Established in January 2019, the S.T.A.G.E. program offers advanced dancers with career intent a setting that prepares students for the professional company experience.  This audition-based program is available to students aged 12-19. 

The S.T.A.G.E. schedule is rigorous and well-paced— and designed for students enrolled in an accredited online school (or are homeschooled). The program begins at midday with a technique class, followed by either a conditioning & stretching, professional guidance, or dance anatomy class. In the evenings dancers join the studio’s curriculum classes and rehearsals, participating as active members of Show Tyme Academy’s Elite Company. S.T.A.G.E. dancers should expect a 30-hour dance week. In addition to classes, rehearsals, and performances, dancers receive supportive one-on-one assistance in goal setting, as well as tools for auditioning, injury prevention, and self-marketing. The beginning of each academic year is geared towards setting its students up with updated professional headshots, up-to-date performance resumés and portfolios that students will build upon throughout the year.

Artistic Director Christine Kowalchik leads the program with classes also taught by Show Tyme Academy’s Studio Director, Alex Kowalchik, and a rotating schedule of guest artists who provide a well-rounded education. S.T.A.G.E.’s active performance and travel schedule provides its dancers the experiences they need to be “career ready” for the performance track they aim to pursue; be it a professional company, a commercial dance career, or a collegiate program. Show Tyme Academy’s incomparable staff, top of the line facility, and industry connections provide promising dancers the edge needed to go professional.

Prior students of the S.T.A.G.E. program’s staff have gone on to New York City Dance Alliance Nationals, NYCDA’s Summer and Winter intensives, Interlochen Arts Academy Summer Program and Boarding School, University of Arizona BFA Program, New York University’s TISH program, Camp Broadway, and many others.

Show Tyme Academy is pleased to introduce its first two S.T.A.G.E. students: Elaina Baldwin and Grace Nolan.