“In theory, theory and practice are the same.
In practice, they are not.”
— Albert Einstein
Our approach: Learn by doing.
The best way to learn how to “go pro”, is to do as the pros do. That’s where we come in…
At The U.P. Summer Theater Institute, young Performers and Tech/Design students (current 6th-11th graders) are immersed in the three week process of putting up a full-scale, full-length musical. They are led through this process by a diverse team of artists, designers, and technicians from the stages of Broadway, Off-Broadway, and nationally renowned regional theaters.
Rather than a theoretical or recreational approach, we help young theatermakers learn how to prepare for a role in a professional show through applied learning (i.e. “learn by doing”). We believe this best prepares and trains them to be able to integrate all of their skills, technique, and talent into performance and collaboration…and more importantly-it is FUN!
Our Process
In Broadway Bound, theatermakers follow the rigorous, 3 week regional theater rehearsal model to mount a full-length musical production.
During the first two weeks, our Performers are immersed in full-time rehearsal 6 days a week with the Artistic Team (Director/Choreographer/Music Director). Our Tech/Design students actively work under the mentorship of our Production Team (professional designers and technicians) to build the show that a paying, public audience will see at the end of the program.
In the third week, theatermakers come together for the “Tech” process. This means we move from the rehearsal room to the stage, where we integrate all of the technical and design elements such as the set, lights, sound, costumes, orchestra, etc. into the show.
The third weekend culminates in multiple public performances for a paying public audience on the state-of-the-art stage at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts! Your journey can end there, or…
Theatermakers have the option to extend their time with us by staying on for a 4th week together in Theater Workshop @ UPSTI. We shift gears from full musical production to educational focused, technique based learning as we take a deep dive into masterclasses and specialty education (hello Shakespeare!) taught by industry experts. Theater Workshop concludes in yet another performance opportunity, this time in the style of a college showcase for family and friends.
You belong here. Whether you long to shine onstage under the spotlight, or you enjoy working the sound board and building costumes…we have a place for you.
Our theater makers can choose to the Performer Track, or the Tech/Design Track. To find out more about each program, click on the button link below.
Tell me more about performing vs. tech and design!
The bottom line details for 2022:
When:
Broadway Bound:
Performers: Ages 11-17 or Current 6th-11th graders
Tech/Design: Ages 13-17 or Current 8th-11th graders
July 11th-31st, (Orientation and Travel Day is July 10th)
Option to extend programming and add on additional week with Theater Workshop, August 1-6 at special rate
Theater Workshop @ UPSTI:
Ages 11-17 or Current 6th-11th graders
August 1st-August 6th
Check out our 2022 Programs Page for more details and to register now!
How Much:
Broadway Bound:
$1800 Local/Commuter Student
$3600 Theatermaker-in-Residence
Theater Workshop @ UPSTI:
$600 (Note: We cannot offer housing for this program at this time.)
Broadway Bound Extension:
$2250 Local/Commuter
$4000 Theatermaker-in-Residence
PAYMENT PLANS AND SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR ALL PROGRAMS!
For more information on our 2022 programs, click here!
Out of consideration for the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and to align with our values of equitable accessibility to theater education, we offer payment plans and limited scholarships for all of our programs to those in need.
Where:
The in-person programs of The U.P. Summer Theater Institute take place in the stunning, picturesque university town of Houghton, Michigan at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts.