PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS
The SUMMER THEATRE INSTITUTE is for teens and young adults, ages 14-19 (high school freshman and up). SUMMER THEATRE INSTITUTE offers an exciting total theatre experience for young aspiring theatre artists. It is a chance for students to learn new physical theatre skills, explore their creativity, discover a variety of techniques, and expand their imagination. With the guidance of professional theatre directors, playwrights, and teaching theatre artists students discover the true ensemble spirit of theatre and celebrate their individual creative muse. Students live in the Meredith Willson Residence Hall located on the campus of the Juilliard School in the Lincoln Center area of New York City. In addition, participants will experience some of the cultural life of one of the greatest cities in the world.
The main goal of the pre-professional program at Summer Theatre Institute is to create an atmosphere where students can explore and experience a range of theatre skills without competition or pressure. For the beginning student it is a chance to learn, discover, and create a dynamic and accessible arsenal of theatre skills. For students who have had some exposure to doing shows or taking some classes, it is a chance to hone and process new theatre techniques, to strengthen and deepen their physical theatre skills, and to experiment with exciting creative ideas. The program is also designed to reinforce personal confidence, artistic discipline, performance technique, and ensemble work. Ensemble work is emphasized to develop a sense of total group cooperation while still acknowledging the individual artist. Through group work the young artists discover the true meaning of theatre as a collaborative art form. Along with the theatre training and creative process, social communication skills are nurtured and the development of strong, lifelong friendships are common.
The Summer Theatre Institute program offers a full process experience in a range of multi-discipline performance skills. With enthusiastic professional theatre artists young actors, musical theatre actors, dancer/actors, directors, and playwrights immerse themselves in their particular craft developing both the physical/mental sharpness and fluidity that only comes with intensive process work. They are then given the practical experience of making their work come alive through several final projects and showcases.
Musical Theatre
