Southern Maine Theatre Academy

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For incoming 8th through outgoing 12th graders

June 24 through June 29, 2012

The Southern Maine Theatre Academy gives students a basic understanding of performance concepts and introduces them to the skills needed to create a stage production: voice, improvisation, dance, scene study, character development, and other acting techniques. Students engage in performance exercises that will not only enhance acting talent, but also assist in developing imagination, confidence, self-awareness, and communication skills. In addition to gaining theatre skills, teamwork and collaboration are emphasized in a final public performance.

This is a resident camp and all participants will be housed in a supervised residence hall on the University of Southern Maine's Gorham campus. All instruction and classes during the week will also be held on the Gorham campus.



Cost

The total cost of the program is $495. This includes all meals, housing, activities, and daily theatre instruction.

A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to process registration.



Schedule

Academy (and residence hall) check-in will be held on Sunday, June 24, 2012 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. At 4:00 p.m. there will be an all academy meeting for participants in Russell Hall and then dinner will be served.

The academy will culminate with a final performance on Friday, June 29th at 6:00 p.m. in Russell Hall. This performance is free and open to the general public.



Faculty

Wil Kilroy

Wil Kilroy, Director of the Theatre Academy, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre at USM.  Prior to Maine, Wil worked in New York City and Los Angeles, appearing in numerous stage roles, directing, teaching, and saving a life on "All My Children" or stealing fashion ideas on "The Bold and the Beautiful".   You may recognize him from commercials for Norway Savings or Cross Jewelers.  Wil holds theatre degrees from the University of Illinois and the University of Rhode Island with additional study at the American Academy of Dramatic Art and the National Shakespeare Conservatory.  He's the recipient of two bronze medallions from the Kennedy Center and is Vice President of the National Michael Chekhov Association.



Academy Staff

The University of Southern Maine hires approximately 1 staff member for every 8 participants each year. Staff members are USM theatre faculty or USM alumni.



The University of Southern Maine makes such inquiries as may be necessary to arrive at an appropriate employment decision. All hires are subject to reference checks, criminal history checks, and related matters to comply with legal requirements and public responsibility.