<p>My daughter attended the NHSI (Cherub) program for theater and loved it. There are NHSI programs in theater, music, film, debate and journalism running at the same time on campus. I can only speak to the theater portion since they are all run independently and the kids stay together by program. Note that you can only participate in the theater program if you are completing your junior year.</p>
<p>The theater kids were all grouped together in a great dorm at Northwestern which had its own common areas and a cafeteria. I think the journalism kids shared the cafeteria but not the dorm. Hers was an amazing, life changing experience that I can probably not describe adequately. She took a series of core classes in acting and voice (voice for the stage) and movement and then some electives (she picked improvisation, dance and something else). There was an emphasis on yoga and strengthening your inner core. The first day, all 150 kids performed monologues and then everyone was put into 10 groups of 15 kids each for plays – fairly randomly it seemed. The plays were fairly “out there” shows and none really featured a “lead” per se. They were clearly meant as vehicals for the kids to practice what they learned. Every Cherub has to “tech” for two shows as well. There is a stage management component to the program so each show was run by a student stage manager. At the end of the five week program, all ten shows are run twice for the kids and the parents. My D has had lots of leads in shows but came out of this program feeling like she had learned SO much. She felt that she was surrounded with so many talented kids and that the instruction was incredibly high. They saw several shows – both at Northwestern and in Chicago and had several trips into Chicago as a group. There were also Master Classes and a “College Night” where kids could question the faculty about different schools etc. The program did not specifically prepare you for the audition process, however.</p>
<p>She also took part in the two week musical theater extension. This is for 30 kids and is by audition. In the two week program, they had voice, dance, MT history and maybe acting(?). They performed a showcase for the parents at the end which was quite incredible.</p>
<p>There was this wonderful feeling of ensemble about the whole program. Everyone can only wear black, white or grey for the entire time (not for trips) so everyone begins to feel equal. My D’s play was extremely tight and she liked the fact that no one was a lead. She still keeps in touch with many of the kids. She would HIGHLY recommend the program and felt it really contributed to her growth as an actress.</p>