Jr. Fellows Application Dates
February 3 - February 17
Fellows Application Dates
February 26 - March 12
Conference Dates
2026 Dates Coming Soon!
The Cabaret & Performance Conference brings some of the biggest names in cabaret theater to perform at the O’Neill each summer and provides valuable development and performance training for select up-and-coming performers on the cabaret scene and students through its Fellows and Junior Fellows programs.
Recent Conference artists include: Judy Kuhn, Tonya Pinkins, Norm Lewis, Marilyn Maye, Ken Page, Molly Pope, Melissa Manchester, Karen Mason, Christina Bianco, Joyce Breach, Brad Simmons, Matt Baker, Eric Yves Garcia, Mark Hartman, Brian Nash, Natalie Douglas, The Skivvies, Nick Adams, Shirley Jones, Jim Caruso, Billy Stritch, Mimi Hines, Susie Mosher, Betty Buckley, and Tommy Tune.
Fellows and Junior Fellows receive training from the talented Conference staff as well as Conference guest artists.
John McDaniel is a Grammy and Emmy Award winning Music Director, Composer, Director, Arranger, Orchestrator & Producer.
Most recently, John received a 2025 Audelco nomination for his Music Direction of Lights Out: Nat King Cole at the New York Theatre Workshop, written by Colman Domingo & Patricia McGregor.
In 2023, John arranged, orchestrated and was the Music Director for Carol
Burnett’s 90th Birthday Special on NBC, which won the Emmy Award for
Outstanding Primetime Variety Special.
McDaniel produced and directed a virtual concert of Sticks & Stones, for which he is also the composer, starring Audra McDonald & Javier Muñoz. He is also a camp director of Kristin Chenoweth’s Broadway Boot Camp.
Broadway credits include Bonnie and Clyde (Drama Desk Nomination, Best Orchestrations), Catch Me If You Can, Brooklyn (Producer and Orchestrator), Annie Get Your Gun (Grammy Award), Taboo, Chicago, Grease, Patti LuPone on Broadway and Company – the Original Cast in Concert at Lincoln Center.
On Television: The Rosie O’Donnell Show (2 Emmy Awards & 8 nominations). John has collaborated with Cab Calloway, Shirley MacLaine, George Burns, Joel Grey, Betty Buckley, Bette Midler, Shirley Jones & Katy Perry and has guest conducted at 15 Symphony Orchestras across America, including five unique concerts with his hometown St. Louis Symphony.
John initially studied piano with his mother, Jane, and he received a BFA in Drama from Carnegie Mellon University. Instagram: johnmcd123
cabaret fellows
A dynamic opportunity for performers to refine their skills and stage presence with the guidance of an accomplished team of world-class professionals
The Cabaret & Performance Conference Fellows Program is a dynamic opportunity for performers to refine their skills and stage presence under the direction of an accomplished team of professionals. During an intense two-week period, this conference provides artistic guidance and expert instruction to a handful of participants chosen by application and invitation.
With six hours of classes daily, Fellows receive one-on-one coaching from leading music directors, work with world-class guest artists, and prepare for a public performance, as well as participate in night time open mic sessions. Fellows gain admission to nightly professional shows by world-class performers. Areas of study include song selection, ear training, mic technique, harmony, and group dynamics. Alumni of the program have gone on to perform at major venues from coast to coast, utilizing the lasting relationships they cultivated at the O’Neill.
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Natalie Douglas
Professional Artist Teacher
BroadwayWorld Best Cabaret Vocalist Award Winner and recipient of the Donald F. Smith & Margaret Whiting Awards from the Mabel Mercer Foundation.
Barb Jungr
Guest Faculty
Award-winning British songstress renowned for her vocal style, interpretation of song and radical approach to arrangements.
Tracy Stark
Music Director
10-time MAC Award winner, Bistro Award winner, winner of the Dottie Burman Songwriter of the Year Award. Singer/Songwriter, Musical Director, Conductor and Arranger.
Eden Espinosa
Guest Artist
Tony-nominated actor and singer who is best known for her performances as Elphaba on Broadway and in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
John Lloyd Young
Guest Artist
Tony Award-winner for his portrayal of Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys, a role he reprised in the West End and on film.
Steve Ross
Guest Artist
American cabaret singer and pianist, known for his interpretations of the Great American Songbook, particularly the music of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Noël Coward
Lennie Watts
Professional Artist Teacher
10-time MAC Award-winner, vocalist, director, producer, & booking manager with over 20 years in the NYC cabaret scene.
Betty Buckley
Guest Faculty
Tony Award-winning actress, whose career has encompassed TV, film, stage and concert work around the globe.
Jon Weber
Music Director
Highly sought music director for top jazz and cabaret performers. A consummate post-bop musician with a lithe technical ability and an ear for complex harmonic compositions.
Karen Akers
Guest Artist
Tony-nominated actress and singer, who has appeared on Broadway, and in cabaret and film.
Latrice Royale
Guest Artist
American drag performer, recording artist, and reality television personality best known for appearing on Ru Paul's Drag Race.
Applications for the 2026 Cabaret Fellows COMING SOON! Please review our application and eligibility information below.
Sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know when applications open. You’ll be able to access the application form right here through this webpage. The application to the 2025 Cabaret Fellows program will request the following materials:
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Contact and Demographic Information: Name, email address, telephone number, physical address, etc.
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Biographical Statement: A sketch of your biography that focuses on your history as a performer or cabaret artist in 200 words or less.
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Conference Objectives: This should outline your goals and objectives for your time with the Cabaret Fellows program in 200 words or less.
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Two Work Samples: You will be asked to provide two contrasting videos of your work in performance. For example, for example, you may sing one ballad and one up-tempo. These videos should highlight your voice and performance style. We recommend choosing songs that you personally know well. You will be asked to provide a link to each video, which may be hosted via DropBox, Google Drive, YouTube, or another accessible online platform.
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Tuition/Financial Information: Tuition for the Cabaret Fellows program is $3,500. If applicants would require financial assistance in order to attend this program, they may apply for a need-based scholarship through the application form.
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Fee: Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the $20 application fee has been waived for the 2024 season.
The O'Neill values the health and safety of all our artists, participants, staff, and volunteers. All will be required to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test to the Company Manager within 24 hours before their arrival on campus. Those who do not submit their test prior to arrival will be given rapid antigen tested on-site for a fee of $25.00 per test.
If you have any questions about your application materials or form, please reach out to the O’Neill literary office at litoffice@theneill.org. If you have any questions about the logistics of the program, please reach out to line producer Jorge Lopez Rivera at jrivera@theoneill.org.
The base cost of tuition for this program is $3,500. A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of acceptance.
Tuition includes six hours of classes daily, mentorship with Cabaret & Performance Conference faculty, master classes with guest artists, tickets to nightly shows on the main stage, as well as housing and meals at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in beautiful Waterford, CT.
Travel to and from the O’Neill is the responsibility of participants. We are unable to arrange or cover the cost of your travel. Please reach out to companymanager@theoneill.org with any questions related to travel, lodging, meals, and accommodations.
We’ve provided a list of frequently asked questions about the Cabaret Fellows program for your convenience. If your question isn’t answered here, please reach out to line producer Jorge Rivera at jrivera@theoneill.org.
If I’ve been a Cabaret Fellow or Junior Fellow before, do I have to submit another application?
Yes. A complete application is always required.
Is there a fee to apply for this program?
No. The admin fee for the Cabaret Fellows program has been waived thanks to the generosity of O’Neill supporters.
What are the O’Neill’s COVID-19 policies? Is there a vaccine requirement?
Yes. The O'Neill values the health and safety of all our artists, participants, staff, and volunteers. All will be required to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test to the Company Manager within 24 hours before their arrival on campus. Those who do not submit their test prior to arrival will be given rapid antigen tested on-site for a fee of $25.00 per test. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Company Management team at companymanager@theoneill.org.
If I'm selected to be a Fellow, will the O'Neill provide housing?
Yes. Fellows will be provided with dormitory-style housing in double or single rooms. All rooms include beds, desks, dressers, and closets. Community bathrooms, private bathrooms, and shower rooms are available.
Are meals provided? And can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. Three meals a day are served on-site by our resident chefs. Special consideration is given to accommodate dietary restrictions, and all applicants are asked to provide their dietary restrictions to company management upon acceptance. The O'Neill cafeteria offers continual access to snacks and beverages throughout the day and into the evening.
What does the average day look like? Can you provide a sample schedule?
The Cabaret Fellows program offers a rigorous and varied schedule over the course of approximately two weeks each August. An example of the daily schedule is offered below. All class sessions include work with our master teachers, a team of music directors, and esteemed guest artists.
9:30 am -12:30 pm: Morning Class Session with Guest Artist
12:30-1:30 pm: Lunch
1:30 - 2:00 pm: Daily All-Conference Meeting
2:00 - 5:30 pm: Afternoon Class Session with Master Teacher
5:30 - 6:30 pm: Dinner
8:00 pm: Mainstage Performance
Does the O'Neill cover travel or provide transportation to campus?
No. The O'Neill is unable to cover the cost of your travel to participate in the Cabaret Fellows program.
Where are the nearest airports to the O'Neill?
The O'Neill campus is located in Waterford, CT. If you are flying into the area, the nearest airports are Providence International Airport (PVD) and Hartford-Bradley Airport (BDL). We are able to arrange transportation from the airport to the O'Neill. Please reach out to the Company Management team at companymanager@theoneill.org to schedule a pickup.
If I'm selected to attend, could I drive to the O'Neill campus? Is parking available on-site?
Yes. Please reach out to our Company Management team at companymanager@theoneill.org. They will provide you with a parking pass upon arrival.
junior fellows
Offers select 15- to 18-year-old students an opportunity for professional vocal instruction, movement, and hands-on artistic guidance in the art of performance
The premier pop music performance program for Connecticut's 15- to18-year-olds, the Cabaret Junior Fellows program offers a select group of students the opportunity for in-person professional vocal instruction, movement, and hands-on artistic guidance in the art of performance. Students gain valuable interaction with world-renowned guest artists and professional faculty and acquire skills needed to make performance an important part of their creative lives.
Highlights of the Junior Fellows program also include other performance opportunities, two weeks of master classes alongside the O’Neill’s professional guest artists, open mics and more!
This season, our Junior Fellows will be showcased in a bold and unique new cabaret developed in collaboration between the Junior Fellows themselves and the Cabaret & Performance Conference leaders. This cabaret featuring our stars of tomorrow will push boundaries, blending the familiar with the unexpected, and will include repertoire that spans musical styles, genres, and flavors—offering audiences a captivating exploration of the art form.
Alumni have gone on to: Royal Conservatory of Scotland, UC College-Conservatory of Music, NYU, UCLA, Northeastern University, University of Miami Theatre, Sony Music Entertainment, and NBC's The Voice.
Junior Fellows online applications will open from February 3-17! In the meantime, please note that the application will request the following materials:
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Applicant and Parent/Guardian Contact Information: Name, grade, school, email address, telephone number, physical address, etc.
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Audition Videos: Please prepare two (2) short song selections. We would prefer one theatre song and one pop song (rock, blues, folk, soul, et. al) that you love to sing. Choose material that confidently expresses a part of you—or, something you feel passionately about—from any style or period. Positive and energetic uptempo songs are particularly effective. You will be asked to provide a link to each video, which may be hosted via DropBox, Google Drive, YouTube, or another accessible online platform.
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Other Information: Please create a third video, straight to camera, answering these questions (there are no wrong answers): Who are some of the artists you love and why? How do you feel being a Junior Fellow will help you grow creatively, artistically, and personally ? Do you have any other extraordinary skills, talents, or experiences—musically, theatrically, or otherwise? Who influences you and who do you admire on stage and why?
If you have any questions about your application or the program, please reach out to the O’Neill literary office at litoffice@theneill.org.
Tuition is $1,250 for the two-week Junior Fellows program and includes all meals. A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of acceptance.
With the support of generous donors, the O'Neill endeavors to ensure access to the Junior Fellows program for students regardless of economic status by providing need-based scholarships.
Travel to and from the O’Neill is the responsibility of participants. We are unable to arrange or cover the cost of your travel. Housing may be available on request (please visit or FAQ for details). Please reach out to companymanager@theoneill.org with any questions related to travel, lodging, meals, and accommodations.
Equally at home in the worlds of music and theatre, Jeremiah has enjoyed a multi-faceted creative and professional journey. Born in North Jersey and growing up in the Pocono Mountains, the influence of nearby Manhattan was inevitable and Jeremiah spent his formative years crossing paths or studying with legendary artists including Marni Nixon, Bob Dorough, Peter Howard, and Pattie Darcy Jones.
Engagements on stage as an actor include leading roles and world premieres alongside some of Broadway’s finest both in New York and regionally. Highlights: critically acclaimed Philadelphia debut in Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World, The Last Five Years (Philadelphia Theatre Company), Philadelphia regional premiere of Lippa’s The Wild Party (Media Theatre for the Performing Arts), the world premiere of Gemini, the Musical originating the role of Randy alongside Linda Hart and Robert Picardo (Prince Music Theater), appearing on stage with Tony Award nominated actress Emily Skinner and Jeff McCarthy in the role of Pirelli in Sweeney Todd (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma), NYC reading of Bollywood and Vine with Ann Crumb and Robert Cuccioli. He’s performed at a long list of clubs, concert halls, and cabarets in New York and Philadelphia, including The Duplex, The Triad, Rose Hall at Lincoln Center and The Tin Angel, to name a few, and has had the honor of appearing in concert for President George W. Bush and Philadelphia’s Mayor John Street.
Instrumental in the development and inception of the Walnut Street Supper Club in center city Philadelphia, Jeremiah served as music director and entertainment manager there for three years. He appeared nightly on stage as the headlining vocalist, pianist, and personality where his keys poured over everything from Gershwin to Pat Benatar. On nights off from the club, he was often found moonlighting behind the keys and on vocals at Philadelphia’s iconic piano bar, Tavern On Camac. He was the Founding Artistic Director of Philadelphia Music Theater Works where he successfully led the organization through a sold-out inaugural season and where he served as either actor, director, producer and/or writer for various new musical initiatives.
As a songwriter for the theatre his credits include; Highways and Daydreams, the musical adaptation of Richard Donner’s 1992 film Radio Flyer, Dancing As Fast As We Can, and Seven. His songwriting was most recently produced at Farmers Alley Theatre (MI), Jeremiah Downes & Friends: Live at Farmers Alley Theatre. He is currently developing and writing the book, music, and lyrics to a new musical, Suddenly and the music and libretto to a new American opera, RIZZO.
A sought-after teacher and master class clinician of musical theatre performance, vocal technique, acting, and song interpretation he teaches domestically and internationally through his studio online and in New Jersey, and New York City. He has served on full-time faculty and lead musical theatre programs at Chadron State College (NE), West Virginia University, Western Michigan University, and at Emory & Henry College in association with Barter Theatre (VA). He served as Director of Theatre at Wyoming Seminary’s Summer at Sem Creative Arts program in Northeastern Pennsylvania where he led a dynamic and rigorous upper school theatre program for five seasons.
Jeremiah holds a B.F.A. from the University of the Arts and a M.M. from Oklahoma City University. He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association, ASCAP, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, American Federation of Musicians, and Dramatists Guild of America. For more: jeremiahdownes.com
We’ve provided a list of frequently asked questions about the Junior Fellows program for your convenience. If your question isn’t answered here, please reach out to the O’Neill literary department at litoffice@theoneill.org.
If I’ve been a Junior Fellow before, do I have to submit another application this season?
Yes. A complete application is always required.
Is there a fee to apply for this program?
No. The administrative fee for the Junior Cabaret Fellows program has been waived thanks to the generosity of O’Neill supporters.
What are the O’Neill’s COVID-19 policies? Is there a vaccine requirement?
The O'Neill requires all participants of the Junior Cabaret Fellows program to show proof of a negative PCR or rapid antigen COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours before arriving at the O'Neill campus for the first day of rehearsal.
If I'm selected to be a Junior Fellow, will the O'Neill provide housing?
Limited housing is available upon request, depending on availability, to Junior Cabaret Fellows from outside of the Connecticut area. If housing is provided, a parent or guardian must also reside in housing for the duration of the program. Those receiving housing will be provided with dormitory-style housing in double or single rooms. All rooms include beds, desks, dressers, and closets. Community bathrooms, private bathrooms, and shower rooms are available.
Are meals provided? And can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. Three meals a day are served on-site by our resident chefs. Special consideration is given to accommodate dietary restrictions, and all applicants are asked to provide their dietary restrictions to company management upon acceptance to the program. The O'Neill cafeteria offers continual access to snacks and beverages throughout the day and into the evening.
Does the O'Neill cover travel or provide transportation to campus?
No. The O'Neill is unable to cover the cost of any travel to participate in the Junior Cabaret Fellows program. While we accept applications from youth nationwide, please note that we are unable to provide housing to participants or their parents.
Where are the nearest airports to the O'Neill?
The O'Neill campus is located in Waterford, CT. If you are flying into the area, the nearest airports are Providence International Airport (PVD) and Hartford-Bradley Airport (BDL). We are able to arrange transportation from the airport to the O'Neill. Please reach out to the Company Management team at companymanager@theoneill.org to schedule a pickup.
If I'm selected to attend, could I drive to the O'Neill campus? Is parking available on-site?
Yes. Please reach out to our Company Management team at companymanager@theoneill.org. They will provide you with a parking pass upon arrival.