About the Grades 6 to 8 Programs
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Developing artists will build upon foundational actor’s tools and explore storytelling through different genres: ensemble acting, musical theatre, and more! With a rich variety of course offerings students can deepen their skills while stretching themselves to try new artistic approaches, developing their own unique voice and style.
This fall all classes are organized by age to align with our criteria for in-person and virtual programs. Grades 6 to 8 classes are categorized as starting at age 12 and will include both virtual and in-person programs.
Click here to learn about our Covid-19 Safety Protocols.
If you have questions about whether a program is the right match for your child or if your child needs accommodations to access any of our programming, please reach out to Jeri Hammond, Director of Education, at jerih@bu.edu
Saturday Classes
Multi-Week Performance Classes
Our multi-week virtual performance-based programs are perfect for the young theatre artist looking to create characters and bring to life imagined worlds with a final show as the end result. Building on our processed oriented programs, these classes challenge students to continue to sharpen their actors’ tools while working as an ensemble to create a virtual production for friends and families. All programs are first-come first serve and while previous performance experience is not required it is highly encouraged.
Teen Performance Ensemble
WFT’s Performance Ensemble program, for students in grades 6-12, is the opportunity for teen actors to deepen their skills as theatrical storytellers. Over a 10-week period students will further develop their actor’s tools while rehearsing for a culminating production of Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe by Eric Coble to take place on the WFT stage on December 17 & 18. Directed by Nick Vargas
Tuition $750 (Full-scholarships & tuition assistance available. Click here to submit a request.)
ABOUT THE SHOW: Edgar Allan Poe stands alone in the flickering darkness of his mind, trying desperately to convince himself — and us — that he’s not mad. The spell he weaves brings us a highly theatrical adaptation of four tales Poe himself considered his best: “The Raven,” “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “The Pit and the Pendulum,” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” Enter the world of Poe and check your heartbeat at the door.
Click here to view more information about the program including the full rehearsal schedule.
This program will take place in person, with actors being required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination. We will follow Boston University’s Face Covering’s policy for all rehearsals. We anticipate sharing the final performance without masks with additional safety protocols in place. We will continue to monitor public safety recommendations and be prepared to adjust the structure and nature of our classes and performances as necessary to adhere to current guidelines and regulations. View all our policies and protocols here.
AUDITIONS
Actors are asked to submit an audition video for this fall’s teen ensemble. Video auditions should contain the following:
- Actor’s name, pronouns
- A 1 to 2-minute monologue of your choosing. If you need suggestions or ideas for appropriate monologues, reach out to Nick Vargas at navargas@bu.edu.
Auditions need to be submitted by midnight, Monday, October 11
Theatre Design & Tech Intensive
This 3-week intensive is the opportunity for teen designers and technicians to deepen their skills as theatrical storytellers. In a fast paced and fun environment students will further develop their tools as designers while serving as collaborators and technicians on the design of the Teen Performance Ensemble’s culminating play, Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe set to take place on the WFT stage December 17 & 18.
Professional designers, Amanda Fallon, Jake Egan, & Mehdi Raoufi, will mentor students in understanding the nuances and technicalities of the various design and technical areas of theatre production.
The first week of the program students will participate in hands-on workshops in the areas of scenic, lighting, costume, and sound design as well as production/stage management. In weeks two & three students will self-select one to two areas of design/tech to focus on, working in tandem with the designers and mentors to fully execute the final production.
Tuition: $450*
*Tuition assistance is available. Click here to learn more and apply
This program will take place in person, with students being required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination. We will follow Boston University’s Face Covering’s policy for all in-person classes and rehearsals.
- Monday, Nov. 29 from 6pm to 8:30pm – Overview & Scenic Design
- Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 6pm to 8:30pm – Lighting & Sound Design
- Friday, December 3 from 6pm to 8:30pm – Costume & Prop Design
- Saturday, December 4 from 2pm to 6pm – Stage & Production Mngmt & Design Run
- Monday, December 6 from 6pm to 8:30pm – Individual Design/Tech Work
- Wednesday, December 8 from 6pm to 8:30pm – Individual Design/Tech Work
- Friday, December 10 from 6pm to 8:30pm – Individual Design/Tech Work
- Saturday, December 11 from 1pm to 6pm – Tech Day 1
- Sunday, December 12 from 1pm to 6pm – Tech Day 2
- Tuesday, December 14 from 6pm to 9pm – Tech Day 3
- Wednesday, December 15 from 6pm to 9pm – Tech Day 4
- Thursday, December 16 from 6pm to 10pm – Final Dress Rehearsal
- Friday, December 17 from 5:30pm to 9pm – Performance One at 7pm
- Saturday, December 18 from 12:30pm to 9pm – Performance Two at 2pm and Performance Three at 7pm (Pizza will be provided between shows)
Virtual Semi Private Coaching
Are you looking to take your acting to the next level? In our semi-private coaching, students will work in small groups of 2 to 3 students with professional acting coaches to develop their skills and learn to maximize their instruments of body and voice. Spots are limited and are first-come first-serve.
- Tuition: $320
- Fall 8-week session, starting the week of October 11 and ending by the week of December 11, 2021 depending on the day of the week.
- Students will be paired with a teacher and in small groups based on their age and previous experience.
- Ages 9 to 13 coach, Danny Bolton
- Ages 13 to 18 coach, Fran Weinberg
- All lessons last an hour and will take place on Zoom.
- Lessons are scheduled based on the teacher and students availability.
Virtual Summer Programs
EXTENDED EXCURSIONS
These two-week offerings for provide an opportunity for middle school students to take a deep dive into a theatre arts area and stay awhile. Specifically designed for virtual learning, these collaborative ensemble based classes invite students to bring themselves, their identities & experiences, to participate in a one of a kind creative experience. Pack a bag, you’re sure to go on the journey of a lifetime! Please note, grades refer to placement in fall 2021.
Masterclasses
February Vacation Programs
A week of creative role playing, where students use their imaginations and actor’s tools to solve a mystery before the week is up. A mix of both asynchronous and synchronous learning, students will spend the morning on their own in creative exploration – using that day’s clue and pre-recorded video messages to guide them through their adventure. In the afternoon students login and work collaboratively as an ensemble to further develop their theories on “Who Dunnit?” through creative play and acting techniques.
To further inspire the week’s adventure, each student will receive their personal Mystery Box in the mail, containing detailed instructions, key clues, and other important items necessary to a fun and creative week of sleuthing.
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