Ignite Elite Performance Team

What is IEPT? A nationally recognized, three-time award-winning group of young performers, ranging from beginners to seasoned artists, who rehearse regularly and showcase their talents to the St. Louis community and beyond!

Auditions for the 10th Season 2025 IEPT Season
Auditions will take place as follows:

  • Video Submission: Friday, March 21
  • In-Person: Saturday, March 22

This team will run from April to February with six weeks off in the summer. 
Audition Reservations open Feburary 

Join the Ignite Elite Performance Team (IEPT) 

Are you ready to take your performance skills to the next level? The Ignite Elite Performance Team (IEPT) is seeking passionate and dedicated performers for the 2025 season! This prestigious group is made up of talented individuals from all backgrounds and skill levels who are committed to growth, service, and excellence.

What is IEPT?
The Ignite Elite Performance Team represents Ignite Theatre Company’s core values—talent, leadership, and community. Members showcase their abilities throughout the metro area while embodying our mission of kindness, service, and leadership on and off the stage. As a part of IEPT, you’ll be held to a higher standard of commitment and character, striving for excellence in every performance.

Key Benefits of Joining IEPT

  • Skill Development: Receive personalized attention in both core and advanced performance techniques.
  • Exclusive Access: Participate in exciting performances and events beyond regular productions.
  • Leadership Opportunities: Develop public speaking, event planning, and team-building skills.
  • Community Impact: Serve as ambassadors for Ignite’s mission, performing at community events and causes.

2025 Season Updates:

  • No Production Fee: To ensure access for all, we’ve eliminated the production fee, making it easier for everyone to participate.
  • Mandatory Classes: All team members must enroll in two IGNITE classes to enhance their performance skills—one for technique and one for specialty areas like audition prep or choreography.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Classes will be tailored to your needs, with a balance of foundational and advanced work.

Audition Details:

  • Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
  • Team Announcement: April 5, 2025

What You Can Expect:

  • A weekend intensive in early June to kick off the season with music and choreography.
  • Weekly rehearsals on Tuesdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM starting in May.
  • A supportive, inclusive environment that fosters artistic growth and personal development.

Apply Now and Join Our Prestigious Team!
Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of the Ignite Elite Performance Team and elevate your skills while making a difference in the community. Auditions are just around the corner—apply today!

Isn't this a Travel Team?

YES! Exciting Travel Opportunity: Headed to the Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) West!

This year, the Ignite Elite Performance Team (IEPT) will be performing at the prestigious Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) West—a premier event for young performers! JTF West brings together thousands of talented youth theatre groups from across the country to celebrate their work, participate in workshops, and showcase their skills in front of industry professionals. It’s an incredible opportunity for team members to grow as performers and experience the magic of musical theatre at a national level.

Travel Costs and Fundraising:
To make this experience possible, the cost for travel will be $1,500 per team member. This amount will cover travel, lodging, and registration fees for JTF West. To make it more manageable, the cost is broken into two payments:

  • $350 upfront at the start of the season (due with registration).
  • Balance due by January 20, 2025, after fundraising efforts.

This year, we are streamlining our fundraising efforts with one dedicated IEPT Production—a full JTF-style production of The Little Mermaid Jr.—to support our travel costs. All proceeds from this performance will go directly toward the team’s travel fund, eliminating the need for multiple smaller fundraisers.

With this exciting performance opportunity and a focus on one major fundraising event, we aim to ensure every performer can attend and fully immerse themselves in the JTF experience. Join us as we take on this amazing opportunity and elevate our skills while making unforgettable memories!

IEPT INFORMATION

What is IEPT?

The Ignite Elite Performance Team is a vibrant, diverse group of performers of all skill levels who come together to showcase their talents across the metro area. True to the Ignite mission, we prioritize great people over great performers, creating an environment where kindness, service, and leadership shine. Together with their families, IEPT members form the heart of Ignite, setting the standard for excellence both on and off the stage. This team is held to a higher level of commitment and character than our SPARK participants, exemplifying the highest standards in every performance, every interaction, and every act of service.

OUR GOALS FOR IGNITE’S ELITE PERFORMANCE TEAM:

  • To empower each performer with the confidence to shine on and off the stage.
  • To offer personalized coaching in every aspect of performance, from acting and singing to dance and leadership.
  • To push every participant to grow both as an artist and an individual, fostering resilience, creativity, and character.
  • To serve as passionate ambassadors of Ignite’s SPARK mission—embodying Service, Performance, Accessibility, Real Life Experience, and Kindness—by performing across the Metro area and 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, singing 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:

 

    • Receive personalized monthly attention in every area of performance, including one-on-one sessions with Ignite staff and teaching artists to refine your craft.

    • Enjoy exclusive access to special performances and unique experiences that go beyond regular participation in mainstage productions and camps.

    • Develop leadership skills and character through hands-on opportunities like public speaking, problem-solving, empathy-building, event planning, and project execution. Plus, enhance your personal brand with professional headshots and leadership training to help you grow both on and off the stage.

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

An IEPT member is a true role model, embodying excellence in both performance and character. The team is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill levels, where newcomers and those with less professional training have the same opportunities as experienced performers. IEPT is designed to help each member grow not only in their performance abilities but also in leadership, personal development, and beyond, creating a space where every performer can thrive and reach their full potential.

WHEN AND WHERE DO YOU REHEARSE?

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, starting in May and running through tech week in January 2026. All sessions take place at Ignite Theatre Company, located at 3519 Hampton Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63139, where our performers come together to perfect their craft and foster strong team connections.