

Summer Institute Theater
July 10–July 28, 2023
Three weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & evening rehearsals
Experience what it means to be a modern theater-maker, and work with our award-winning faculty in Philadelphia—one of the nation’s largest theater destinations. Through a rigorous college-level curriculum, lessons, master classes and performances, you’ll develop your voice, stage presence and acting techniques. This program trains artists looking to write, direct, design and produce, in addition to being on stage.
You’ll choose one of three tracks: Acting; Musical Theater; or Directing, Playwriting and Production. Over the course of three weeks, you’ll do daily warm-ups and take both core classes and track courses, electives and workshops.






















Overview
Through a rigorous college-level curriculum, you’ll develop skills in crafting character and scene work, grasp the potential of your voice as an instrument and develop a vibrant stage presence. You’ll also explore track-specific courses that address your individual needs and other courses that span a wide range of theatrical disciplines.
Receive training from our distinguished faculty and participate in master classes with award-winning theater artists. Our faculty are currently working on Broadway, off Broadway, in film and TV, and in major regional theaters.
At the end of this program, students will
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leave with audition-ready materials and preparation.
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demonstrate a richer understanding and appreciation of theater-making through command of a common vocabulary.
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express a deeper level of comfort performing individually, with partners and through exercises, monologues and/or scene work.
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be able to connect the body, breath and voice for a free, clear, strong and authentic vocal expression through acting performance, presentation, public speaking and singing.
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be able to serve as an active and constructive member of a studio atmosphere, supporting and challenging classmates through discussion, collaboration and feedback.
Programming
Core Classes
You’ll receive the following core training.
Acting Studio
Practical approaches to crafting character and scene work are combined with techniques designed to build physical and emotional stamina and encourage the spirit of play and risk that are necessary for developing a vibrant and engaging stage presence.
Collaborative Process
Focusing on the journey rather than the destination, this course expands your definitions of what theater can be and how it can be made.
Tracks
You’ll focus your training by selecting a track of study: Acting; Musical Theater; or Directing, Playwriting and Production. Tracks allow you to deepen your study with major-specific courses, some of which are listed below.
Musical Theater
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Musical Theater Dance
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Musical Theater Performance
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Singing Lab
Acting
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Improvisation
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Shakespeare
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Movement
Directing, Playwriting and Production
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Directing
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Playwriting
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Stage Management
A week in the life
Monday & Wednesday
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9–9:30 a.m. Warmup
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9:30–11 a.m. Musical Theater Dance, Shakespere or Directing
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11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Musical Theater Performance, Acting Movement or Playwriting
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1:30–3:30 p.m. Acting Studio
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3:30–5 p.m. Collaborative Process
Tuesday & Thursday
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9–9:30 a.m. Warmup
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9:30–11 a.m. Musical Theater Singing Lab, Improvisation or Stage Management
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11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Musical Theater Performance, Acting Movement or Playwriting
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1:30–3:30 p.m. Acting Studio
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3:30– 5 p.m. Collaborative Process
Friday
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9–9:30 a.m. Warmup
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9:30–11 a.m. Master Class
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11 a.m.–1 p.m. Play in a Day or Rehearsal
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2–5:30 p.m. Play in a Day or Rehearsal
Saturday
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Optional off-campus field trips
Note: Students break for lunch between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. every day. Some evening activities are part of this program’s curriculum. Evening rehearsals will take place during the final week of the program. Commuters should plan accordingly.
Faculty
Courses in the Summer Institute Theater program are taught by theater professionals, actors and specialty artists. The majority of our faculty teach in the degree programs at UArts. Our expert faculty is comprised of seasoned educators and dedicated artists who enjoy sharing their expertise and collaborating with the next generation of actors, playwrights, directors and artists.
How to Apply
Our Summer Institute 2023 program is full and no longer accepting applications.
Application Requirements
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Complete the Summer Institute application.
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Submit an essay or a pre-recorded audition. Directing, Playwriting & Production students can choose to submit a portfolio in place of an audition. Students applying for a need or merit-based scholarship must include an audition or portfolio.
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Essay
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Include an essay of a maximum of 300 words that explains why you want to attend the program and what you hope to gain from the experience.
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Audition
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An introduction including your name, school, grade, city and state, and what you will be performing
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At least two of the following: a comedic piece, a dramatic piece or 16 bars of music (no more than four minutes).
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You must be recognizable. Avoid masks, heavy makeup or costumes.
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Portfolio (Directing, Playwriting & Production only)
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Your portfolio should include at least two examples and/or documentation of your theater interest. Your portfolio can include but is not limited to set designs, performance experience, creative writing etc.
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Pay the $15 application fee.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition: $3,400
Program fee: $150
Housing and meals: $1,425
Commuter total: $3,550
Residential total: $4,975
Supplies
Students are expected to bring supplies with them or purchase them once they arrive on campus. Supply lists will be shared one month before the program starts, with cost estimates.
Spending & Miscellaneous Expenses
Students spend an average of $80–$100 per week on additional items including laundry, snacks, personal spending and non-required supplies.
Scholarships
Scholarships for the Summer Institute are awarded to students in high academic standing with significant creative potential and financial need. Scholarship awards are competitive. Students are able to apply for either a merit- or need-based scholarship.


Summer Institute Theater 2022
Watch the final performance of our Theater students!
Questions?
Request more infoContact Pre-College
precollege@uarts.edu
Pre-College Programs
211 S. Broad St, Terra Hall 9th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-717-6430