Jamboree Performance Troupe seeks dancers, singers, comedians

Every troop or crew has a few young people who shine in the spotlight. A few Scouts or Venturers who can sing, dance or make you laugh with ease.

They belong on a stage. At the 2017 National Jamboree, that’s exactly where they’ll be.

The BSA’s jamboree planners are looking for a few Scouts and Venturers to take their talents to West Virginia and join the Jamboree Performance Troupe.

The coed troupe will appear at a variety of functions at the 2017 National Jamboree, including preshows in front of 50,000 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve stadium. This is the first year for such a troupe, meaning its members will make jamboree history.

Like the Jamboree Band, the Jamboree Performance Troupe is a staff position, meaning you’ll first need to register as jamboree staff.

Here’s what the Jamboree Performance Troupe needs:

• Twelve dancers: Contemporary, jazz and hip-hop dancers. All dances will be designed by a professional choreographer, and videos will be sent to dancers in advance of the jamboree so they can practice. Dances are expected to be in the style of Stomp, emphasizing contemporary dance with a Scouting twist.
• Eight comedians: Scouts with demonstrated comedic skills will work with a comedy mentor before the jamboree to prepare to perform at a variety of functions at the jamboree.
• Four vocalists: Will perform at a variety of venues and events. Must be able to sing the national anthem as well as a few other prepared contemporary and traditional Scouting songs. May travel with the jamboree band.
• Four adult leaders: Volunteer leadership with backgrounds in dance, improvisational comedy and/or singing. They should be able to train and organize young people to perform at a variety of events and willing to audition potential troupe members prior to the jamboree.

Think you’re a fit? To sign up to be considered, go to the jamboree site for staff at this link. Performers will be selected from all applicants after an online audition.

When selecting your staff preference, pick “Troop 6366,” also labeled as “Program-Summit Center Stadium Performance Troupe.”

For more information or with questions, contact Steven McDonald at Steven (dot) McDonald (at) du.edu.

What about the Jamboree Band?

The Jamboree Band is looking for musicians.

Scouts and Venturers ages 16 to 25 may apply. To be in the Jamboree Band you need to play at a high school level or better.

The Jamboree Band will supply music for ceremonies, events, concerts, stadium shows and will entertain the many thousands of Scouts and visitors. Repertoire includes popular and patriotic music, marches and pep band tunes.

Scouts/musicians who can double on set, guitar, bass and keyboard are also needed for the 16-piece jazz/rock band. Adults (26 and up) may apply, but initial preference will go to youth staff ages 16 to 25.

For information about the band and how to apply, please visit this link or email the band director at George (dot) Pinchock (at) villanova.edu.