Summer Young Actors' Academy Announced by Spotlighters

 The Audrey Herman SPOTLIGHTERS Theatre announces the 2007 YOUNG ACTORS' ACADEMY, a five week summer theatre academy for Baltimore area youth, ages 13 to 17, July 9 through August 9, 2007.

The Academy Program:

• The 2007 program will run from 9:00AM until 4:00PM, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; and will include lunch each day.
• Each day begins with a 30 minute Check-In followed by a 30 minute Physical/Mental Warm-Up.
• The first session of the day is a 90 minute Acting Intensive that will focus on Acting Skills and Methods.
• At 11:30, the Theatre History Session that will focus on the origins of theatre, from the ancient Greek and Asian styles, through the Renaissance period and into the modern era. (Homework will be assigned!)
• Lunch (30 minutes) will give the participants a break and time to relax, before the afternoon Special Focus Sessions.
• The Special Focus Sessions (90 minutes) will include such daily topics as Improv Acting, Comedic Acting, Audition Preparation, Voice and Projection, Movement and Dance, Stage Combat, Musical Theatre, Make-up and other technical aspects of theatre. The Special Focus Sessions are designed to cover the full spectrum of the theatre experience.
• The day will end with a 90 minute Rehearsal for the Young Actors' Academy Fall Production.

The Cost:

• At this time, the cost per youth is $425.
• If paid in full by June 1, 2007, there will be a 10% reduction ($380).
• The applicant may include a $150 deposit with the application, with a second $150 payment due on July 10 and then a final $125 payment on July 17.
• If an applicant withdraws prior to the start of the program, all funds paid will be refunded, less a $50 administrative fee.
• Once the program has started, the refund will be prorated upon attendance.

It is hoped that corporate sponsorships or grant funding will allow for reduced cost to all students and also for expansion of the program. Corporate sponsorships of just $10,000 will underwrite the entire program and reduce student cost to just $250. All corporate and individual program sponsors will be recognized in all marketing and press materials as well as during the Academy production in the Fall season.

Parents of youth in the program are encouraged to seek sponsorships and donations from businesses and community organizations to underwrite the cost of the program.

Scholarships will be provided on a financial need basis for students desiring theatre education and training. A letter of recommendation from either the student's school or another local theatre company will be required. For more information, please contact SPOTLIGHTERS Theatre - Young Actors' Academy.

The Application:

• The program will be limited to twenty-five (25) participants.
• The deadline for initial applications will be June 1, 2007.
• Applications will be taken on a first come first served basis.
• Recommendations from community and school leaders will be used to assist in making a determination for those that apply after June 1.
• The final deadline for application will be July 1.
• All applicants will receive notification by letter as soon as their application has been reviewed and a determination made.
• Applications are available on the website http://www.spotlighters.org/Acad07.htm
• Completed applications may be faxed to 410-366-5434
• mailed to SPOTLIGHTERS Theatre at 817 Saint Paul Street - Baltimore, MD 21202.

More Information:

Phone: 410-752-1225

Email: FUZZ Roark, Executive Director at fuzz@spotlighters.org.

PHOTO: 2006 Summer Academy Participants in Hamlette and Mmmbeth.  Photo by Amy Jones.