LA JOLLA–La Jolla Playhouse kicks off another summer of engaging and interactive theatre programs for young theatre lovers with Young Performers at La Jolla Playhouse. 

These popular, multi-step programs begin with Young Performers’ Workshop (YPW), taking place June 23 to July 18, which invites students in grades 2 to 12 to explore a wide range of theatre skills. Young Performers’ Academy (YPA),July 21 to August 1, allows students entering grades 4 to 12 the opportunity to take their theatre skills to the next level beyond YPW. High school students who are interested in careers in professional theatre can also take part in the Young Performers’ Conservatory (YPC, formerly known as Summer Conservatory; auditions required), taking place June 30 to August 1.

“Led by an experienced and talented Playhouse staff, these future artists are encouraged to dig into all that’s incredible about the world of theatre in an environment that’s tremendously fun and supportive,” said La Jolla Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley. “It’s truly inspiring to see these young performers spend their summers exercising their imaginations and discovering a multitude of ways to express their creativity.”

“We broke all attendance records with the introduction of Young Performers at La Jolla Playhouse last summer with over 200 students participating in our unique, multi-step program through which they advance while developing skills that build character both on stage and off,” says La Jolla Playhouse Education & Outreach Director Steve McCormick. “As all of our workshops sold out last summer, I would encourage people to register early so they do not miss out on what will no doubt be another amazing summer at the Playhouse!”

Young Performers’ Workshop (YPW) offers student entering grades 2 to 12 the opportunity to work with expert teaching artists to find new ways of expressing themselves. In a nurturing, fun-filled environment, students build theatre skills, gain confidence and develop social skills through collaboration and performance. Daily workshops provide age-appropriate activities focused on acting, improvisation, musical theatre and movement. Students also enjoy behind-the-scenes experiences at La Jolla Playhouse, meeting artists who help bring the renowned theatre’s year-round productions to life. Young theatre enthusiasts love the thrill of performing for an audience through an informal final presentation at the end of the workshop, which they share with family and friends.

Young Performers’ Academy (YPA) is a two-week intensive that provides the next step beyond YPW in theatre training. By teaching them how to dive deeper into their theatrical tool box, students will build upon skills learned in YPW and discover ways to apply them to a more comprehensive rehearsal process. YPA Ensemble (Grades 4-6) and YPA Company (Grades 7-12) will either develop an original performance by utilizing their collective creativity and ideas, or advance their artistry by learning the process of tackling an established script.

Young Performers’ Conservatory (YPC) offers an intensive five-week acting experience for high school students in grades 10-12. This program is designed for students who want to pursue a professional career in theatre and prepares them for a serious college theatre program. Each week, acting students spend 35 hours in intensive training classes which include: classical scene study, modern scene study, ensemble-devised performance, voice for the actor, movement, and Yoga. Students also get a chance to work with Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley, as well as guest artists and cast members from Playhouse productions which have included MemphisLimelight and Peter and the Starcatcher. YPC students also have the opportunity to attend rehearsals and La Jolla Playhouse productions.

Conservatory graduates have gone on to successful careers in television and on stage, including James Maslow (Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush), Bridget Regan (Legend of the Seeker), Christopher Douglas Reed (Sons of Anarchy) and Cashae Monya (Memphis in La Jolla and Seattle). Conservatory alumni have also been accepted to prestigious college theatre programs such as Yale University, New York University, Carnegie Mellon, Emerson College, Juilliard and the American Academy of Musical and Dramatic Arts.

Registration for YPW, YPA, and YPC (audition required) is currently available online at www.LaJollaPlayhouse.org or by calling call (858) 550-1070 x101. For more information, please contact Associate Director of Education & Outreach, Alison Urban, at (858) 550-1070 x103, aurban@ljp.orgor visit the website at lajollaplayhouse.org.

La Jolla Playhouse Subscribers can save up to $75 on registration.

For a full schedule and pricing, please visit https://lajollaplayhouse.org/education-and-outreach/programs-foryouth/.

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