Current job openings for the National Tap Ensemble, USA
- DANCERS
We are always looking to add dancers and dancers/singers to our cast!
You must have extensive training/background in tap, actual stage experience (real professional shows, not "competitions" or amateur productions,) a very high level of skills (or potential level, as NTE exceptionally hires apprentices,) style versatility (NTE performs many different styles of tap and related dance/music forms,) excellent work/practice ethics and interpersonal communication skills.
Think you may qualify? Here are a few more tips.
- We rarely rely on auditions to hire artists, although we do provide training when needed.
- Talent is very common in show business and in the arts but human qualities are far less common. Teamwork is at the very core of what NTE does and good relationships are essential. How do you find out if you can get along in the first place? Attending an intensive program such as the annual National Tap Seminar or the "Spirit of Tap" Conference is not just a great start, it is a REQUIREMENT. It will allow you to get to know our cast and they will get a chance to know you, so everyone can find out if working together is a long-term possibility.
- Potential members must have great talent but also impeccable work ethics. Lateness or laziness are not acceptable.
- In our mind, professionalism includes decent proficiency with today's technologies. Because we have a national cast that features people who are geographically dispersed (we fly them to work together before important tours or concert work) it is critical for everyone to have the ability to communicate quickly and efficiently. That is why good computer and email skills are necessary.
- NTE has had a very stable cast over the past fifteen years. We are not looking to hire short term or "pick-up" artists, unless we work on a very specific project (see 2 below.)
- Our current cast features performers whose ages span several generations including some of the greatest and most experienced tappers and musicians alive. Yet there are no divas, no ego trips, no attitudes. These "brothers and sisters in rhythm" genuinely respect and love each other and that's one of the greatest things about this company. If this ain't your groove, please look elsewhere.
- We make a very strong commitment to our artists. They are well paid and they get the respect they deserve. In return, we expect 100% reliable and responsible individuals.
WHAT TO SEND US
Still with us? Mail the following information package to Mr. Chris Baker, our Artistic & Education Director:
1 - Resume/CV AND detailed biography (make sure your resume or biography contains facts, dates - at the very least, years - for all events, shows, tours, or productions listed, and references with telephone, email addresses, web sites, etc.)
2 - Photographs (both head shot and action shots)
3 - Videotape(s) showing the range of your performing skills (and creative skills if you also choreograph works.) Please include as much footage as possible (the more footage, the stronger your chances.) We accept the following NTSC formats: Digital (DV), D8, Hi8, 8mm, VHS. Sorry, we will NOT be able to consider - and possibly hire - candidates who do not provide extensive video footage that is representative of their actual work or potential.
4 - A letter explaining the reasons why you want to join the national company and how you see you career as a tap dancer in the long term.
The address is:
Chris Baker, Artistic & Education Director
National Tap Ensemble
PO BOX 2439
Hagerstown MD 21741-2439
Please note that the materials described above are a minimum. Information packages with missing or incomplete materials show a lack of the most elementary professionalism and therefore cannot not be considered or kept on file. If you wish to ALSO email a copy of your resume or bio, that's fine. However, please note that for security reasons we do not accept file attachments of any kind. Please simply copy and paste the text into your email message. If we believe that you have what we are looking for, or that you have the potential for it, WE will contact you. Please note that due to the unpredictable nature of casting it isn't possible to give you a precise idea of a date by which you may hear back from us. It may be a few months or... a few years, in other words the fact that you do not hear back from us right away does not mean that we are not interested. Rest assured that we DO keep on file complete/usable info packages. Sending us updated info from time to time is also a good idea, since when a position opens we naturally tend to first contact people whose files are up to date. Thank you.
- GUEST ARTISTS (PERFORMERS and/or TEACHERS, LECTURERS, etc..)
Although we are quite selective in our choices, because the company offers such a wide range of concert and educational programs we often have openings for guests (performing artists, teachers, lecturers, researchers, etc.) If you believe you have something unique or special to offer we welcome your information. Please use the guidelines in the "what to send us" section above, BUT note that all info should be mailed to our Public Relations Director, Miles Johnson. Of course, #2 is only required for performers and teachers, and #4 should instead describe the work you do and why you believe it might be of interest to us. Be sure to provide a very detailed description of your works (presentations, classes, workshops, etc. include research papers when relevant) and of your philosophy/approach.
Here again, because we receive many inquiries, please note that we are unable to keep on file info packages that have missing or incomplete materials. Thank you for your understanding and your professionalism.
