Sharpen Your Skills This Summer!
Now that classes have ended for the summer, it can be tempting to stop thinking about musical theatre for a few months, but the summer can be an amazing time to sharpen your skills! There are numerous intensives and summer programs across the city which can allow students to gain a fresh perspective on their theatre training, and learn from new instructors. We’ve compiled some of our favourites in this blog post!
The Masterclass Series
Founded by the late Paul Aikins, the Masterclass Series has often been associated with the Etobicoke School of the Arts as many teachers and guest artists participate in the intensive program. Today, it is run by the school’s Music Theatre department head, Patricia Warnock, and director and dramaturge Sharon Heldt. Several IADA students have previously taken part in the program and greatly benefited from the training. If you are looking to brush up on your acting and dance skills, this is a great opportunity!
Learn more at Masterclass-Series.com.
Soulpepper Curtain Up Juniors
Soulpepper Theatre’s signature Curtain Up program provides performers aged 14-17 with the chance to learn from an industry professional in a small group setting. This year’s program, entitled Transforming Your Stories focuses on playwriting, and is led by playwright, translator, and teacher Paula Wing! The best part about Soulpepper’s programs is that they are completely free for those who are admitted to the intensive. If you’ve always wanted to delve into creating characters, writing dialogue, and like learning in a fast-paced, collaborative setting—don’t pass up your chance to apply!
Learn more at Soulpepper.ca.
Stratford Festival Theatre Arts Camp
In addition to the renowned musical and dramatic productions on display at the Stratford Festival each year, the Festival has run an overnight theatre camp for aspiring young performers for the past 20 years! Participants benefit from a variety of workshops, discussions, rehearsals, and visits to the theatre in an immersive environment with professional theatre artists. Camps are categorized by grades and topics including: Theatre Foundations, Musical Theatre, Shakespeare, and Theatre Production. Spots in the camp fill up quick, so make sure to secure your spot as soon as possible!
Learn more at StratfordFestival.ca.
Open Jar Broadway Intensives
Looking to travel this summer? What better place to train in musical theatre than in the heart of the big apple! There are many intensive programs and classes in New York city, but among our favourites is the Open Jar intensive. Participants are grouped with others in their age group and learn from Broadway actors such as Joshua Henry, Alex Brightman, Laura Osnes, and Afra Hines! If you’re ready to take advantage of your time off from classes in a major way, don’t wait to submit your audition!
Learn more at OpenJarInstitute.com.
Innovative Arts Summer Camps and Intensives
Perhaps you’re looking for something familiar that is closer to home. Consider registering for a summer camp at the Innovative Arts studios to try out new musical repertoire and make new friends! This summer, our senior musical theatre camp theme is “Dancing Queen” and students will tackle a variety of song and dance numbers in a live mini musical. If you’re more into acting for film, our senior intensive runs over three nights as students work on scene study and character development with a professional instructor, and get to add new footage to their portfolio!
Learn more at InnovativeArts.com.
This article has merely scratched the surface of all of the excellent opportunities available over the summer. We encourage all IADA students to seize these opportunities to learn from new teachers, make new friends, and keep up their training until classes resume next year!
