Theatre Design & Production Summer Program for Grades 6-8


Why Take Theatre Design & Production

This summer program is your opportunity to get hands-on experience in multiple areas of theatre design, production, and technology. You'll learn from professionals who are leaders in the fields of lighting design, set design, sound design and engineering, and stage management.

What You'll Learn

During your time at Interlochen's theatre production camp, you will work under the supervision of high-caliber theatre design and production faculty and alongside students from around the world who share your passion for theatre. You will have the opportunity to concentrate on your primary area of interest, while developing a variety of other design skills and supporting two public performances.

As a Theatre Design & Production student, you will:

  • Apply the elements and principles of design
  • Apply the varied and important technical roles that exist within a production environment
  • Fulfill at least one technical role on a publicly produced play or musical
  • Value your unique contribution to the storytelling process

Audition Requirements

Apply

First 3-Week Session

The first three-week summer session is your opportunity to get design-focused experience in multiple areas of theatre design. You’ll explore a variety of techniques—such as script analysis, character analysis, dramaturgical research, emotional response imagery, visual metaphor imagery, and first draft renderings—and share your designs in a final presentation. You'll learn from professionals who are leaders in the fields of lighting design, set design, sound design and engineering, and stage management.

Second 3-Week Session

The second three-week summer session is your opportunity to get production-focused experience in multiple areas of theatre (set, costumes, lights, sound, props). You will be assigned multiple production roles on theatre productions and enjoy in-class explorations of theatre tech topics. You'll learn from professionals who are leaders in the fields of lighting design, set design, sound design and engineering, and stage management.

Program Snapshot
Program Length
3 weeks
Program Dates
  • SESSION 1: June 22, 2025 to July 12, 2025
  • SESSION 2: July 13, 2025 to August 3, 2025
Tuition
$6,985
Age Range
Intermediate (Grades 6-8)
Deadline
  • SESSION 1: January 15, 2025
  • SESSION 2: January 15, 2025

Program Highlights

Venues & Facilities

Primary spaces for the Theatre Design & Production summer program are the Phoenix Theatre and the Phoenix Scene Shop. The program is also supported by the 5,600-square-foot, fully equipped Harvey Scene Shop and the Mallory Costume Shop, which houses a 15,000-piece collection and a 4,500-square-foot workroom.

Recreational Activities

This might be an arts camp, but it's still camp! In addition to theatre rehearsals, you'll have the chance to explore the woods and swim, play field games, and learn cool skills like archery.

Additional Opportunities

Interlochen is also home to the Arts Academy boarding high school, which offers theatre programs in Acting, Musical Theatre, and Theatre Design & Production for grades 9-12, as well as a post-graduate year.

Program Specialties

At Interlochen you'll get a well-rounded view of the behind-the-scenes theatre-making process. Focus areas and specialties include but are not limited to:

  • Lighting design
  • Set design
  • Costume design
  • Sound design and engineering
  • Stage management

Meet the Faculty

Our summer faculty is here to help you grow as an artist, designer, or theatre technician. The theatre faculty have established careers in theatre and theatre education, and are equally passionate.

Please note the gallery may showcase previous instructors.

All Faculty

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Camp with a free digital viewbook

Camp 2025 Viewbook Graphic

In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about: 

  • Each of our seven arts areas 
  • Various programs 
  • Renowned faculty 
  • A day in the life of a student 
  • How to apply and financial aid information 
  • And more