July 5-18, 2009
(Please note: AU also offers summer theater day camps for younger children. Please see further information at the bottom of this page.)
Application Deadline: April 15, 2009
 Alfred University welcomes high school students to campus to take part in this high-powered Theater Institute. This intensive program is for students interested in learning more about theater production and performance. Students work on improving skills and developing new levels of expertise in two or three areas of performance and/or technical theater.
The Program
The institute provides opportunities to experiment, create, and train in a range of theater areas: costumes, scenery, lighting, props, stage managing, acting, movement for actors, voice for actors, and text analysis. In morning and afternoon sessions, students participate in a variety of experiences and exercises designed to cover such topics as character development, style of movement, voice production, collaboration, designing, improvisation, and theatrical problem-solving. Through workshops and seminars, participants create their own work, often in collaboration with others. Lively, constructive discussions and frequent one-on-one interactions with faculty for each project or experience lead to exciting development and growth. The institute will conclude with a public performance of scenes and at least one rehearsed short play.
 Other Activities
When not in class or rehearsal, students enjoy planned activities on campus as well as free time for relaxation. At least one trip to a professional theater will be arranged as a weekend experience. Other planned activities may include indoor and outdoor games, movies, a visit to nearby Foster Lake for a picnic or campfire and swimming, social gatherings at the Terra Cotta Coffee House and a farewell party on the last night. Living, dining, and learning together, students have ample opportunity to get to know each other and develop lasting friendships.
Who Can Attend?
This dynamic institute is for students who will enter grades 10, 11 or 12 next fall. The number of participants is kept small (20-25) to allow for individualized attention.
The Faculty
Dr. Becky Prophet, AU Professor of Theater, teaches acting, directing and playwriting, and serves as the Director of the Summer Theater Institute. Questions about the content of this institute should be directed to her. Professor Prophet can be reached at her office: 607.871.2255 or via email.
Zachary Hamm, AU Technical Director of Performing Arts, will also provide instruction.Â
The faculty also includes advanced AU theater students, who serve as teaching assistants.
Supervision
When institute participants are not in workshop sessions or rehearsals, they are supervised by specially-trained Resident Directors (RDs) and Resident Advisors (RAs) who serve as camp counselors, mentors, role models and friends.
 Tuition, Room and Board
Students arrive on Sunday afternoon July 5 and leave after lunch on Saturday, July 18. The institute fee is $1,995* (includes a $200 deposit). This covers tuition, supervision, program materials, field trip, recreational activities, room and board from dinner on the first day through lunch on the last day. Students stay in residence halls (2 per room). Students must provide their own pillows, blankets and bed/bath linens (bed linens must fit the extra-long twin residence hall beds). Meals are served in the campus dining hall.
Each participant is responsible for transportation, incidentals and any extra nights or meals. Details and directions will be sent to all students upon acceptance. If, for any reason, a participant must be sent home early, all expenses will be paid by the student/parent.
*There will be a $25 charge for checks returned for insufficient funds.
Financial Aid
Sorry, there are no scholarships or other forms of financial aid available for campers in any of our summer programs.
Application Procedure
Students who wish to apply must return:
1. a completed application form (Please click on the underlined words to open the PDF file. Then simply print the form, fill it out, and send it back to us with the other required materials.)
2. a copy of an up-to-date transcript or report card
3. two letters of recommendation from teachers (one being from a teacher who worked with the student in a performance setting), on official school stationery
4. a one-page essay telling us why you would like to attend and what you think you’ll gain from the experience (in your own words, with your signature at the bottom)
5. a recent photo (headshot if possible)
6. a $200 deposit (non-refundable unless you are not accepted into the program). Full payment of the balance ($1,795) is due by May 29. (Sorry, no financial aid or scholarships are available.)
Please send all items in one packet and submit by the the application deadline: April 15, 2009. (Later applications may be considered only if space is available. Please call 607.871.2612 to check availability after the deadline.) Incomplete or illegible applications cannot be accepted.
Send to: Office of Summer Programs, Alfred University, Saxon Drive, Alfred, NY 14802 or fax to 607.871.2045. (If you fax these materials to us, please call 607.871.2612 to make sure we received them and that they are readable.)
Acceptance
The Institute Admissions Committee will evaluate all applications and determine which students will be accepted. Acceptance and non-acceptance letters will be mailed by April 30. Students requiring an earlier decision should include a note with the application form indicating the date by which they need to be notified. (If a student is not accepted the $200 deposit will be refunded.)
Accepted students will receive, along with the acceptance letter, additional materials including medical forms, liability releases, emergency notification forms, etc. These materials must be filled out as soon as possible and must be back in our hands by May 29. Updated immunization information (including dates) is also required at that time. If you do not have updated immunization information on hand, you may want to acquire this from your physician now to avoid processing delays.
Cancellation Policy
Refunds, less the $200 non-refundable deposit, will be made for cancellations received by June 5. A 50% refund will be made for cancellations received from June 6-19. We cannot make refunds to students who cancel after June 19 because we must hire staff, purchase materials, arrange for meals and confirm classroom and housing space long before the start of our summer programs. We base all of these arrangements on the number of students accepted into each camp or institute and cannot make changes after contracts are signed and commitments are made.
Questions?
For further general information contact the Office of Summer Programs at 607.871.2612. A copy of the institute application is available in PDF form at application. If you are not able to open it, please contact us and we will send or fax one to you. For specific information concerning institute content please contact Dr. Becky Prophet, Institute Director, at 607.871.2255 or via email.
Comments from Past Participants
"All my theater classes were amazing and the technical sessions especially helped. We covered lighting, sounds, stage management, design, construction of set, prop management, voice for actors, movement, text analysis, and on and on. I learned so much!" - Olivia E. from Japan
"Theater class was amazing every minute! I learned techniques, warm-ups, energy exercises, stretches, vocal warm-ups and strategies." - Carol F. from Lititz, PA
"I loved every aspect of the theater class. It was great that we started out with games and activities and continued on to memorize and put together an entire show! There was just the right amount of structure and fun. I learned how to really have motivation for every single one of my lines. Another thing I learned was the real importance of the ensemble." - Najah M. from Beacon, NY
"I learned so much that will make me a better actor, and I learned so much about tech theater too! " - Emily M. from Towson, MD
"I learned to be a better actor and express myself. " - Eric W. from Hornell, NY
"I learned how to work as a better crew member and to just have fun with everything!" - Rachel H. from Pickerinton, OH
"I learned so much and improved different acting techniques." - Sean S. from Dansville, NY
About Alfred
Alfred University is located in the Village of Alfred in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Western New York State. The campus, a 6-hour drive from New York City, 2 hours from Buffalo, and 1 1/4 hours from Rochester, is easily accessible by car or bus from all directions and is just five miles south of Interstate 86. The nearest major airport is the Rochester International Airport (about 65 mi. north). Transportation to/from the airport can be provided for an additional charge if we receive your request by the due date indicated in your acceptance letter. After that date campers must make their own arrangements with an airport limo service.
Theater Day Camps
The AU Theater Day Camp Program is for kids who have completed grades 3-9
(1 or 2-week program):
Week I - June 29-July 3, 2009
Week II - June 6-10, 2009
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Program fee: $150 per week
Features
The emphasis of these camps is on learning and lots of fun! Participants will be divided into two groups.
The younger group (grades 3-6) will focus on theater games, improvisation and preparation for a short performance on the last day of their two-week program.
The older group (grades 7-9) will focus on acting, development of costumes and props and preparation for a short production also presented on the last day.
Program Director
The Summer Theater Program Director is Dr. Becky Prophet, Alfred University Professor of Theater.
Registration Deadline
The registration deadline for the day camp program is June 12, 2009. To register, please complete the registration form and send it to the address indicated on the form so it is received on or before the deadline. For further information please contact the Division of Performing Arts at 607.871.2562 or via email.
This information is subject to change. |
