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
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 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
Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Camp with a free digital viewbook
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