Casa Mañana’s education department has been at the heart of our mission for decades. The School for Musical Theatre provides a wide array of opportunities for students ages 4 to 18, from weekly classes to summer camps to the signature Apprentice Program. The Apprentice Program is by audition-only and accepts a limited number of students each year, with training tailored to the most dedicated young performers in DFW. Apprentice alumni have gone on to study theatre at the most prestigious institutions in the country and have successful careers in the industry. One of these alumni is Addie Morales (2012-2016), who led multiple shows on the Casa Mañana Mainstage after her time as a student and was recently seen as Cosette in the Broadway National Tour of Les Misérables. She spoke with us about her experience growing up as a Casa student.
Morales’ theatre career started at age 12, when she received a scholarship and enrolled in her first Casa Mañana program. Classes and camps prepared her to audition for and land a role in Disney’s The Jungle Book, her first show at Casa Mañana. From there, Morales continuously worked and studied under the Dome, appearing in both Mainstage and Apprentice Program productions. She said this time spent working at a professional Equity theatre set her up for success early in her career.
“My transition into a professional acting career was seamless because I was given industry tools and connections with working professionals.”
“The Apprentice Program helped me by training me on what a professional work environment looks like,” Morales continued. “By the time I graduated, I was well-educated on rehearsal etiquette and my rights as an actor. Being surrounded by working professionals in the industry set the standard.”
Addie Morales in West Side Story at Casa Mañana (Curtis Brown).
Casa Mañana’s Apprentice Program not only aims to equip students with the highest caliber technical skills possible, but to develop young actors into conscientious and collaborative people. A curriculum that includes yearlong classes, master classes with Broadway actors and directors, as well as the summer musical provides a comprehensive theatre education.
“Many classes and education are audition-based (which is amazing and necessary), but the next step of how to work well with others is what creates longevity in a career. The value of learning quickly, taking directions, and being flexible in the rehearsal room is invaluable.”
Prior to her National Tour debut, Morales led numerous regional theatre productions around the country, including iconic roles such as Eva Peron in Evita and Maria Rainer in The Sound of Music. Morales was last seen on the Casa Mañana stage in 2022 as Shelby in Steel Magnolias.
“My transition into a professional acting career was seamless because I was given industry tools and connections with working professionals. I moved to NYC to begin auditioning and the theatres I eventually worked at have consistently asked me back. Those relationships built in rehearsals and performances last a lifetime.”
Addie Morales as Cosette in Les Misérables (photo courtesy of Addie Morales); Morales as Shelby in Steel Magnolias at Casa Mañana (Chip Tompkins).
