St. Olaf Summer Theatre Camp
June 20 - 26, 2010


Join us for an exciting theatre experience at the St Olaf Summer Theatre Camp.  During this exciting and engaging offering, aspiring thespians experience many facets of theatre taught by creative professionals.

Residential Theatre Camp, ages 13 - 17
Explore many aspects of the theatre with others who love theatre as much as you do. We hope to instill in aspiring thepians a deeper understanding of what goes into producing theatre. Days are filled with classes, rehearsals and fun social activities. No prior theatre experience is required for this camp. The capstone of this experience includes a performance that showcases your recent work and creative discoveries.

Theatre Camp features
Movement: learn physical awareness through basic exploration of the Alexander Technique, which will help in creation of the physical lives of characters.
Vocal Expression: learn basic warm-up techniques which help the actor take care of their voice and learn how to use it to explore different characters.
Playwriting: New in 2010, discover how to write and compose material for use on stage.
Character Development: actors will learn how to express specific traits and physcial qualities of the characters they are playing.
Basic Stage Combat: explore the basic stances and moves for broadswords and single swords. Learn how to safely execute a stage slap and punch, falls and rolls.
Audition Techniques: tips and trick for successful auditions.
Theatre Backstage: participants learn about scenery, costumes, lighting and sound.
Theatre Games: increase performance and creative skills and learn supportive teamwork.
Musical Theatre: more than just jazz hands... develop the basics of singing, choreography, projection and character developement and character relationships as it relates to staging musicals.
Low camper to staff ratio

Campers choose from pre selected scenes and monologues - or are encouraged to write their own material.

Master Class Option
For advanced students

Features
Advanced Scene Study: break down scenes into individual beats and moments and explore multiple possibilities in line delivery and character choices.
Advanced Monologue Selection and preparation: directors will work with each student to select a minimum of two contrasting monologues uniquely suited to their strengths while still challenging them to push the envelope of their creativity.  This will allow them to have a selection of material ready for auditioning for school, community and professional theatre offerings.
Advanced Movement and Basic Period Styles: explore how to move and hold your body through the investigation of period (i.e. Restoration, Elizabethan, etc...) pieces.  We will discuss how society and clothing influences movement and posture.
Advanced Combat Scene: each participant will have a 1-3 minute scene choreographed for them and a partner.  This scene will explore more advanced combat techniques and focus on the inclusion of staged violence in the context of a selected scene.

How to register for Master Classes
To register for the Master Class Option, a student must have completed at least one session of our Summer Theatre Camp. (This can be waived if your director, teacher or counselor submits a recommendation). Submit a videotaped audition (DVD, VHS or online submission) showcasing their abilities.  Audition must include an introduction and a statement of what you would like to gain from the Master Class.  It should also include at least one monologue of no more than 1:30.  

The Theater Camp Directors
Directors Mishia Edwards and Todd Ewards are two creative professionals working in the field.

Room and Board
Students are housed in comfortable, secure residence halls. Stav Hall, the college cafeteria, offers healthy choices including salad bar, hot entrees, grilled meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, and desserts that vary daily.

The St. Olaf College Campus
St. Olaf College is located in historic Northfield, Minn. The self-contained campus is set atop beautiful Manitou Heights, offering striking views of neighboring farmland and the city of Northfield. This serene setting provides an ideal atmosphere for youth camps and other summer groups. Campers enjoy a beautiful, safe environment that fosters creativity in a nurturing environment.

Transportation Information for Theater Camp
Since many campers come from out of state, we provide a shuttle service to and from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International airport on Saturday and Sunday prior to and at the conclusion of camp. Shuttle times and fees can be found on our reservation form. Reservations must be made two weeks prior to the start of camp.

Camp fee $495
Camp fee with Master Class Option $595
Late fee: after May 15 Add $40
It is easy to register!
Print a registration form or register on-line
 

Comments from 2008 summer's participants:
"this is my favorite thing to do, and doing it for a whole week was awesome! "
" thank you for making this a worthwhile experience "
"I liked how everyone was like me"
"cool, fun, awesome, RAD! "
"I had so much fun and made many friends "
"I'll definitely come back next year"
"this was the greatest thing ever "

Refund Policy
Written cancellations received by May 14 are eligible for a full refund minus the $100 deposit. No refunds will be issued for cancellations after May 14. Substitutions are accepted.

For more information
call 507-786-3042 or 800-726-6523
email: summer@stolaf.edu
Directions to campus
Campus Map
Theater and the Fine Arts at St. Olaf College
About St. Olaf College