“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 four week process of putting up a full-scale, full-length musical. They are led through this process by a diverse team of professional 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
The theatermakers follow the rigorous, 3 week regional theater rehearsal model to mount a full-length musical production. 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. We celebrate Opening Night as the weekend culminates in multiple public performances for a paying audience full of family, friends, and the surrounding community on the state-of-the-art stage at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts!
During the fourth week, theatermakers dive into masterclasses and specialty education (hello Shakespeare!) with industry experts, and round up their final UPSTI weekend with another exciting weekend of performances.
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 focus on either Performing emphasis, or Tech/Design emphasis. 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:
June 27th through August 7th
Programs, rates, dates and details to be announced in late January. Stay tuned!
How Much:
Programs, rates, dates and details to be announced in late January. Stay tuned!
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 will offer scholarships and payment plans 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.
For those of you who can’t make it to us in person, we also bring Broadway to your backyard with our virtual programs! From the comfort of your home or wherever you are spending your summer, you can experience the same Broadway credited faculty and the U.P. Summer Theater magic you’ve come to know and love!