Penobscot Theatre Company’s Dramatic Academy invites students to act up all summer

Dramatic Academy Young Adult Ensemble performs RENT, summer 2013. (photo courtesy c2k).

Dramatic Academy Young Adult Ensemble performs RENT, summer 2013. (photo courtesy c2k).

Registration is now open for Penobscot Theatre Company’s Dramatic Academy Summer 2014, and students aged 4 to 20 are encouraged to sign-up. “With seven weeks of exciting programming planned, including a brand-new Tech Track, we’re offering more this summer than ever before,” said Jasmine Ireland, Director of Education and Outreach. Dramatic Academy Summer is divided this year into two sessions, and each culminates in full productions on our historic main stage. In addition to rehearsing, students attend classes on improvisation, theatre history, movement, and more, led by seasoned teaching artists and industry professionals. No audition is required, just eagerness to learn and a love of the dramatic arts!

 

PTC's Dramatic Academy Summer musical theater session will perform Hairspray.

PTC’s Dramatic Academy Summer musical theater session will perform Hairspray.

Session 1: Hairspray

June 23 – July 18

Performances July 18, 19, and 20

 

Sing, dance, and be a part of the feel-good musical that won eight Tony Awards and left audiences cheering for big-haired and big-hearted teenager, Tracy Turnblad! This wildly funny show celebrating diversity features lots of energetic production numbers and includes roles for a wide cross-section of students.  Each age group will perform their own full or condensed version of this musical theater hit!

Jr. and Youth Troupers perform "The Suessification of Romeo & Juliet" while studying "straight plays." summer 2013 (photo c2k photography).

Jr. and Youth Troupers perform “The Suessification of Romeo & Juliet” while studying “straight plays.” summer 2013 (photo c2k photography).

Session 2: Go Greek

July 28 – August 15

Performances: August 15, 16, and 17

 

Go back to the birthplace of theatre and bring a unique Greek myth to life with gods, goddesses, togas, and lots of drama! Fresh, age-appropriate stories give a modern twist to classic tales, from “Go Greek!” and “The Seussodyssey” for our youngest thespians to “The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza” for middle-school students and “Tiger at the Gates” for young adults. Iconic historical figures, monsters, and zombies all make an appearance during our summer expedition to another time and place.

Dramatic Academy to pilot "Tech Track" program.

Dramatic Academy to pilot “Tech Track” program.

New this summer, PTC is piloting Tech Track during Session 1, a special course of study for those who love to work behind the scenes. Areas of focus will include set design and construction, stage management, prop design and construction, costuming, lighting, and sound. Because production and performance go hand-in-hand, Techies will also have the opportunity to learn alongside their performing peers. Through Tech Track, students will get valuable hands-on training and play an integral role in preparing for and executing Dramatic Academy’s summer shows.

 

 

Faculty for Dramatic Academy Summer 2014 will include teaching artists Ben Layman, Brad LaBree, Alek Sayers, Tricia Hobbs, and Meredith Perry. Classes will run Monday through Friday from 9:00 am-12:00 pm (lunch noon-1:00 pm optional) for student aged 4-6; 9:00 am-4:00 pm for students aged 7-13; and 1:00-8:00 pm for students aged 14-20. During Session 1, Tech Track will run daily Monday through Friday from 9:00 am-4:00 pm.

 

For more information, visit www.penobscottheatre.org and click on the Education tab.