Over the course of just two short weeks, participants will bring together a full length theatrical production. Participants work together not only performing the play but also taking full ownership of it - from set design to costuming to marketing participants learn just what it takes to put together a full theatrical experience.

The acting lessons that participants will learn will be deep. With a keen focus on developing their character we will explore in depth both Stanislavski and Meisner approaches to acting to truly develop each participant's skill.

As with all of our shows, these are true ensemble pieces giving each participant the chance to shine on stage. In addition, they will take great pride on show day knowing that they personally were involved in every aspect of the production.

In addition, participants will be mentored by working Actor's Equity and SAG professional actors and will learn what it takes to make it in the entertainment business.

This summer we examine two comedies - one fast moving farce and one over the top melodrama.  

The plays:

ITS A MADHOUSE, 

by Todd Wallinger 

 JUNE 3-15 Shows evening of 14th and afternoon of 15th.

In keeping with our tradition of light comedic shows for the summer programs, this farce does NOT disappoint. Best-selling mystery author Byron Pembroke is dead.  Soon after, his highly dysfunctional family gathers on a dark and stormy evening for the reading of the will.  Each family member has their own reason to believe they’ll receive the bulk of Byron’s estate, but the family soon finds out that the deceased didn’t think much of them.  Instead of naming an heir, Byron instead condensed his fortune into one mysterious object and left it to...  whoever finds it first! 

Before greedy family members are able to put together individual plans of their own, the mansion is overrun by a horde of strangers seeking shelter from the storm.  And once the strangers find out about the hidden treasure, they soon join in the hunt.

Who will find the treasure first?  Byron’s spoiled, self-serving family members?  The bickering trio of ghost hunters?  The nosy news team?  Or the busload of obnoxious tourists?  Loaded with small parts and several small-cast, comical vignettes, this madcap mystery gives every actor a chance to be part of the madness!

MAX Participants = 30.

Dogsbreath Devereaux the Dastardly Doctor

(or... Nursed Foilded Again)

 by Billy St. John

 JULY 8-20 Shows evening of 19th and afternoon of 20th.

This show is 100% pure melodrama in its purest of form.  Huge exaggerated characters, absurd situations and lots of evil laughter!  Dogsbreath Deveraux will be a study in melodrama that teaches our young actors to hone in on character development and take risks to go over the top on stage.  With kids, directors often find them struggling to make big choices in character.  After this camp they will be pros!

Our Story: Dogsbreath Devereaux, M.D., plots to wed and do away with the wealthy widow Lotta Cash so he can inherit her fortune and her late husband’s clinic.  He enlists the aid of the nasty nurse, Hilda Hatchet, and promises to marry her once he disposes of Lotta.  Problems arise with the insanely jealous Hilda catches Dogsbreath flirting with Wendy March, the heroine of our show.  It seems only our hero, Dr. Phil Good, can save Wendy and the unsuspecting Lotta Cash from certain death.  Set in a clinic filled with zany patients, this melodrama is sure to leave the audience in stitches.

MAX Participants = 16

Limited number of participants each session