Question 1

How can I participate in the next season?

Accepted Answer

We are continuously holding auditions for both the TAP Jr. and TAP Sr. ensembles. If you are intersted in scheduling an audition slot, be sure to contact us at teenangel@teenangelproject.org.

Question 2

What are the age requirements for TAP Jr. and TAP Sr.?

Accepted Answer

Teen Angel Project consists of middle and high school students with a passion for singing, dancing and acting.
 
TAP Jr. ranges from grades 6-9 and TAP Sr. ranges from grades 9-12.

Question 3

Can I recieve service hours for participating?

Accepted Answer

Yes!
 
Teen Angel Project is an approved provider of student service learning within the Montgomery County Public Schools system. Performers will be able to earn SSL (Student Service Learning Hours) for each performance AND rehearsal they attend.

Question 4

What does a TAP season entail?

Accepted Answer

TAP rehearsals take place on Saturday mornings for 3 hours. Performers are expected to commit to rehearsal time and be available for rehearsals throughout the season. A season consists of 2-3 community service performances per month, that are scheduled on weekends for no more than 1.5 hours at a time. Additionally, our performers and families enjoy a holiday season cabaret and a fully-produced musical revue in the spring that we call TAPestry.
 
Occasionally, TAP embarks on a bonding and team building experience that may involve a performance opportunity and/or travel to another city, state or country.

Question 5

What does it cost to participate?

Accepted Answer

TAP’s annual tuition are $975 per performer.
 
As a non-profit, community service organization, we are dedicated to keeping our costs as low as possible to minimize financial strain on the families of our performers. Each year we raise money to cover  remaining operating costs, and to continually build our program for future years. A portion of the money raised is set aside for scholarships, to help offset the cost for families who may not be able to afford the full dues amount.

Question 6

Are there any additional costs?

Accepted Answer

Performers will need both black and tan jazz shoes, as well as black tap shoes and tan character shoes (TAP Sr. females only). All performers will need a pair of black jazz pants, and all females will need nude colored dance tights and at least one nude leotard. There may also be small incidental fees, such as for transportation by bus to a venue.
 
New members pay a one-time $200 fee that covers the cost of their "Wing Kit", consisting of a quality TAP duffel bag, a team jacket, a quarter-zip sweatshirt, a T-shirt, and sheet music. TAP furnishes and covers the cost of purchase, alterations, and upkeep of costume wear used for performances. We issue the costume wear at the beginning of each season and collected at the end for cleaning and storage.
 
TAP strives to keep the cost structure for participation simple and straightforward. Additional "TAP Wear" items are optional and are available for sale at reasonable prices, with net proceeds supporting the organization and our charitable purpose.

Question 7

How does TAP book venues?

Accepted Answer

We book nursing homes, hospitals, shelters and rehab facilities, etc. based on need and interest in what Teen Angel Project offers.  We encourage our performers and their families to suggest venues significant to them.

Question 8

Are TAP members required to take classes in dance or voice?

Accepted Answer

Teen Angel Project does not offer regular classes in dance, voice or acting, nor stage dramatic productions, but expects its participants to continually strengthen their performance skills through taking classes in voice and dance, at training institutions of their choice.

Question 9

How many TAP performers do you accept and who makes that decision?

Accepted Answer

Each group will accept up to about 20 performers. Our Artistic team evaluates auditioners based on talent, skill, and understanding of and enthusiasm for the mission. Being a terrific singer and/or dancer, is wonderful, but we're looking for students who also appreciate Teen Angel Project's mission, and have a desire to perform for those who may be less fortunate, due to health, economics, age, disability, etc. As  performers frequently are able to interact with audience members after shows, we are especially looking for outgoing and empathetic students.

Question 10

Where has TAP performed?

Accepted Answer

Our performers have visited numerous senior living centers and hospitals, performed a tribute to our Veterans at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, supported Autism Speaks on the National Mall, sang the National Anthem at the Make-A-Wish Walk For Wishes in Washington, D.C., brought smiles to children and families staying at the Children's Inn at NIH, cheered on fighters and survivors to the finish line at the National Race to End Women's Cancer, just to name a few! When these organizations hear about TAP and our mission, they are thrilled to have us. There just aren't enough weekends in the year for these performers to entertain at every venue that wants them.

Our long standing partnership with organizations such as the Rotary Clubs of America have opened the door to unique events, such as Flags for our Heroes, which takes place in Gaithersburg, MD on Memorial Day weekend each year. Traditionally performing both the Star Spangled Banner and the Armed Forces Medley at this event exposes our cast to a diverse community that has come to appreciate how music adds a new dimension to an event that honors active duty members of our military, first responders, veterans, and of course those we hold dear in our collective memory.

As performers, the Teen Angels convey joy and respect to the community they engage. And as students, they broaden their understanding of how music, dance, and youthful energy make an impact in every generation, culture, and community.

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