<p>A summer theater intensive is definitely appropriate for age 13! Simply suggesting that the pre-college programs are not where your focus should be as most will not take that age. But pre-college programs are just one type of summer theater intensive and not necessary (though great of course). As an example, my own kid did summer MT intensives for 8 summers starting at age 9 1/2 and never did a pre-college program. The ones I listed above have very good reputations, along with your D’s interest in the Interlochen program. She is surely not too young by any means. My kids went away much younger than that to intensives for six weeks. So, I think you are doing a positive thing to look into such options now given your D’s interest.</p>