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Discover the opportunities offered by the UCLA Department of Theater through its Summer Institutes and Workshops designed for aspiring artists. Participants will have the chance to enhance their skills while receiving training from highly qualified faculty in a nurturing environment that encourages creativity and networking. For more details, visit the official page.
Dolann Adams, who oversees Special Programs at the UCLA Department of Theater, provides insights into these unique offerings.
What are the Summer Institutes and what makes them different from other programs?
The UCLA Summer Institutes are immersive two- and three-week sessions aimed at both high school and college students, offering them a chance to receive expert training from one of the nation’s leading theater departments. These institutes provide a conservatory-style experience, catering to the growth of individual artists while fostering a collaborative environment. The emphasis on ensemble work mirrors the undergraduate experience at UCLA, aiming to create a similar atmosphere for all participants.
Can you explain the Summer Workshops?
The Summer Workshops are designed as five-day non-credit programs focusing on acting for the camera and musical theater. Running from 9 AM to 6 PM, these intensive sessions do not provide housing. Attendees will participate in a variety of classes covering acting techniques, audition practices, movement, scene work, and vocal training. Through these courses, students acquire skills for effectively engaging with the camera, developing performances, and mastering the intricacies of musical theater. Participants will leave with a method to dissect scripts, enabling them to make informed choices during auditions.
What programs are available?                                        Â
(Click on the program name for more information)
This summer marks the return of popular pre-college summer institutes, with exciting additions planned for 2025.
*INTRODUCING in 2025* a new offering…
Intermediate Acting—This intensive program is tailored for students aged 18 and above aspiring to careers in the performing arts. Participants will delve into acting techniques suited for both stage and film, along with training in audition methods, improvisation, and sketch comedy. This comprehensive curriculum will help students build their relationship with the camera and enhance their script analysis skills. Beyond classroom instruction, students will engage in guest-led workshops, visit Hollywood studios, and enjoy improv gatherings.
Why is training so critical for an actor’s success?
In an ever-evolving entertainment landscape, artists must continuously adapt. Our workshops are structured to address the diverse needs of students, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in a dynamic industry.
What should students anticipate from the program?
Students participating in the program can look forward to engaging in an array of classes and practical workshops that include vocal training, dance, acting, and various performance techniques. They will acquire a broad set of skills relevant to their artistic development. For instance, actors will not only create original content but also learn to edit their audition videos, while musical theater performers will refine their physicality and vocal abilities to bring characters to life.
Is there an audition process or skill level requirement for enrollment?
While there is no strict requirement for skill level, students must register and provide audition materials, including a video of themselves performing a monologue or song.
Why should students participate in these programs?
The UCLA Summer Workshops create a supportive environment where students can connect, innovate, and collaborate artistically. Our dedicated instructors aim to empower students by helping them make authentic artistic choices in a hands-on, experiential learning setting.
For inquiries regarding summer 2025, feel free to reach out via email at theatersummerinstitutes@tft.ucla.edu. Connect with us on Instagram and TikTok at @ucla_tsi for updates.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com