The Ultimate Guide to Theatre Summer Intensives 2023: A Must-Read for Parents of Thespian Kids
If you didn't catch it already, be sure to check out Episodes 17 and 23 on Summer Intensives.
Welcome to "The Ultimate Guide to Theatre Summer Intensives 2023: A Must-Read for Parents of Thespian Kids"! As the parent of a child who loves theatre, you're probably wondering how you can help them pursue their passion and grow their skills. One great option to consider is a summer intensive program for musical theatre.
In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about theatre summer intensives, from the benefits of attending to how to find and evaluate the best programs for your child. Let's dive in!
Benefits of Theatre Summer Intensives
Summer intensives for musical theatre can offer a wide range of benefits for young performers. These programs often provide a unique and immersive experience that allows students to:
Work with experienced and talented Broadway performers and industry professionals
Learn new skills and techniques in singing, acting, and dancing
Gain confidence and stage presence through performance opportunities
Make new friends and connections with like-minded young performers
Develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the craft of musical theatre
Finding and Evaluating Summer Intensives
So how do you go about finding the right summer intensive program for your child? Here are a few steps to consider:
Research Programs:
When researching programs, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Start by looking for programs that align with your child's interests and skill level. Some programs may be focused on specific areas of theater, such as acting, singing, or dancing, while others may offer a more well-rounded curriculum. Consider the location of the program as well - if your child will need to travel to attend, factor in travel costs and logistics.
Check Program Reputation:
Once you've identified a few programs that seem like a good fit, it's important to research their reputation. Look for reviews and testimonials from other parents and students who have attended the program before. You can also reach out to the program directly and ask for references or contact information for past participants. Consider the program's track record as well - have they produced successful graduates who have gone on to work in the industry?
Evaluate Cost:
Cost is another important factor to consider when evaluating summer intensives. While many programs can be quite expensive (up to 5k in some cases - yikes!!!), there are also scholarships and financial aid opportunities available. Make sure to factor in all associated costs, including tuition, travel, housing, and any additional expenses.
Look for a Strong Curriculum:
A strong curriculum is key to any summer intensive program. Look for programs that offer a well-rounded education, with a focus on both technical training and artistic development. A good program should provide opportunities for students to work with industry professionals, attend workshops and masterclasses, and participate in performances.
Consider the Program's Staff:
The staff at a summer intensive program can make all the difference in your child's experience. Look for programs with experienced and knowledgeable instructors, as well as guest artists and industry professionals who can offer valuable insights and mentorship. Something else to consider is access to industry professionals. Check to see if students will be provided opportunities to meet and work with industry professionals like casting directors, agents, or working actors.
Performance Opportunities
Not every program will offer this, but one of the best ways to learn is to apply knowledge gained during a summer intensive to some sort of performance in front of an audience. We've talked a lot about this on our podcast, but the audience is an important part of theatre and it's also important for parents to have the opportunity to see how these programs help their kids.
Check for Safety Measures:
Finally, it's important to consider safety when evaluating summer intensive programs. Look for programs that prioritize the safety and well-being of their students, with strong policies and procedures in place to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
Highly Rated Summer Intensives
There are many great summer intensive programs for musical theatre across the United States. The below is not a comprehensive list, but rather just a few highly-rated programs for students at varying ages. I included links below to more information - just click their logo or the text descriptions below to check out their sites.
Broadway Artists Alliance: This program offers offers five, one-week summer intensives for students with a strong technical foundation who want to expand and refine their skills. This intensive is in New York City and is for students of all skill levels, with a focus on individualized training and professional development. The program is highly selective, but offers scholarships to many students.
Destination Broadway: A summer intensive in Orlando, FL. - this program is open to children ages 8-18 and offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes acting, singing, and dancing. The program is designed to be age-appropriate, with classes and activities that are tailored to the needs of younger children.
The Juilliard School Summer Performing Arts Program: This two or four-week program offers aspiring young artists aged 12-18 a unique opportunity to study with Juilliard artist faculty in small group settings. Through intensive workshops, seminars, and private lessons, students can deepen their understanding and skills in Dance, Drama, Musical Theater, Piano, or Voice. The program is designed to nurture and challenge young artists while providing opportunities to make lasting friendships and memories.
Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Musical Theatre Program: This program, offered by the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama, provides intensive training in musical theatre performance and production. The program is highly selective and competitive, but offers scholarships and financial aid to many students
The Boston University Summer Theatre Institute (BUSTI) is a five-week program that offers an immersive experience to high school students who are passionate about theatre. The program is modeled after the freshman BFA curriculum and includes courses in acting, design, improvisation, theatre for social change, and more. Students will have the opportunity to create an original piece of theatre and earn four college credits. Summer 2023 will be held in Boston, MA.
The Florida State University Summer Music Theatre Intensive (MTI) is a highly intensive 3-week summer workshop specifically designed for rising high school juniors and seniors who plan to pursue a degree or career in music theatre. The program is led by a team of experienced faculty from Florida State University's Music Theatre and Acting programs, and the School of Theatre, as well as successful alumni. The program includes a final cabaret performance that is open to the public and takes place in Tallahassee, FL during Summer 2023.
The Northwestern University's National High School Institute (Cherubs): offers a 5-7 week immersive summer program for students interested in stage performance and production. With a combination of classes and rehearsals led by professional theatre practitioners, students receive rigorous training in a supportive and collaborative environment. The program culminates in a final performance where every student gets to showcase their skills. Summer 2023 in Evanston, IL.
The Marymount Manhattan Musical Theatre Program offers a two-week intensive program that focuses on individualized coaching and a supportive community of theatre professionals and students. The program provides students with the necessary tools to analyze a script and song, make informed acting choices, and create a digital pre-screen. The curriculum includes college audition prep, daily dance warm-up, musical theatre history, music fundamentals and analysis, Broadway guest seminars, and a final showing for family and friends.
The University of Michigan's MPulse Summer Performing Arts Institutes offers summer programs for young artists interested in pursuing music performance, theatre, music technology, dance, and musical theatre at the college level. The Theatre & Drama Academy and the Musical Theater Workshop are two theater institutes offered and are open to rising high school juniors and seniors. Summer 2023 in Ann Arbor, MI.
The Stella Adler Studio of Acting Summer Conservatory (New York, NY): This four-week program is designed for high school students who are serious about pursuing a career in acting. Students work with faculty members from the Stella Adler Studio to develop their craft in a rigorous and supportive environment. The program includes classes in acting, voice, and movement, as well as rehearsals and performances.
Stagedoor Manor: This program, located in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York, has been a popular choice for aspiring performers for over 40 years. It offers a range of programs for students of all ages and skill levels, with a focus on ensemble work and collaborative learning.
Interlochen Center for the Arts: Located in northern Michigan, this program offers a comprehensive summer arts program for students of all ages, including a musical theatre program for high school students. The program emphasizes technique, theory, and collaboration.
French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts: This program, located in upstate New York, offers a range of performing arts programs for students of all ages, including a musical theatre program for high school students. The program emphasizes creativity, experimentation, and individualized training.
The Kristin Chenoweth Broadway Bootcamp is a week-long summer program in Oklahoma for students ages 14-25. The camp is led by Tony Award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth, and students will receive training in singing, dancing, acting, and auditioning from industry professionals. The program concludes with a showcase performance featuring the students' talents in Broken Arrow, OH.
When looking for local summer intensive programs for younger children, consider checking with your local community theaters, regional theaters, and schools. Many of these organizations offer summer camps and programs for children of all ages. You can also check online directories, such as the National Youth Theater Directory, to find programs in your area.
If you're local to the central Florida and surrounding areas, we recommend checking out:
1. Lakeland Community Theatre Summer Camps
2. Theatre Winter Haven Summer Camps
4. Florida Rep. Theatre in Ft.Myers
5. Dr. Phillips Center Summer Camps
When evaluating local programs, it's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and program reputation, as well as the program's curriculum and staff. Look for programs that offer a well-rounded education, with a focus on creativity and fun, and that prioritize the safety and well-being of their students. With a little research and careful consideration, you can find a summer intensive program that will provide your child with an unforgettable experience and help them develop important skills that will last a lifetime.
The Drama Mamas
