Pennsylvania Theatre Institute

At the Pennsylvania Theatre Institute at West Chester University, our teachers aren't just award-winning professional actors, designers, musicians, and improvisors with lengthy careers in the Philadelphia region. They are also world-class educators and university professors, with years of experience teaching, coaching, and mentoring young artists.

In 2021, we are reopening our state-of-the-art facilities at WCU with all eyes on creating a safe and welcoming space for students to return to classes and camp. Students will train in acting, improvisation, movement, voice, dance, and theatrical design, grouped into pods with consideration for overall health and safety. Spaces in our programs are limited - register today!

Pennsylvania Theatre Institute will adhere to CDC recommendations for all activities and events. Please expect thorough communication about specific safety policies as the camp start date approaches.

YOUNG COMPANY - AGES 8-14 (August 2021)

The Young Company is a two-week summer day camp program for students ages 8-14 who are interested in theatre arts. Whether you’re a class clown, a drama club all-star, or need a confidence boost to get you out of the wings, our instructors will have you playing games, laughing, singing, dancing, acting, designing, and making friends in no time.

Sample Day
Camp begins at 9 am and ends at 4pm, Monday – Friday. During the mornings, students will take classes taught by faculty members and working professionals in acting, voice, dance, improvisation, and design. During the afternoons, students will create and rehearse an original showcase performance that will highlight their work in each course area. All classes will be held on the campus of West Chester University at the E.O. Bull Center. Due to COVID-19, please be aware that we are modifying our traditional "final performance" for friends and family to adhere to CDC guidelines on gathering crowds.

Tuition + Schedule
Cost: $570
August 2 - August 13, 2021 (Due to COVID-19, we are only offering one session this year.)

LEARN MORE

PRE-COLLEGE INTENSIVE (JULY 2021)

The Pre-College Intensive is a summer training program for motivated high school students with an interest in the study of theatre arts. In this immersive experience on the beautiful campus of West Chester University, students take classes with professional artists, rehearse in our world-class facilities, and further explore their art form alongside theatre professors in a college-level environment.

In 2021, this one-week "theatre boot camp" will focus specifically on audition prep and the college application process. Students will work with our trained roster of theatre professors and professional working actors and teachers to craft a repertoire of contemporary and classical monologues and musical theatre songs. In addition to daily college-level courses in acting, voice and movement, improvisation for the performer, and classical text, each student will receive individual coaching, and exit the one-week intensive with a headshot from Kate Raines of PLATE 3 Photography.

This camp runs from 9am - 4pm, Monday - Friday.

Please note that due to COVID-19, housing and meals are not provided. All students must commute daily to campus. Camp runs from 9am - 4pm.

There is no audition required to participate. All spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Space is extremely limited.

Tuition + Schedule
Cost: $735
July 26 - July 30, 2021

LEARN MORE