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.

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.

THE EPIC QUEST OF THE DAMSELS IN DISTRESS

 by Kenneth Wasemann

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

Another light comedy, It’s hard being a girl!  Especially in a fairy-tale land where everyone expects you to be a damsel in distress.  Well, these four young ladies are just not having it! 

Our story opens with Isadora, who doesn’t like seeming helpless after being abandoned in the forest by her father.  She much prefers feeling strong and self-sufficient, especially once she pulls an ancient sword from a stone!  Isadora soon meets Beatrice, a lady-in-waiting, who honestly finds life in the castle quite boring.  Winifred joins the spirited pair next, having always lived alone in the forest, concocting potions and practicing spells.  The trio is joined by the notorious Masked Maven, a young woman with many secrets.

Seeking excitement, the foursome journey on a comical adventure through a fairy-tale land of magic and monsters, royal fanfare and fairies, as they prove they can ably find their own way through the world, strong and independent.  Along the way, they encounter angry villagers, arrogant princes, mischievous fairies, and even a dragon or two!

Loads of tongue-in-cheek humor adds spirit to this fast-paced comedy with four female leads

MAX Participants = 18

Limited number of participants each session