HOWARD ARONSON METRO SCHOLARS
High school juniors get an inside look at the professional theater-making process, from sets and costumes to marketing and audience services.
This year-long program offers a unique opportunity for high school juniors from across New Jersey to learn about professional theater and contribute to the work at Two River. Participants take workshops with professional artists, assist staff in a variety of departments throughout the organization AND see every show in our season for free. Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts, want to attend a university program focused on theater, or enjoy theater and want to learn more about how it really works, this year-long program is for you.
Since 2005, 210 outstanding students have completed the Howard Aronson Metro Scholar program.
Questions? Email kcordaro@trtc.org
Included in the Howard Aronson Metro Scholars Program:
- Insight into how a regional theater really works.
- Two subscriptions to our season.
- The First Day—the kickoff in the Fall includes an orientation, theater exercises and a tour of the Two River Theater.
- Monthly workshops or projects led by TRT staff and guest artists, exploring various aspects of professional theater.
- “Coffee Talks” after each production, where students and TRT staff share their feedback on the show.
- The Last Day—an entire day of workshops and exercises, run by teaching artists and TRT staff.
- Theater career counseling – Education staff, including Director of Education Kate Cordaro and Education Manager Briana Butler, will become a resource for you and will help answer the questions you may have about colleges, career options and concerns.
- Travel assistance for this program is available.
MEET THE 2023/24 HOWARD ARONSON METRO SCHOLARS
See what our 2023/24 crew got up to in the Howard Aronson Metro Scholars Yearbook!
The Two River Theater 2023/24 Howard Aronson Metro Scholars are: Zachary Berg (Ocean Township High School), Bobby Cook (River Dell Regional High School), Aileen Espino, Katelen Estrada, Summer Hipper, Layla Kuya, Gianna Martinez (East Brunswick Magnet School), Griffin King (St. John Vianney High School), Fathia Matthews, Melanie Nina (Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy), Eli McDaniel (Howell High School), Vivian Oliver (Middletown High School North), and Ava Romano (Middletown High School South)
Now accepting applications for 2024/25!
Requirements
- High school sophomores who live in New Jersey may apply to be a Howard Aronson Metro Scholar and the program will take place during their junior year (the 2024-2025 school year.)
- Students must (1) complete an application, (2) write a Statement of Purpose (info below), (3) submit a written recommendation from a drama / art / tech teacher or guidance counselor, and (4) one of the following:
Acting
Audition with a 2-minute memorized monologue from a published, contemporary play, and then interview with Two River Theater staff.
Set / Costume / Lighting / Sound Design
Prepare a design presentation for an actual or proposed production or scene, and then interview with Two River Theater staff.
Technical / Stage Management
Bring a resume of your technical work and/or stage management book and interview with Two River Theater staff.
Info Session
Monday, Apr 15 / 2024 from 4:00-5:00pm at Two River Theater. Teachers, Students and their Parents/Guardians can learn more about the program from staff and current Metro Scholars, take a tour of the theater, and get answers to their questions.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the 2024/25 Howard Aronson Metro Scholars is May 7 / 2024. Applications and Statements of Purpose will not be accepted after this date. Teacher Recommendations must be received by this date as well.
In-Person Auditions / Presentations / Interviews
Auditions/Presentations/Interviews will take place at our facility on Monday, May 13 & Tuesday, May 14 / 2024. Once all application materials have been received, we will e-mail you a link to schedule your in-person audition/interview.
2024/25 Official Announcement
The 24/25 Howard Aronson Metro Scholar Announcement will happen at the Metro Meet-Up, a new event for past, present and future Howard Aronson Metro Scholars, on Sunday, Jun 23 / 2024! All applicants will be informed if they are accepted into the program or not via email by 6:00pm on Friday, May 24 / 2024.
METRO MEET-UP 2024
SAVE THE DATE! Our first ever Metro Meet-Up will be happening on Sunday, June 23 / 2024 in Studio A.
We’re inviting Metro Scholars from 2004/05 when the program first started, all the way to present day to celebrate this incredible program, meet new friends and reconnect with old ones! We’ll also announce and toast our 20th class, the 2024/25 Howard Aronson Metro Scholars. Keep a look out for the official invite & RSVP in May 2024 (and a discounted ticket to August Wilson’s Gem of The Ocean, after the event)!
Don’t miss out – stay in the loop and know first by joining our mailing list below.
ABOUT HOWARD ARONSON
Howard Aronson was a long-time friend and Two River Theater Board Member who passed away in January 2021. Two River is happy to commemorate his legacy by naming one of their long-time, treasured education programs in his honor. The theater’s education programs meant a great deal to Howard, especially those that provided an intimate mentoring experience with the theater for students. Howard is certainly missed and Two River is thrilled to have his legacy commemorated in this meaningful way.
