Alyx86

Hi!
I'm a 21-year-old sophomore in college and am just taking my first acting class. (I've been performing for longer, though.) I absolutely fell in love with it. I would LOVE to participate in a summer program -- one that teaches me in-depth acting techniques while still allowing me to perform and be around the theatre world in (at least) a semi-professional manner.

My problem is that most of the programs I've found are either geared toward a younger demographic (kids or up to 20) or involve an intense audition with multiple monologues. As I previously stated, I don't have much acting experience -- especially in comparison with someone my age -- and don't know if I could perform the monologues adequately. Therefore, I would prefer a program that is more based on teaching and less competitive.

Is this even possible? Also... I'm ideally looking for a program in the Greater Boston area, but Western Massachusetts and New York would also be awesome. Any help you can provide would be much appreciated!! :]

KatMT

I think that Yale has an intensive acting summer program in New Haven. One of my students did the program last summer and loved it. They do also have younger kids, but I believe that the HS age students and the college age students are split into different groups.

You may also want to look at Circle in the Square in NYC.

Alyx86

Thank you so much for your advice, Kat!

Mikksmom

there are several in NYC - most of the Tisch studios are independant groups who offer summer programs for adults- Adler, Cap and Actors Workshop are 3 who come to mind right away!

Good luck!

ktmom

Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theater in NYC has a summer program for ages 18 and older. According to their website, "It is designed for people with varying levels of previous experience as well as for those who want initial training"

Alyx86

Wow, thank you all so much for your suggestions! I really appreciate it!

One more question... Does anyone know how competitive these programs are (especially Neighborhood Playhouse School and Adler) to get into? I saw that they don't require auditions - which is good! - but I don't know if a ton of people apply to them. Thanks! :]

Melsmom

Would shakespeare interest you? There is a group here in CT with a reasonably priced internship while doing an outdoor performance. They are a relatively new group and I've seen audition notices both locally and online for their summer production. The audition is next week, and it's closer than NY plus for ages 19-25. They especially want males, I can't tell from your profile name if you are or not!
www.art-farm.org - Apprentice program/internships

Alyx86

I would just like to preface this by saying that I don't mean to be a bother and take over your board.

That being said, I'm still having a lot of difficulty finding a summer acting program. I've found two so far that I like: Adler and Neighborhood Playhouse School. (Thanks to Mikksmom and ktmom for your help!) But I'm a little concerned about NPS because it requires you to take a dance class and I'm not a dancer by any means. (I tried when I was younger and it didn't go over too well!) So I'm afraid that it wouldn't be a good use of my money because I don't intend to go into dance or music. I also realized just how expensive it would be to live in NYC for the summer, especially combined with the actual cost of the program.

Would anyone have any suggestions of places in the Greater Boston area? Or in Western Massachusetts? I've tried looking at some local colleges with no luck (most are for pre-college kids). Are there any privately owned studios that I'm just not finding? Thank you so much! :]

mizlyn

Alyx86,

If you contact StageSource, the Greater Boston Theatre Alliance, they might have some suggestions. They often list small technique classes taught by excellent professionals, which can be a great start. But I'm not sure about programs that involve theatrical performances. They might be worth a call or email...