Welcome

Please join us this summer from June 25th – July 1st for another unforgettable experience! Summer Acting Academy is a one-week professional theatre training program for young actors who wish to explore and develop their skills in all areas of performance. 

Open to students of all levels of theatre experience, the Summer Acting Academy provides quality training for the beginning actor, as well as advanced level study for the young actor with previous experience. All classes take place on the West Virginia University Evansdale Campus in the Creative Arts Center.

Led by WVU Faculty and guest artists who are dedicated and skilled in working with young actors, the courses include a wide range of studies in: Acting, Stage Combat, Voice and Speech, Movement, Scene work, Monologues, Character Masks, Musical Theatre, Film Acting and Improvisation. In addition to basic voice, movement and acting classes, we have areas of specialization each year. In the past these have included a focus on Shakespeare, Stage Combat, Musical Theatre, Theatre of the Absurd, Playwriting, Yoga and Wellness, and Film Acting. Stay tuned for more info about our 2023 offerings. Each academy culminates in a final presentation and party for kids and families. 

This year we will continue our successful overnight Teen Academy for ages 11-18! Students can also sign up for the day only (11 year-olds are eligible to participate without the overnight option) and must be picked up at 9:30pm each evening. In addition to intensive training, participants will have the opportunity to see a West Virginia Public Theatre performance, participate in evening workshops and go swimming at the WVU Recreation Center! 

We look forward to seeing you all this June!

Irene Alby

Director, WVU Summer Acting Academy/WVU Youth Theatre Academy