Junior Advisory Board: Nurturing Birmingham’s Next Theater Generation
Key Takeaways
- Central Alabama Theater provides a professional training program for young adults, beginning with high school Juniors through age 25, called the Junior Advisory Board.
- The Junior Advisory Board selects Central Alabama’s brightest and most talented young people through an application process.
- JAB participants can find creative fulfillment and connections to launch their careers.
- The Junior Advisory Board provides a free, hands-on education through on-the-job training, including performing, producing, taking masterclasses, and networking.
In a city bursting with theater camps and experiences for young children, Central Alabama Theater provides an opportunity uniquely crafted for Birmingham’s teens and young adults. The Junior Advisory Board provides access to explore the different careers available in theater and to take tangible steps toward making that future a reality.
How JAB can create a bridge to the theater career you’re dreaming about.
Many young people who have fallen in love with theater in high school face the same question upon graduation: how do you bridge the gap between passion and a legitimate career in the arts? What jobs are available in the theater? How do you make contacts? Where do you even start?
Though these questions can seem daunting and overwhelming, Central Alabama Theater has provided a program to help ease this transition and instill confidence in the next generation of artistic professionals entering the workforce. Specifically for those in their Junior year of high school through age 25, CAT’s Junior Advisory Board “consists of Central Alabama’s brightest and most talented young people, selected through an application process to shadow theater professionals and receive a free, hands-on education through on-the-job training in the theater.” So many wish for an opportunity like this as they prepare to graduate and take the next steps toward chasing their dreams, and CAT has made it a reality.
JAB in Action
Benjamin Kitchens applied to join the Junior Advisory Board at Central Alabama Theatre after completing his college degree. He was drawn to CAT because of its unique offerings. “It kind of fills the gaps in Birmingham theater communities. It does interesting or different things, like readings or cabarets, and I am always drawn to creating something that didn’t exist otherwise.” One of CAT’s most interesting programs is of course the Junior Advisory Board. On his participation in JAB, Kitchens said, “I felt strongly that the JAB program was something that really benefited me out of college, because I find that to be a pretty confusing time in a person’s life, and finding community is important… It helped me find community and artistic fulfillment at a time in life when that can be more difficult to find.”
Through his experience, he not only found creative fulfillment but also made contacts that enabled him to launch his very own a cappella group, Birmingham’s own Notemeal! He now helps JAB in an administrative capacity to help give back to new creatives looking to make their mark on the industry.
JAB Provides Opportunities to Shine
Like Kitchens, participants selected for the JAB program will engage in opportunities. Activities such as “performing in, producing, and contributing to CAT cabarets and productions. Educational activities include taking advanced masterclasses, planning and attending exclusive events, networking with successful entertainment industry professionals, and connecting socially with diverse talent from across the Birmingham area. An annual highlight for participants is the “JABaret.” The event is an original cabaret featuring JAB members, produced and performed entirely by the current JAB cohort. A night of electric talent, it is not to be missed!
An Opportunity Too Good to Pass Up!
Because of programs like the Junior Advisory Board, young adults in Birmingham have access to exceptional experiences. The program is free of charge. Kitchens added that JAB is “best for someone who’s eager to do something cool, who has good ideas, and who really wants to contribute to the Birmingham theater community.” More than just a resume builder, the JAB program could very well be the thing that helps a young person “make it”. That’s a plus in this industry and helps them begin forging their own path forward. JAB’s participants are sure to accomplish incredible things here in Birmingham and beyond!