VSA arts/williamstown theatre festival
California Theatre Artist John-Paul Damante
John-Paul Damante, 20, first caught the acting bug when he took drama classes in middle school. He has since been involved in productions of Dracula and Cyrano de Bergerac. “JP” is completing his sophomore year at the University of San Diego, with a major in human communications and a minor in theater arts. When asked about his love of theater, he says, “Whenever I act or am in front of an audience, I am never happier. Acting is something that I know must be a part of my future.” JP was fitted with his first pair of hearing aids when he was 2 ½ years old. In 2002, he realized living with hearing aids could only help him so much and he decided to undergo surgery and receive a Cochlear implant.
About the Apprenticeship
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For the third year, VSA arts will partner with the renowned Williamstown Theatre Festival in Williamstown, Massachusetts to continue the VSA arts Apprenticeship. The VSA arts Apprenticeship provides a unique insight into the world of a professional theater for students with a disability, ages 19 – 24, interested in expanding their theater education and knowledge.
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Every summer, the Williamstown Theatre Festival Apprentice Program offers 70 promising students classes in acting, voice, and movement. Discussions and master classes with notable professionals are also a part of the apprentice experience. Apprentices also learn about the different aspects of running a professional theater company by working in each of the various departments at the Festival on a rotating basis. Many former apprentices have gone on to successful careers in the professional theater.
Check back in fall 2008 for application information for the 2009 VSA arts Apprenticeship at the Williamstown Theatre Festival.
John-Paul Damante
