Each summer, students travel from across the United States and around the world to the Oklahoma City University campus to participate in the Performing Arts Academy’s Summer Music Programs. These are designed for serious students who want to develop their talents and be challenged by OCU’s high standards.
Our programs are chiefly directed and instructed by faculty from OCU's outstanding Bass School of Music and TheatreOCU. Participants receive the training that has produced Tony, Grammy and Emmy award winners such as two-time Tony nominee and Tony award winner Kristin Chenoweth, three-time Tony nominee Kelli O’Hara, Emmy nominated Ron Raines, Metropolitan Opera legend Leona Mitchell, award-winning guitarist Edgar Cruz and Grammy & Emmy winner Mason Williams.
High School Music Theater Program
The High School Musical Theater Program is an extension of the acclaimed OCU musical theater degree program. Under the direction of Dr. David Herendeen, students from across the United States and around the world participate in a demanding pre-college intensive, overcoming performance challenges through rigorous classroom training and on-stage experience.
Junior High Music Theater Program
The Junior High Music Theater Program draws students from all over the nation. It is a two-week residential program specifically designed for students who have an interest in the arts and want to cultivate their artistic talents. Our acclaimed program provides students with an exciting introduction to musical theater.
Vocal Arts Institute
The Vocal Arts Institute is designed to nurture and encourage those who wish to study the art and technique of classical voice and opera. The demanding curriculum examines classical technique, acting, dance, breathing, diction, foreign language and solo repertoire. Studying with the acclaimed faculty of OCU’s Bass School of Music, students will work to develop every aspect of performance.
Acting for Stage and Screen
This program is intended for students who are serious about pursuing a career in theater performance, whether on stage or on screen. All classes will be taught by OCU faculty and staff. Classes will include, but are not limited to Acting Techniques, Audition Techniques, Resume Development, Monologue Study, On-Camera Acting and Improv. Each student will go home with an individual on-camera audition reel, using monologues they will work on throughout the two weeks.
