Summer Drama Camp
The Public Theatre is pleased to offer our
2011 PROFESSIONAL THEATRE TRAINING PROGRAM
FOR YOUNG ACTORS
In July 2010 we launched our inaugural Summer Professional Theatre Training Program. Taught by seasoned theatre professionals, our three-week long training program was a unique alternative to “Drama Camps” and the best place to start learning the tools for acting. Through our audition application process we accepted 15 students who took classes in stage combat, movement, voice and speech, singing, text analysis and a master acting class. The final week was an intensive rehearsal process which culminated in a public performance attended by over 100 people.
Due to the success of last year's program we will be expanding the 2011 summer programming. Whether you’re an experienced young performer wanting intensive theater training, or a “raw talent” looking to channel your creativity and imagination, this high quality theatre program will challenge and inspire you. Taught by theatre professionals, offering professional standards and insights, The Public Theatre’s Professional Theatre Training Program, open to ages 10 to 16, is a unique alternative to other “drama camps” and the best place to start learning the tools for acting.
Our Philosophy
Public Theatre Co-Artistic Director Janet Mitchko says, “We’re not looking to reinforce old habits by having the single focus the putting on of a play. Instead, we’re hoping to focus on the process of acting and develop the skills necessary to become a good actor. Our goal is to build each person’s skills in concentration and talking and listening and give the students a new consciousness of themselves as an instrument. Although there will ultimately be a performance piece, the goal of the piece is to showcase the skills they are learning, and reinforce a new way to think about performing.”
“Children today are often robbed of the richness of their imaginations”, says Mitchko. “In our busy world it’s convenient to put on television programs or videos to entertain our children, and the concept of “playing” can be forgotten. In this training program we give permission and free rein to each child to explore their imagination and intellect, and we encourage them to fully express themselves in ways that might surprise them.”
The newly expanded Training Program now has two sessions:
LEVEL ONE ACTOR TRAINING PROGRAM - Three Weeks
July 5 - 22, 2011
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
$475
This three week program, will include classes in stage combat, movement, voice and speech, singing and text analysis during the morning sessions. Afternoon sessions will be used for master acting classes and rehearsals. The program will culminate in a public performance at the end of the final week.
We encourage young actors to tap into their potential - making the process of creation as important and exciting as the final show. Students will learn to think on their feet and work as an ensemble, building self esteem, confidence, and acting skills, while having tons of fun.
LEVEL TWO ACTOR TRAINING PROGRAM - Two Weeks
July 25 - August 5, 2011
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
$325
The Level Two Actor Training Program is intended for students who have completed the LEVEL ONE program and are looking to continue their training. The number of students accepted into the Level Two class will be slightly smaller allowing for more individualized attention from the faculty.
This intensive two week acting program will include classes in stage combat, movement, voice and speech, singing, and text analysis during the morning sessions. Afternoon sessions will be used for master acting classes and rehearsals. The program will culminate in a public performance at the end of the final week of camp.
Application and Fees
Participation in our summer acting program is through audition only. Serious students who seek professional training are urged to apply.
• LEVEL ONE ACTOR TRAINING PROGRAM - $475.00
• LEVEL TWO ACTOR TRAINING PROGRAM - $325.00
Scholarships or discounted tuition will be available for a limited number of students with appropriate financial need.
Following Auditions, upon acceptance into the program, a non-refundable $50 deposit will be required to hold your space.
back to topAudition Information
Students interested in attending for this the program will be asked to audition with a memorized monologue of their own choosing. The monologue should be approximately one minute long and can be taken from a play, a poem, or adapted from another form of literature. Monologues that work best are those in which one character is talking to another character from whom they need something.
Also, please prepare a one-minute segment of a song which you may sing a cappella. Students should also provide a resume of their theatrical experience.
Auditions will be held at:
The Public Theatre - 31 Maple St., Lewiston
Saturday, May 7th - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Additional auditions, if needed, will be scheduled later in May.
You will be contacted upon receipt of your Audition Application for an Audition Appointment.
back to topHow to Apply
Download Summer Program Information Pack (PDF)
Download Audition Application (PDF)
Download Summer Program Information Pack (Word)
Download Audition Application (Word)
Send the completed registration materials to:
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The Public Theatre |
or email to... |
Scholarships
A limited amount of scholarship funds are available.
Those serious about pursuing acting are encouraged to apply regardless of their ability to pay. No scholarship application materials will be requested or accepted prior to the Audition process.
If, after acceptance into the program you would like to be considered for scholarship funds, please let us know no later than May 9th, so that we may forward the appropriate materials.
Scholarship Application Deadline: Friday, May 21
back to topRefund Policy
For registrations cancelled BY JUNE 21st
- Level 1 - $425 refund made by check ($475 minus the $50 non-refundable deposit)
- Level 2 - $275 refund made by check ($325 minus the $50 non-refundable deposit)
For registrations cancelled JUNE 22nd - June 28th
- Level 1 - $200 will be refunded via check
- Level 2 - $125 will be refunded via check
For registrations cancelled AFTER JUNE 28th, including after the class has begun
- No refunds will be issued
Program Staff
Faculty for our Summer Acting Camp includes:
Barbara Helen Baker - Program Director/ Master Acting Teacher
Ms. Baker has been writing, directing, teaching and performing in theatre for over 30 years. She is a member of Actors Equity Association, as well as SAG and AFTRA, and in 2000 appeared as Aunt Mae in The Public Theatre’s production of “Italian American Reconciliation”.
Since 1997 she has been committed to and focused primarily on training young actors, and is currently teaching in an acclaimed theatre program in San Antonio Texas. Continually interested in furthering her own education as an actress and teacher, she was recently selected to participate in the esteemed Master Acting Teacher Workshop with Ron Van Lieu, Chrisopher Bayes, Slava Dalgachev at The Actor’s Center in New York.
A former resident of Maine for many years, Ms. Baker is happy to return for the summer to spend some time with her grown family, and is eager to bring her theatrical experience back to the children of Maine. While living in Maine, Ms. Baker produced the Fame in Maine project which featured a 17 year old Patrick Dempsey.
Katy Cavanaugh Ameglio - Voice and Singing
A native of Wisconsin, Mrs. Ameglio worked as a professional singer, dancer, actress in New York and Los Angeles for 12 years. Credits include: Broadway/National tours: Cats (u/s Grizabella and Demeter), Anything Goes (Lincoln Center revival), Disney Magic (Snow White) at Radio City Music Hall. Off Broadway/ Regional: Leading roles in productions at Musical Theatre Works, NYC (Hamelin), York Theatre Company, NYC (Nephrotite), Robert Townsend Theatre Center, LA, Goodspeed Opera House (Phyllis in Mr. Cinders), Sharon Playhouse, CT (Lizzie in Baby and Sandy in Grease), North Carolina Theatre Company (Jesus Christ Superstar), Theatre by the Sea, NH (Gilmer in Godspell). Other favorite rolls include Sheila in Hair and Katy in Liz Swados’ Runaways. Other TV, Film, Music credits include: Little Feet (Chanticleer Films), Field in the Heart (Natural Company), Another World, numerous TV commercials, jingles, and industrial films, featured soloist in the Nashville Music Express, a Columbia Artists national tour (premiere performance at The Grand Ole Opry). Katy attended the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Musical Theatre major) and currently serves as faculty (applied arts, voice) at Waynflete School in Portland.
Angela Bonacasa - Stage Combat
Ms. Bonacasa relocated from Chicago to Maine in April of 2007. She is a Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors, as well as an experienced fight director, actress, director, monologue and scene coach, and has extensive experience as a workshop coordinator.
She has worked as a fight director and choreographer at theatres in Chicago, New York, and across the country on productions such as Romeo and Juliet, Richard III, Henry IV, Part 1, Macbeth, The Oresteia, and Peter Pan (and many more).
Every summer, Angela serves as the Coordinator for the North Carolina School of the Arts Summer Stage Combat Program, as well as being brought in throughout the year to serve as a scene coach and director of stage combat finals performed by NCSA sophomores and juniors.
Prior to her move, Angela was on staff of Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts and the Actors Gymnasium. She has also been a guest artist at numerous institutions, including the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Purdue University and Texas Tech. Most recently she has done fight direction and consulting for The Penobscot Theater Company, The Theater at Monmouth, Orono Community Theater, and the Belfast Maskers.
Janet Mitchko - Voice and Speech, Theatre Games
A professional actress, teacher and director for over 20 years, Janet is currently the Associate Artistic Director for The Public Theatre. In addition to performing at The Public Theatre, she also serves as its casting director and has directed over 20 acclaimed productions. Prior to her life in Maine she earned her living as an actress, director and acting teacher in NYC. Over the years she has been heard as the voice of KitchenAid as well as other numerous products. Teaching credits include: The American Academy or Dramatic Arts, Colby College, USM, Steppingstone Theatre, as well as private coaching. She is a graduate of the Acting program at Carnegie-Mellon University.
Christopher Schario - Guest Teacher
Christopher Schario has been a professional director and actor for 40 years. He has directed and performed Off-Broadway, national tours, regional theatre, summer stock, dinner theatre, films, television and commercials. He has taught acting and directing at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Carnegie-Mellon University, University of Colorado, University of Tennessee and privately in NYC. His adaptation of A Christmas Carol has been published by Dramatists Play Service and has been performed by professional and amateur theatres throughout the world. He is in his seventeenth season as the Artistic/Executive Director of The Public Theatre.
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