WHAT IS PULSE?
PULSE is a pre-professional company for students ages 15-18.
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Participation can be included on resumes as a performance based theater internship. In addition to performance in two MainStage shows, PULSE students will have access to exclusive masterclasses and educational workshops with professional actors and theater artists, with the intention of providing tailored and intensive training toward preparation for work in theater and beyond. A showcase will culminate students’ time in PULSE and they will learn technical theater skills by working backstage on Ponderosa Players’ 11-14 MainStage show. PULSE students will also be utilized as members of a performance troupe for promotional events and/or community performances as needed and available.
FAQ's
Who can audition for PULSE?
Any Central Oregon high school students ages 15-18 can audition for PULSE. Auditioners must be 15 years or older by February 1, 2027.
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Can I audition for DEAR EVAN HANSEN or ROMEO & JULIET if I’m not a part of PULSE?
Unfortunately, no. DEAR EVAN HANSEN and ROMEO & JULIET will be cast exclusively from PULSE students. All PULSE students will be guaranteed a role in both shows.
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Can I audition for INTO the WOODS if I’m not a part of PULSE?
Yes! Just like in seasons past, auditions for our spring musical are open to any students ages 11-18.
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How will PULSE perform both DEAR EVAN HANSEN and ROMEO & JULIET?
These shows will be performed in rep, meaning both shows will alternate performances over the course of three weekends. This is excellent training for regional theater, where company members are often cast in multiple shows to perform simultaneously during a season.
See below for an example performance weekend schedule (this is not the official performance schedule for PULSE, just an example of what it could look like!):​
Thursday night: R&J
Friday night: DEH
Saturday matinee: DEH
Saturday night: R&J
Sunday matinee: R&J.
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When can I sign up to audition for PULSE?
Audition registration for PULSE will open June 6, 2026! Auditions will be in September, final date TBD.
Can I participate in productions with my school and/or other companies during my time in PULSE?
Of course! At our core, we believe that the best possible theater education comes from learning from a wide variation of teachers and directors. We always encourage and support students' participation in outside productions, school productions, etc. In the case of overlap in schedules, we are happy to work with conflicts as long as they are communicated in advance.
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What is the time commitment for PULSE?
PULSE students will rehearse no more than 3 days a week, from September 2026 through March 2027. Rehearsals will be on Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 6:30-9:30pm and Saturdays from 1:00-4:00pm. The time commitment is roughly the same as our 15-18 MainStage show from seasons past, excepting the addition of September rehearsals and March showcase.
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Additional opportunities (classes, workshops, community performances) outside of the above hours will be optional.
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Is there a tuition cost?
Yes, tuition for PULSE is $900. In addition to the education and experience provided by the two MainStage shows and showcase, tuition covers the following for PULSE students: exclusive merchandise, headshot session, professional production photos, masterclass and workshop tuition throughout the season, meals during two-show days, and more.
Do you offer scholarships?
At this time we do not offer scholarships. However, we do not want tuition cost to be a barrier from participating so please reach out to us directly at info@ponderosaplayers.com if you have questions about navigating tuition.
EMAIL INFO@PONDEROSAPLAYERS.COM WITH QUESTIONS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING PARTICIPATION IN PULSE