Information on the Summer Musical Institute
Introduction and Mission
The purpose of the Summer Musical Theatre Institute provides students from any public or
private high school an excellent fun-filled, low - cost summer training program, with proven
instructors, as well as participation in the performance of a full-length Broadway musical. The
objective of the program includes developmental training in vocals, acting, dance and
performance skills as well as technical skills for students seeking to develop talents in stage
management, sound, lighting, set/props construction, scenic painting, the business of theatre,
costumes and make-up.
Program Description
The program begins on June 18, 2015 and concludes with shows on July 18, 19, 20, and 21,
2015. Times for all performances are 7:30 pm except for a 2 pm show on the 21st. Also, a
Portfolio Night will be held to demonstrate developed student work over the summer on
Wednesday, July 24th at 7 pm.
Instruction occurs daily from 9 am – 3 pm at Blake High School at 300 Norwood Road in Silver
Spring, Maryland 20905. Classroom facilities include a choral room, rehearsal studios, a dance
studio, a technical shop, a band room, a black box theater, and a 900-seat Auditorium/Stage.
Students going into grades 9 thru 12 in September of 2015 as well as recent graduates from
2014/2015 may register for this program. One of the benefits of this program includes working
with students of relatively the same age.
Performance Instructors
Teachers include adults with outstanding experience and reputations in musical theatre.
. Michael D’Anna, Artistic Director, continues to teach theatre with over 40 years of
experience, including partnerships with Disney Theatricals of New York, Music Theatre
International (NY), and Theatrical Rights Worldwide (NY). His experience is wide-based
including three years of study, instruction, and directing educational training programs at the
London Globe. His stage companies have appeared at the ITS Festival (5 main stage
productions); the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the New Zealand World Drama Festival, and the
National Theatre Festival (12 productions).
. Harry A. Winter, Vocal/Music Director, continues to perform in the musical theatre
field, most notably at the Signature Theatre in Alexandria (MY FAIR LADY, THE WITCHES
OF EASTWICK, HAIRSPRAY) Ford’s Theatre of Washington D.C., the Kennedy Center
(MAME) and the Olney Theatre Center (SECRET GARDEN, SHE LOVES ME). His
experiences in professional theatre lend great benefits to students aspiring to eventually work in a
professional career in musical theatre.
. Dance Instructors vary from show-to-show but have included professionals from the
musical theatre professional as well as students of exceptional dance and choreographic ability.
Technical Instruction
Technicians wishing to learn any of the aspects of technical theatre will be accommodated by our
program. Each summer show requires a great deal of carpentry/set work, scenic design and
painting tasks, work with an extensive lighting and sound system, do show business management
and instruction, as well as find opportunities to act as a show costumer/make-up artist. Stage
management students will learn the skills necessary for that role as well as training in directing a
musical.
Technical instructors are often collegiate students working in the technical theatre area. Others
have extensive experience in the field and have worked with our technical supervisor.
Technical supervision includes oversight by Mr. John Ovington, a scenic designer from the
North Carolina School for the Arts, who has worked on projects on and off-Broadway as well as
on several motion pictures (FORREST GUMP, PELICAN BRIEF).
Tuition
The tuition is $600 for the 5 weeks. There are no scholarships for this program. Payment must be
made by June 1, 2013.There are no refunds after June 8, 2015. The fee covers the program
costs including costumes students may not be able to provide on their own (excepting
underclothes, socks, hose, shoes and items deemed as “personal clothing by the director).
Students will be financially responsible for purchasing a show tee shirt (optional purchase), any
show dvds (optional purchase), and damage to any property associated with the show, Blake
High School, or the Blake High School stage company properties (mic cables, clothes, etc.)
Late Registration Fee
Students who register after June 1, 2015, must pay a $50 Late Registration fee. Late registration
after June 1, 2015, will more than likely mean a part in the ensemble and not as a lead or featured
player.
Transportation
No transportation is provided. At auditions, information will be gathered on neighborhoods
travel to and from. Car pooling will be encouraged and data will be distributed as soon after
registration occurs.
Behavioral Expectations
Students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and will be held
accountable to student behavioral expectations for Montgomery County Schools as well as any
rules in place by their home school.
Students will lose roles, performances (could be all performances if directors find it necessary
due to rule / behavioral infractions), and may be dismissed from the Institute should a major
violation of rules occur.
Auditions/Requirements
Auditions will be held at Blake High School on May 1st from 2:30 pm – 6 pm in Room D-150,
the Choral Room, as well as on Saturday, May 2nd from 9 am – 1 pm (time may be extended if
necessary).
Students are asked to prepare a serio-comedic or dramatic monologue appropriate for age range
as well as showing off either the personality of a character from the show GREASE or for your
own personality. Time-length: 1 – 2 minutes. We encourage students to memorize both their
music and their monologue. Students should also prepare either a ballad or upbeat song from a
musical that might parallel the style(s) of music from GREASE or show your voice off to us
best.
Please bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. Students may bring their own
accompanist/playback system if they wish. Please be ready to sing a cappella.
Lead Parts/Ensemble Parts
While competition for Lead Parts in shows is a reality, the directors want students to know that
our ensemble members will receive as much time as a lead (and probably more) in vocals, acting,
dance and performance skills. Each student will receive individualized instruction for the
portfolio night performances. The experience of working as a team on a musical is paramount in
this institute, and learning how to become a team member of the company is all important.
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