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The Best Acting Summer Programs for High School Students

As an actor, summer can be a great time to focus on honing your craft. While you may not have as many opportunities to audition or perform during the summer months, there are still plenty of ways to stay sharp and improve your skills. One way to do this is by attending a summer intensive.

Summer intensives are short-term programs that offer intensive training in acting or other aspects of theatre. These types of programs typically last between ten days and seven weeks, and as a general rule, they are offered by reputable colleges, universities, or conservatories.

There are summer intensives located all across the country, so no matter where you live, you should be able to find one that's convenient for you. And because these programs offer such intense training, they're ideal for actors who are serious about taking their craft to the next level.

So if you're looking for a way to improve your acting skills this summer, consider enrolling in a summer intensive. You'll get invaluable training and experience, and you just might come out of the program a better actor than when you went in.

Northwestern University National High School Institute's Cherubs program

The National High School Institute's Cherubs program at Northwestern University is a five-week long intensive acting and musical theatre training program open to rising high school seniors in the top 30% percentiles of their class. The program offers classes in a variety of topics related to theatre, includingacting, voice training, and movement, as well as providing an optional two-week extension for students interested in musical theatre.

Students in the musical theatre extension spend four hours every evening practicing for their show and go on excursions to see professional theatrical productions. This intensive training gives students the opportunity to develop their skills and prepare for a future in the performing arts.

The Cherubs program is an excellent choice for any high school student considering a career in acting or musical theatre. With experienced instructors and a comprehensive curriculum, the program provides everything students need to get a head start on their future in the performing arts.

NYU Tisch Summer High School Program

The NYU Tisch Summer High School Program is a four-week program for rising highschool juniors and seniors. Approximately 15% of applicants are accepted into the program. The program can give students 4-6 college credits. There are six studios students can complete their coursework in, and class sizes range from 16 to 48 students.

The program offers a unique opportunity for high school students to get a taste of what it's like to study acting at the collegiate level. It also allows them to earn college credit while still in high school, which can be a great way to get ahead in their education.

If you're considering applying to the NYU Tisch Summer High School Program, here are some things you should keep in mind. First, the competition to get into the program is fierce. Only about 15% of applicants are accepted, so make sure you put your best foot forward when applying. Secondly, the program is demanding. You'll be taking college-level courses and participating in intense studio sessions, so be prepared to work hard if you're accepted. Finally, the program is an amazing experience that will give you a leg up in your future pursuits, whether they're in acting or another field entirely. If you have the chance to attend, don't hesitate - go for it!

Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Drama

If you're a rising junior or senior in high school and interested in studying acting or musical theater, Carnegie Mellon University's Pre-College Drama program is definitely worth considering. The six-week program offers courses in both Acting and Musical Theatre or Design and Production, and classes run from 9am to 6pm on Mondays and Fridays. Plus, the program is held at the university itself, so you'll get to experience life as a college student while also honing your craft.

There are plenty of reasons why Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Drama program is one of the best acting summer programs out there. First of all, the instructors are all professionals with years of experience in the industry. You'll be learning from some of the best in the business, which is sure to give your acting career a boost. Additionally, the program offers a great balance of classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Not only will you get to learn about different aspects of acting and musical theater, but you'll also get to put what you've learned into practice by performing in various productions throughout the program.

All in all, if you're looking for an intensive acting program that will help you take your skills to the next level, Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Drama program is a great option.

Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute

The Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute is located in Hilton Head Island, SC. It offers 4-week and 2-week programs. It is open to 8th to 12th graders. The program's large-scale musical production is impressive. Students audition for roles before arrival. The student-to-teacher ratio is 3:1. The program's college theatre acceptance rate is 100%.

This prestigious acting summer program is the perfect opportunity for any aspiring young actor or actress. With top-notch instructors and a proven track record of success, the Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute is the perfect place to hone your craft and take your acting career to the next level.

BUSTI

The BUSTI Summer Theatre Program offers high school students the opportunity to participate in classes such as Theatre for Social Change, acting, design training, and more while earning up to 4 units of college credit. The five-week program has a maximum of 70 participants. There are two tracks available, Performance or Design, so students can choose the area that best suits their interests and skills. This is an amazing opportunity to get a head start on your college career while also getting some great experience in the theatre world.

University of Michigan's MPulse Summer Performing Arts Institute

The University of Michigan's MPulse Summer Performing Arts Institute is expanding in 2022, and rising high school seniors from all over the world are invited to apply!

You can either choose the Performance & Theatre track or the Design & Production track. Expert training in scene study, movement, stage combat and more awaits students, plus regular concerts and participation in residential life gatherings.

To apply, simply submit a two minute monologue video along with a professional headshot and letter of recommendation. Some theatre experience is required, but don't worry if you're not a seasoned pro - this program is perfect for students of all levels who want to learn more about the performing arts.

So whether you're looking to hone your skills or just spend a summer exploring your passion for theatre, the University of Michigan's MPulse Summer Performing Arts Institute is the perfect place for you!

UNC School of the Arts Drama Summer Insive

The UNC School of the Arts Drama Summer Intensive program is for three weeks and open to students aged 15 and up, or rising high school sophomore. No previous experience in theater is required. There are two tracks, Acting and Musical Theater. Students audition for enrollment.

This is one of the best acting summer programs around! If you're looking to get serious about acting, or want to try your hand at musical theater, this is the perfect program for you. The faculty is top-notch, and you'll get to work with other dedicated students from all over the country.

If you're considering enrolling, be sure to check out the requirements and start preparing your audition materials early. This is an amazing opportunity to hone your craft and learn from some of the best in the business.

The UCLA Acting & Performance Summer Institute

The Acting & Performance Summer Institute from UCLA is a three-week program designated for all current students in grades 8 through 12. The program features Tai-chi classes, lessons in movement, Acting, performance workshops, as well as a final showcase; It also offers four units of credit. It is mandatory for all participants to live on-campus.

To apply to the program, students will need to submit a resume, letter of recommendation, 500 word essay, and video monologue. The selection process is competitive, but the rewards are great – this is one of the best acting summer programs available!

The UCLA Acting & Performance Summer Institute is definitely worth considering if you are serious about pursuing an acting career. The experience you gain from this program will be invaluable as you take your first steps towards your dream career.

Florida State University's Musical Theatre Institute

Rising junior and senior high school students have the opportunity to attend Florida State University's Musical Theatre Institute, a three-week long program. Classes are held at 9:30, 12:15, and 2-4:45, with nightly rehearsals from 7:15-10. After the program has ended, there is a cabaret show which is available for anyone to see.

This program is an intensive introduction to musical theatre performance. Students will take classes in acting, singing, and dancing, as well as participate in nightly rehearsals. The goal of the program is to prepare students for a career in musical theatre.

The Musical Theatre Institute is a great opportunity for high school students interested in pursuing a career in musical theatre. It is an intensive program that will give you a taste of what it is like to be a professional performer. If you are dedicated and passionate about musical theatre, this program is definitely for you!

NEXUS at Texas State Musical Theatre Pre-College Insive

NEXUS at Texas State Musical Theatre Pre-College Insive is a ten day program for rising 9th through 12th graders. Forty-eight students will have the opportunity to work with acclaimed Broadway stars, sought-after film and television actors, popular radio personalities, in-demand voiceover artists, and other experienced working professionals as faculty. The program offers voice workshops, dance classes, audition preparation, wellness curriculum, and more. This is one of the best acting summer programs available and provides an amazing opportunity for students to learn from some of the best in the business.

Conclusion

Summer intensives are a fantastic way for actors to hone their skills and get a leg up in their careers. These college and university-based programs offer extensive education and training in various elements of theater, including acting. If you want to brush up on your acting skills this summer, then enrolling in a summer intensive may be a good option for you.

Eugen

Eugen

About the author
Got kids about to go to college, so making my own research and sharing here!
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