in professional arts organizations.