Stepping onto a stage, whether it's for a college audition or a professional production, requires a unique blend of skill, discipline, and self-awareness. For aspiring young actors, the path to honing these abilities can feel both exciting and daunting. This is where programs like Carnegie Mellon University's Pre-College Drama come into play, offering a focused environment for high school students to explore their passion and prepare for the next steps in their theatrical journey.
Imagine diving deep into the craft, not just learning lines, but truly understanding character, movement, and voice. The Pre-College Drama program at CMU is designed to do just that. It's a six-week residential experience that immerses students in the kind of rigorous training found in a Bachelor of Fine Arts drama curriculum. The faculty, comprised of accomplished CMU professors and adjuncts, brings a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom, guiding students through techniques used by successful practitioners in the field.
What's particularly compelling is the program's structured approach, offering three distinct options to cater to different theatrical interests. For those whose hearts are set on acting, the Acting Option is a direct route to audition preparation. Students build a repertoire of monologues and develop the crucial skills to select material that best showcases their age and type. Core classes in Acting, Audition, Acting for the Camera, and Dramaturgy are complemented by essential training in Movement, Shakespeare, and Voice & Speech. It’s about building a solid foundation, not just for auditions, but for a lifelong engagement with the art form.
Beyond the spotlight, the world of theater also thrives on the ingenuity of design and production. The Design/Production Option provides a pathway for students to begin crafting a cohesive portfolio, essential for college applications. Exposure to classes like Basic Design, Technical Production, and Stage & Production Management, alongside introductory work in lighting, sound, video/media, costumes, and fabrication technology, offers a comprehensive overview of the behind-the-scenes magic. Even within this option, Dramaturgy remains a key component, underscoring the importance of understanding the text from all angles.
And then there's the vibrant world of musical theater. The Music Theater Option mirrors the Acting Option in its focus on audition preparation and classroom training, but with a crucial addition: song. Students assemble a repertoire of monologues and songs, and develop the skills to find appropriate material. Dance is also a significant element, with Ballet and Jazz classes providing a foundational understanding for beginners and advanced training for those with prior experience. Acting, Audition, Acting for the Camera, Song Coaching, and Dramaturgy round out this comprehensive track.
Each day is packed, with classes running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. This intensive schedule is filled with a wide array of classroom projects, workshops, lectures, seminars, and masterclasses, all designed to enrich the curriculum and provide invaluable learning experiences. It’s a demanding yet rewarding environment, fostering the creativity and discipline that are hallmarks of a serious drama student.
The program is open to high school juniors and seniors who will be at least 16 by June 20th of the program year. It’s more than just a summer program; it’s an opportunity to gain clarity on future aspirations, to connect with like-minded peers, and to experience firsthand the intensity and dedication required in the pursuit of a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama. As one parent shared, it was a "wonderful experience overall," with "inspiring professors" and "professional, kind, and diligent staff." It’s a chance to explore, to grow, and to truly prepare for what lies ahead on the theatrical stage.
