Catholic University of America: High School Drama and Musical Theater Institutes

This summer, train with theatre professionals in the nation's capital! Catholic University offers high school students two performing arts programs: the High School Drama Institute and the High School Musical Theatre Institute. Live on campus and study voice, movement, and acting with experts in the field.

The CUA High School Drama and Musical Theatre Institutes are two-week residential programs for students who wish to pursue intensive summer training in the performing arts. Choose one, or both. For rising high school juniors and seniors, and first-year college students.

CUA High School Drama Institute

Daily Classes: Students take voice, movement, and acting classes. Catholic University drama professors and local theatre professionals lead Master Classes—possible topics include character work, physical theatre, and stage combat.

Acting Tracks: Choose Contemporary or Shakespeare scenes/monologues.

Audition Preparation: Each student will work on preparing and rehearsing two audition monologues. The program culminates with a workshop performance of monologues and short scenes presented on the evening of the final day.

CUA High School Musical Theatre Institute

Daily Classes: Students take daily classes in acting, musicianship/ear training, theatre dance, jazz or tap. Courses taught by Catholic University music faculty and local theatre professionals. Master Classes will be scheduled throughout the two weeks with visiting artists.

Audition Preparation: Each student will work on preparing and rehearsing two, contrasting audition songs. The program culminates with a workshop performance of solo and ensemble pieces presented on the evening of the final day. All participants will receive a written and verbal evaluation. 

Evening & Weekend Activities:

Theatre Performances--Attend a performance of the musical Kinky Boots or Phantom of the Opera at the Kennedy Center.

Washington, DC Excursions--Enjoy a nighttime bus tour of DC. Explore Smithsonian museums, visit national monuments and memorials, and possibly attend a Capital Fringe Festival performance or two. 

Evening Programming--Participate in fun evening activities which might be improvisation workshops, open mic night, conversations with young professional actors, movies, or pizza parties.