Ignite Elite Performance Team

What is IEPT? A two-time nationally award-winning group of young performers of all levels of skill in performance who practice regularly and share their talents with the St. Louis community and beyond!

Auditions for the 2024/2025 IEPT Season will take place August 21 (Video submission) August 24  (In person) 2024. This team will run August-February.  

IEPT Info

What is IEPT?

Ignite Elite Performance Team is a group of performers of all skill levels who perform throughout the metro area, spreading the Ignite mission of great people first, and great performers second. The team and families serve as the core of Ignite, and are considered the representation of kindness, service, and leadership within the organization. They are held to a higher standard than a SPARK’s participation in a mainstage or camp. 

OUR GOALS FOR IGNITE’S ELITE PERFORMANCE TEAM:

  • To help each performer gain confidence
  • To provide individualized attention in each area of performance
  • Challenge each participant as both performer and person
  • To serve as ambassadors of Ignite’s SPARK mission (Service, Performance, Accessibility, Real Life Experience and Kindness Initiatives) by performing throughout the Metro area (and now beyond)!

WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS DO WE DO?

Throughout the year, we do a number of “cause” and “applause” events. Our “cause” events have ranged anywhere from visiting Assisted Living Facilities, to performing at the Cardinals Care Christmas party at Busch Stadium. Some examples of our “applause” events have been, signing the National Anthem at the Gateway Grizzlies games, performing at Ignite the Night, and attending the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta Georgia. Our team also participates in a number of team building/bonding activities throughout the season.

 

THROUGHOUT THE SEASON AN IEPT PERFORMER CAN EXPECT:

  • To be provided with monthly individualized attention in each area of performance including one-on-ones with Ignite staff and teaching artists 

  • Access to performances and experiences above and beyond participation in mainstage and camp productions 

  • Gain leadership opportunities and character development inducing public speaking, problem solving, empathy work, event planning and project execution 

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE ON IGNITE’S ELITE TEAM?

An IEPT member is a role model for others both in terms of performance and character. They come from many backgrounds and skill levels, and newcomers or those with less professional training are not less likely to be selected than someone with a packed resume. This team takes all performers and gives them the opportunity to grow in their performance skills, leadership, and more!

WHEN AND WHERE DO YOU REHEARSE?

We rehearse every Tuesday, from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm beginning in August. Our season is August-February. Our rehearsal space is in St Paul’s UCC, 3510 Giles Ave, Saint Louis MO 63116.

MORE INFO

What is the Junior Theater Festival?

Junior Theater Festival is a 3 day celebration of Musical Theater with over 6000 young performers from around the world. In 2023, Ignite’s Elite Performance Team performed a 15 minute excerpt from Disney’s Aladdin Jr, and was adjudicated by a panel of musical theater experts. Our team was awarded the Freddie G. Excellence in Acting Award first year in attendance! There they worked with industry professionals, were able to see upcoming productions, take workshops, and create art with other youth performers from around the globe. We knew we had to make this life changing program part of our yearly season. We will be back Martin Luther King Day weekend 2024!

What is the cost to be on the team?

The monthly tuition is $150/month with a six month commitment. Need based scholarships are available for those that qualify.

Team jacket, and IEPT bag, two team shirts, official team headshot are included in the price of tuition!

The trip to the Junior Theater Festival is not covered by your tuition cost. The team fundraises all season to cover the cost in the hopes that the trip will be covered at 100%. Last year, our team raised almost 70% of the cost of the trip as a group.

How do I join the 2024/25 Team?

Auditions for our next season will take place August 21, 2024. 

Applicants were asked to provide

  • A completed audition form 

  • A recent headshot

  • Prepare two 16 bar songs

  • Learn a short dance combination

  • Answer interview several prepared interview questions (and a few on the fly)

Still have questions? We would be happy to answer them. Please email us at comeignitewithus@gmail.com.