what is broadway buddy?

Program Overview

Broadway Buddy is a mentorship outreach program designed to connect emerging musical theater artists (ages 12-24) with theater professionals for a unique and transformative experience.

This program fosters meaningful relationships between mentees and mentors, providing guidance, support, and advocacy within the theater industry.

Program Goals

  • Establish strong, lasting mentor-mentee relationships that extend beyond the program.

  • Connect young artists with a network of emerging and professional musical theater performers.

  • Provide a supportive and diverse community within the theater arts industry.

  • Create a pipeline for aspiring artists by offering hands-on mentorship, industry insight, and professional connections that support their transition into the next stage of their careers.

Mentorship & Selection Process

  • Mentees are selected through an audition and application process.

  • Mentors are carefully recruited to complement the selected mentees.

  • Pairings are made thoughtfully to ensure the best possible mentor-mentee match.

  • A Vanguard representative will introduce each pairing via email and provide guidance throughout the program.

Program Timeline & Commitment

Time Commitment: One hour per month (March–June)

Meeting #1 – March

In-person (various locations) or virtual

  • A first meeting to build rapport and set the foundation for the mentorship.

  • Mentors will share their journey to Broadway, including challenges, work ethic, and lessons learned.

  • Mentees should come prepared with questions and be ready to share their experiences, goals, and aspirations.

  • Meetings take place in locations tailored to the pair’s interests—past meetings have been backstage at a Broadway show, in a museum, at a café, in a park, or even at a record store.

  • Parents are welcome to attend this first meeting.

Meeting #2 – April

In-person or virtual

  • A continuation of the first meeting, allowing for deeper discussions and mentorship.

  • Mentors and mentees will revisit career paths, setbacks, and industry advice while discussing next steps in their artistic journeys.

  • Mentees should bring new questions and reflections to help guide the conversation.

  • If not already discussed, song selections for the Broadway Buddy Cabaret can begin.

Meeting #3 – May

Ripley Grier Rehearsal Studio

  • Rehearsal of the pair’s chosen duet with an assigned accompanist.

Meeting #4 – Early June

Ripley Grier Rehearsal Studio

  • Final rehearsal of the duet before the Broadway Buddy Cabaret.

Broadway Buddy Mentorship Cabaret

Date: June 16
Location: The Cutting Room, NYC
Showtime: 8:00 PM

Program Cost & Financial Aid

Registration Fee: $500
This fee helps cover the costs of rehearsal venues, the performance location, accompanists, and program administration.

Flexible Payment Options:

  • The fee can be split into monthly payments to accommodate personal budgets.

Scholarships Available:

  • Need-based financial aid is available through a scholarship application.

Application Process

All Summerstock VTC 2025 auditioners who indicate interest (via their audition form) will automatically be considered for the Broadway Buddy program. Additionally, all video submissions for Summerstock will also be reviewed for potential inclusion in the program.

Selection Process

  1. Initial Consideration – All interested Summerstock auditioners and video submissions will be reviewed.

  2. Written Application – Selected candidates will be invited to submit a written application as the second step of the process.

  3. Final Selection – A total of 20 mentees will be chosen for the program.

While talent plays a role in the selection process, the primary focus is on finding strong mentor-mentee matches. We carefully consider each applicant’s personality, artistic aspirations, and growth potential to ensure the best possible pairings.