Boston Conservatory at Berklee Youth Musical Theater Summer Program

Musical theater students jump together on stage with hands in the air

Boston Conservatory at Berklee Youth Musical Theater Summer Program is a one- to two-week program for young artists between the ages of 12 and 14 who are passionate about musical theater and want to be challenged to expand their skills within a supportive global community of peers and award-winning faculty.

This program is the perfect introduction for students who have always wanted to give theater a try, as well as those who have already gotten started and wish to advance their craft. The Youth Musical Theater Summer Program is also ideal for those considering one of our high school-level summer intensives in the future and want to sample Boston Conservatory’s signature training paced for younger students.

2022 Program Information

Program dates:
Week 1	August 1–5, 2022
Week 2	August 8–12, 2022
Application Fee:	$50 (non-refundable)
Tuition:	$675 per week
Payment deadline:	June 1
Program Check-In:
Week 1	Monday, August 1 from 8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Week 2	Monday, August 8 from 8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.

Preparation and Placement

Students should wear movement-friendly clothing (loose shorts and long tee-shirts are fine), including sneakers or flat dance shoes (no flip-flops or sandals). If weather permits, classes may be held outside. Since the air temperature inside the studios may vary, students should dress in layers so that they may adjust to be as comfortable as possible.

At the beginning of the program, students will be given a folder in which to hold their script and should bring their folder to the Conservatory each day. Students are expected to attend all days for the duration of the session.

Below is a list of items students should be prepared to bring:

Refillable water bottle
Dance bag with all of the student's dance shoes and extra clothes
Colored pencils and a sharpener
Healthy snacks

Though not required, students are permitted to bring laptops, computers, tablets, etc. Wireless internet and electrical outlet plugs are provided throughout the campus. Please keep in mind that it is the student’s responsibility to keep their items safe. Boston Conservatory at Berklee is not responsible for the loss of these items.

Sample Curriculum and Daily Schedule

Each day, students will engage in a variety of fun and inclusive exercises and lessons that will help them develop foundational skills to become collaborative musical theater performers. Specifically, students will explore the areas of acting, singing, dancing, and playwriting within a safe learning environment. All activities are hands-on, and all students are expected to participate fully. Each day will have an energetic “camp-like” feel, including warmups and games, and group discussions, among other things.

Sample Schedule

Monday	Activities
8:45 a.m.–9:00 a.m.	Drop-off/Welcome
9:15 a.m.–10:30 a.m.	Introductions/Warm-ups
10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.	Dance Class
12:15 p.m.–1: 00 p.m.	*Lunch
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.	Voice auditions/Acting Workshop
2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.	Group Music and Text
3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.	Wrap-up
4:00 p.m.	Pick-up
Tuesday	Activities
8:45 a.m.–9:00 a.m.	Check-in
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.	Warm-ups
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.	Plot and World of the Play
12:15 p.m.–1:00 p.m.	*Lunch
1:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m.	Small Groups: Dance, Music, Acting
3:15 p.m.–4:00 p.m.	Wrap-up
4:00 p.m.	Pick-up
Wednesday–Thursday	Activities
8:45 a.m.–9:00 a.m.	Check-in
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.	Warm-up
10:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.	Small Groups: Dance, Music, Acting
12:15 p.m.–1:00 p.m.	*Lunch
1:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.	Stumble/Work-through
3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.	Wrap-up
4:00 p.m.	Pick-up
Friday	Activities
8:45 a.m.–9:00 a.m.	Check-in
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.	Warm-ups
10:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.	Run-through
12:15 p.m.–1:00 p.m.	*Lunch
1:00 p.m.–2:45 p.m.	Warm-ups: Dance, Singing Voice
3:00 p.m.–3:45 p.m.	Sharing with Friends and Family
3:45 p.m.–4:00 p.m.	Closing
4:00 p.m.	Pick-up

Instructors

This program is led by Joy Arcolano and includes a faculty composed of Boston Conservatory instructors who have extensive knowledge and experience working with students in this age range. All of them bring the highest artistic and educational standards to the classroom in an enjoyable and engaging environment, making this program truly exceptional. Learn more about Arcolano.

Joy Arcolano, Ed.M., Director, is an award-winning actor and teaching artist with more than 20 years of experience helping learners find their voice through theater. An assistant professor in Boston Conservatory’s Theater and Dance divisions, Arcolano teaches Heightened Language, Vocal Physical Connections, and Voice Over. Recognized as a HubWeek ChangeMaker, Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative Teaching Partner, Lincoln Center Education Teaching Artist Leader, and Founding Emeritus Chair of Continuing the Conversation at the Harvard Graduate School of Education Arts in Education program, Arcolano strives to combine cutting-edge educational research with the realities of the classroom and studio to instill best practices of theater education in the next generation of theater changemakers. She has directed more than 60 residencies in pre-K–12 public, private, and independent schools as well as at theater companies throughout New England with her company, Playhouse Education. Arcolano trained and taught at both Shakespeare & Company and the New York State Theatre Institute.

How to Register

Questions? Contact the Berklee Summer Programs Office by email at summer@berklee.edu or by phone at +1 617-747-2245. View additional contact information.

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