Summer Pre-College
Overview
The School of Drama’s Pre-College Program welcomes students of varying training and skill levels. However, it should not be regarded as summer camp, but rather a focused program for students interested in a career in theater. Students should arrive on campus prepared to participate in an intense, challenging, college-level experience that is modeled on the School of Drama’s BFA curriculum. The average studio class size is 10-12 students.
Pre-College Drama prepares students for the college audition and interview process, illustrating the kind of creativity and discipline required of students studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts Drama curriculum. Classes are taught by nationally acclaimed Carnegie Mellon University faculty and adjunct professors.
Curriculum
Acting and Musical Theater:
Students focus on the audition process rather than a production, allowing students to enter the college application and audition process with a repertoire of monologues and songs, as well as the skills needed to find material appropriate for their age and type.
Design/Production Program:
Students leave with the beginning of a cohesive portfolio which they can build on for their college application process. Program introduces students to all aspects of a Design/Production path of study.
PREVIOUS GUEST ARTISTS
Casey Cott (BFA 2016) from CW's Riverdale
Kennedy McMann (BFA 2018) from CW's Nancy Drew
Mary Margaret Kunze (BFA 2012), Producer, Marvel Studios (Cloak and Dagger, Runways)
Kendra Chapman (BFA 2011), Writer, (Emergence, Designated Survivor)
Sample Schedule
Class offerings may change slightly before the summer.
Classes are held between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a daily lunch break. Optional courses and workshops may take place in the evenings.
Musical Theater
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
9 am: Acting
10:30 am: Ballet
1:30 pm: Audition
3 pm: Song Coaching
Tuesday/Thursday
9 am: Elective
11 am: Acting for the Camera
2:30 pm: Dramaturgy
4 pm: Jazz
Acting
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
9 am: Audition
10:30 am: Movement
1:30 pm: Acting for the Camera
3 pm: Acting
Tuesday/Thursday
9 am: Dramaturgy
11 am: Elective
2 pm: Shakespeare
5 pm: Voice and Speech
Design/Production
Monday/Wednesday
1:30 pm: Basic Design
3 pm: Science of Scenery
Tuesday/Thursday
12 pm: Dramatic Literature
1:30 pm: Technical Production
3 pm: Storyology
Friday
1:30 pm: Production Management
3 pm: Applying to College
Electives: Tap Dance, Musical Theater Rep, Analyzing Text, Improv, Directing, Playwriting
PRE-COLLEGE INFORMATION
Carnegie Mellon University’s Summer Drama Program is just one of ten Summer Pre-College Programs the university offers. To apply and learn more about the Summer Pre-College Programs visit the Pre-College Website.
Application deadlines:
Early Decision & International – February 1, 2024
Regular Decision & Scholarship – March 1, 2024
Program dates:
June 22, 2024 to August 3, 2024 (6 weeks)
Program options:
residential or commuter
COST AND FINANCIAL AID
Full scholarships are available to students demonstrating financial need. You can elect to be considered for a scholarship within the online application.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit Pre-College Financial Aid here.
Contacts
Maria Stoy, Associate Director, Drama Pre-College
mstoy@andrew.cmu.edu
Valerie Haley, Program Coordinator, Drama Pre-College
412-268-3284 / CMUDramaPC@andrew.cmu.edu
Facebook - Carnegie Mellon Drama PreCollege
