June 16-22
Acting Camp Fee: $520
From combat training to improv, you’ll leave camp feeling more experienced in all areas of theater. In addition to classes and rehearsals, all taught by talented instructors and guest specialists, the camp schedule includes enjoyable nightly social activities. No prior theater experience is required.
This acting camp features:
Movement: Explore physical awareness of self and space through important basic techniques you can use with any role. Work with a guest artist movement professional and learn how to give your character a strong physical life.
Vocal Expression: Learn basic warm-up techniques which help you take care of your voice and you will learn how to use your voice to portray different characters.
Character Development: Learn how to express specific traits and physical qualities of the characters you are playing.
Stage Combat*: Explore the basic stances and moves for broadswords and single swords. Learn how to safely execute a stage slap and punch, falls and rolls.
Audition Techniques: Learn tips and tricks for successful auditions. Exploration through a mock audition process and cold reads.
Directing Improv Storytelling
Stage Make up Option** (see below)
Low camper to staff ratio
Master Class Option: (additional $115)
Advanced students may opt to take the Master Class. This option includes evening sessions that will be offered in addition to the whole-camp classes and activities. The Master Class includes a playwriting seminar with a guest artist, and participants will create their own work for the Saturday performance.
Master Class option features:
Scene Study: The class will create their own scene working with the guest artist. Through the writing you will learn how to explore individual beats, line emphasis, and character choices.
Monologue Exploration: Instructors will work with you to select and break down two contrasting monologues that you will be able to use in future auditions (you can bring your own monologue or choose one through your instructor). You will choose and explore one of the monologues in depth with the aid of the guest instructor and director during the week.
Aditional Individual and Group Presentations: The Master Class performance will consist of the group combat and musical performances as well as individual monologues and the group-created presentation.
PlaywritingStage Makeup**: Explore basic techniques that will teach you to highlight or change your features as needed for a role.
How to register for the Master Class
The Master Class is available to students who have completed at least one session of the St. Olaf Actors Camp or who have a written recommendation from a director, teacher, or counselor. An audition (DVD, VHS, or online) that illustrates your abilities must be submitted by June 1. This recording must include an introduction, a statement of what you would like to gain from the master class, and at least one monologue of no more than 90 seconds.
Additional Options for all campers:
NEW *Advanced Stage Combat: For all campers, limited enrollment of 25. Explore more advanced techniques, advanced story telling through movement and combat, smaller scene and ensemble work allowing for specific focus on combatants, and the use of items other than swords for the creation of stage violence. Additional $50 fee which includes the purchase of a combat sword for the camper to take home.
** Stage Make Up: For campers not enrolled in the Master Class. Campers with a latex allergy cannot enroll. Additional $30 fee which includes the purchase of a stage make up kit for the camper to take home.