Summer Education 2023

Grades K-12

Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University (WFT@BU) engages youth of diverse ages, abilities, and identities in process-focused theatre arts classes which inspire them to grow as actors, artists, and whole human beings. Our week-long and multi-week classes provide a range of entry points for students to pursue a passion or discover a new one. Our courses develop acting, design, and performance skills, while also developing essential life skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, and empathy. Student voice and agency are at the core of program design, and the community created in our classes encourages students to be themselves and stretch themselves. We are committed to equitable access through inclusion supports and accommodations as well as a robust tuition assistance/ scholarship program.

Be yourself. Stretch yourself. This summer at Wheelock Family Theatre.

Jeri Hammond Director of Education

Our team of professional educators and theatre artists provide a caring and welcoming learning environment. Students work together toward common goals and, in so doing, develop a sense of belonging and confidence and discover new things about the world of theatre and also about themselves.

Our mission is to break down barriers so all children are able to fully participate in our programming. Please reach out to learn more about our inclusive education practices for students with disabilities and other learning needs, as well as our sliding scale tuition assistance program designed to make participation within reach for all families.

programs for all ages

These week-long classes kick-o our summer and involve students in kindergarten through 8th grade in a program-wide theme. All final demonstrations for K to 8 classes will take place at 2:00 p.m. on the final day of the program.

Under the Big Top: A High Flying Circus

Come one, Come all to the Greatest Show on Earth!

We will kick-o our summer program with a rousing week-long exploration of the theatrical world of the circus. Professional Boston area circus artists will lead classes each day in circus skills such as clowning, juggling, tumbling, spinning plates, hula hoops, acrobatics, Chinese yo-yo, and more! In partnership with Cirque Us, students will learn the skill and storytelling involved in contemporary circus performance. All together, making for a three-ring circus of an experience!

Puppet Academy: Dream it. Make it. Share it.

Dive into the wildly creative and interdisciplinary world of puppetry arts! This summer, students will learn the secrets of crafting extraordinary puppet characters and bringing them to life. In partnership with Puppet Showplace Theater, students will work with professional puppeteers, as they (1) create a puppet, (2) learn the skills involved in bringing the puppet character to life, and (3) share their creations with an audience. Join us for a fun and imaginative start to summer vacation!

programs for grades k-1

Our 1 week programs for our youngest students introduce the building blocks of theater, visual arts, and creative play in a fun and supportive environment. All final demonstrations for K to 1 classes will take place at 11:30 a.m. on the final day of the program.

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Treasure Trunk Theatre

Take an imaginative trip! Inspired by mystery objects found in the class treasure trunk, students will head o on a new adventure each day using movement, creative problem-solving, and imaginative play. An engaging theme charts the course for a fun-filled journey. The first half of the day will be spent engaging in creative drama and movement and the second half of the day will be our Afternoon Arts Adventure: hands-on visual arts projects connected to the theme of the week. Themes this summer include, “Jurassic Journeys” and “Lands of Make Believe”.

Music Movers

Get ready to move and groove! Students will make their own music exploring rhythm and music dynamics such as loud/soft, high/low and fast/slow. Through creative movement inspired by the week’s theme, students will explore di erent ways of moving in a celebration of self-expression. In our Music Movers classes, dancing to the beat of your own drum is encouraged! The first half of the day will be spent engaging in music-making and movement and the second half of the day will be our Afternoon Arts Adventure: hands-on visual arts projects connected to the theme of the week. Themes this summer include, “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” and “Bug Boogie”.

Story Explorers

A week of creative play inspired by the imagination of beloved authors! Students will work together and use their imaginations, bodies, and voices while exploring the imaginative world of favorite storybooks. The first half of the day will be spent engaging in creative drama and movement and the second half of the day will be our Afternoon Arts Adventure: hands-on visual arts projects connected to the theme of the week. Authors this summer include, Mo Willems and Matt de la Peña.

programs for grades 1-3

Our 1 and 3 week programs o er an exciting variety! Students will use their Actor’s Tools to create characters who tell stories through acting, singing, dancing, and design! All final demonstrations for Grades 1 to 3 programs will take place at 2:00 p.m. on the final Friday of the program.

Characters Take the Stage

A fun and physical introduction to the fundamental building blocks of drama (body, voice, mind, and imagination). Using fantastical tales as a jumping-o point to spark and support the creative process, the characters will fly o the page as students participate in movement exercises, story reenactments, theatre games, improvisation, role-playing, music, dance, and visual arts. Themes this summer include, “Pirate Adventures” and “Mythical Creatures”.

Backstage Adventures

Who makes all the fabulous THINGS seen on stage?! In this class, students will be introduced to some of the backstage secrets that result in onstage magic! Students will tour all of the behind-the-scenes spaces at the theatre and learn design through hands-on experiences. Themes this summer include, “Seuss on the Loose” and “Fractured Fairy Tales”.

Sing & Dance-a-Story

Inspired by the stories and music from their favorite musicals, students will learn to “sing a story” by exploring the various voices that can be produced by using the appropriate vocal technique. Students will connect the voice to posture, gesture, and full-body movement through improvisation to create vivid characters. They will “dance a story” by learning to use creative movement to bring a story to life. Themes this summer include, “Into the Wild” and “Under the Sea”.

Mini Musical: Seussical KIDS

A fast-paced intensive for young people ready to take the stage! In three weeks, students will work together to perform a 30-minute version of Seussical. While working on this musical, they will advance their acting, singing, and dancing skills while also learning more about production elements such as set, props, costumes, and sound and light design.

About the show: From the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat, our narrator, tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the “Whos”, including Jojo, a Who child, who gets in trouble for thinking too many "thinks." Horton must not only protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant! (mtishows.com)

Playmakers Junior: Kid Frankenstein

Students will develop characters through movement, vocal exercises and bring to life this frightfully funny sci-fi fantasy! In addition, they will learn about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into producing a play as they design and create set pieces, costumes, and props!

About the show: Frightfully funny laughs are in store in this bright new version of Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein. Frankie and Irving are science nerds who have an unusual idea for the upcoming Science Fair! When Doctor Frankenstein’s ancient secret book arrives from Transylvania, the friends are whisked into a sci-fi fantasy of time-warped, weirdly scary and lively adventure! (ArtReach)

programs for grades 4-8

Our 3 week performance based programs for students in grades 4 to 8 are designed to challenge students to take the next step in their training. All classes will end in a final performance.

Playmakers

Students will have the chance to be part of the whole production experience from beginning to end! Students will design, produce, and perform a short, one-act play inspired by tales of mythic proportion! Students will spend part of each day developing and rehearsing the one-act while also building individual and ensemble acting skills. In the afternoons, students will receive instruction from visiting theatre design artists and try their hand at technical theatre elements such as prop making, set design, and costume design.

Session I: Pandora’s Socks

Everyone knows the myth of Pandora: she opened up a box and released a ton of evils into the world. What was her motivation? Now we know: her feet were cold, and she was just looking for some socks! While she hunts for something to warm her feet, Pandora meets favorite characters from Greek mythology— including Midas, Icarus, Narcissus, Heracles, Prometheus, and the gods!

Session II: Never Eat a Talking Lobster

When a narrator displeased with her role in the story tries to ruin the happy endings of five Grimm's fairy tales, a talking lobster must save the day. A charming comedy full of enterprising animals and classic storytelling magic.

Musical Theatre Production

Coordinate the instruments of voice and body to create dynamic musical characters. In this 3 week program, students will participate in classes on acting, dancing, singing, and puppetry each morning, while spending each afternoon applying those to the rehearsal of the musical. This program is open to anyone interested in deepening their musical theatre experience.

Session I: Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR.

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR. follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insu erable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory — or su er the consequences. (MTIshows.com)

Session II: The Spongebob Musical: Youth Edition

The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic stage musical as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage. The power of optimism really can save the world! (Concord Theatricals)

grades 1-3

Treasure Trunk Theatre: Jurassic Journeys

(9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $480

Characters Take the Stage: Comic Pirate Adventures (9am to 3:30pm)

Tuition: $480

Mini Musical: Seussical KIDS

(9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $1290

Music Movers: Planes, Trains & Automobiles (9am to 3:30pm) Tuition:

Backstage Adventures: Seuss on the Loose (9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $480

grades 9-12

Under the Big Top: A High Flying Circus in partnership with Cirque Us

(9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $480

grades k-1 all ages grades 4-6 grades 4-8 grades 6-8 grades 6-12

all ages

Puppet Academy in partnership with Puppet Showplace Theater

(9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $288

Stage Combat: On Camera Stunts (9am to 3:30pm)

Tuition: $480

Playmakers: Pandora’s Socks (9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $1290

Making a Scene: Devising, Directing, & Acting (9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $480

Musical Theatre Production: Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka (9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $1290. Final performance on Thursday,

Making a Scene: Devising, Directing, & Acting (9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $480

Musical Theatre Bootcamp (9am to 3:30pm) Tuition:

Theatre Design Intensive I (9am to 3:30pm) Tuition $1290

Previous experience suggested but not required

Shakespeare on the Green: As You Like It (12 to 6:30pm) Tuition: $1290. Final performance Friday, July

Musical Theatre Showcase by audition only (12pm to 6:30pm) Tuition: $1290

Final performance on Friday, July 28 at 8PM

$480

July 24-28 Jul 31 - Aug 4 August 7-11 August 14-18

Story Explorers: Stories of Mo Willems

(9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $480

Sing & Dance a Story: Into the wild (9am to 3:30pm)

Tuition: $480

Treasure Trunk Theatre: Lands of Make Believe (9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $480

Characters Take the Stage: Mythical Creatures

(9am to 3:30pm)

Tuition: $480

Music Movers: Bug Boogie

(9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $480

Backstage Adventures: Fractured Fairy Tales

(9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $480

Playmakers Junior: Kid Frankenstein

(9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $1290

Musical Theatre

Bootcamp (9am to 3:30pm)

Tuition: $480

Making a Scene: Devising, Directing, Acting (9am to 3:30pm)

Tuition: $480

Musical Theatre Bootcamp (9am to 3:30pm)

Tuition: $480

Playmakers: Never Eat a Talking Lobster (9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $1290

Story Explorers: Stories of Matt de la Peña

(9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $480

Sing & Dance a Story: Under the Sea

(9am to 3:30pm)

Tuition: $480

summer 2023

entr ’acte

June 26 through

July 7

act one

July 10 through

July 28

Stage Combat: Famous Fictional Fights (9am to 3:30pm)

Tuition: $480

act two

July 31 through August 18

Musical Theatre Production: The Spongebob Musical Youth Edition (9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $1290. Final Performance on Thursday, Aug 17 at 7pm

Stage Combat: On Camera Stunts (9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $480

Musical Theatre Bootcamp (9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $480

Stage Combat: Famous Fictional Fights

(9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $480

Theatre Design Intensive II (9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $1290

Previous experience suggested but not required

Theatre on Tour: Dragons Love Tacos by audition only

(9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $1290. Touring the week of August 14-18 at 6:30pm

Advanced Performance Intensive by audition only

(12pm to 6:45pm) Tuition: $1290

Final Performance on Friday, August 18 at 8pm

Making a Scene: Devising, Directing, Acting (9am to 3:30pm) Tuition: $480

registration for summer 2023 classes opens January 3, 2023

All grades refer to the grade students are entering in fall 2023

programs for grades 4-8

Our 1 week programs for students in grades 4 to 8 introduce specialty skills and continue to build on the fundamentals of drama through a variety of theatrical styles. All classes will end in a final demonstration.

Stage Combat

In this program, students will spotlight techniques for safely and realistically creating dangerous battles and heroic struggles. This class emphasizes the combination of physical and mental discipline needed for memorable clashes on the big screen! Themes this summer include, “On Camera Stunts” and “Famous Fictional Fights”.

Thank you for being a kind and very fun place where I was understood for who I was.

WFT@BU PARENT

Making a Scene: Devising Directing & Acting

Students will put their acting skills to work as they develop and rehearse short scenes with fellow classmates. Understanding the meaning and given circumstances of a scene, as well as their character’s objective, will be emphasized. Students will collaboratively create original work and learn how to both give and take direction.

Musical Theatre Bootcamp

In this program, students will develop musical theatre technique through an exploration of scenes, songs, and dance numbers from musicals, exposing them to the many di erent genres and styles of musical theatre. Utilizing the musical theatre skills of acting, singing, and dancing, this jam-packed week is perfect for the beginner and advanced musical theatre student alike.

No ma er what she pursues in life from this point, this experience of learning what’s involved in carrying one’s imagination into reality will remain with her. It’s hard to express how grateful we are for that.

programs for grades 6-12

These 3 week programs provide opportunities for our oldest students to pursue (or discover) a passion for classical theatre and theatre design.

Theatre Design Intensive I

A dynamic immersion in the theatre crafts that are vital to professional stage productions. This course balances theory with practical experience through the study of scenic, prop, costume, lighting, and sound design. Students will work with WFT@BU’s professional technical sta during this three-week intensive, designing and building technical elements for a number of WFT@BU’s Summer Productions such as (Session 1) Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR. and As You Like It and (Session 2) The Spongebob Musical and Dragons Love Tacos. Work will be shared at the final performances of each production.

WFT@BU STUDENT

I had a wonderful time this summer in the Theatre Design Intensive. It was truly a great experience for me.

Shakespeare on the Green: As You Like It

Continue the tradition of Shakespeare in the Park and perform an abridged version of As You Like It on the WFT@BU green! Students will decode the sometimes perplexing language of Shakespeare to find meaning, humor, and more behind the words and delve into some of the Bard’s most famous scenes and characters. Families are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair and join us on the green for this classic tale of mischief, mishap and magic.

About the show: Shakespeare’s classic comedy of romance and mistaken identity. Frederick has usurped the dukedom from his older brother. Their daughters, Rosalind and Celia, are best friends, and when one is banished from court, they both flee to the Forest of Arden, disguising themselves as country folk. But they’re not the only ones fleeing to the forest! Soon this refuge becomes a haven for the lessons of love, complicated by disguise and circumstance — but ending happily despite everything.

Theatre On Tour: Dragons Love Tacos AUDITION REQUIRED

Rehearse, tour and perform a show for the most discerning of audiences, children! For the first two weeks, actors rehearse the play Dragons Love Tacos, a fun and physical production, and in the third week, take the show on tour, performing for children and their families at The Boston Children’s Museum. This program will challenge experienced actors in creating performances that not only entertain, but educate the next generation of theatre goers.

About the show: You know what Dragons really love? Tacos, of course! A boy and his dog are watching a TV show about dragons when they unexpectedly get caught up in the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ of what to serve to dragons to eat. Dragons love tacos, but if they accidentally eat spicy salsa… watch out!

programs for grades 9-12

Our 3 week performance based programs for students in grades 9 to 12 are designed to challenge experienced students to take the next step in their training. All final demonstrations for Grades 9 to 12 programs will take place at 8:00 p.m. on the final Friday of the program on the WFT@BU mainstage.

Musical Theatre Showcase AUDITION REQUIRED

This program is designed for teens in high school with prior musical theatre training and performance experience who are committed to deepening their skills as actors, singers and dancers. Through voice, dance, and character work, students will explore a variety of musical theatre styles and techniques deepening their knowledge and understanding of their craft.

Advanced Performance Intensive AUDITION REQUIRED

This program is designed for teens in high school with prior training and performance experience committed to deepening their acting skills and knowledge of the craft. Through challenging exercises in vocal, movement, and character work and exploration of scenes from outstanding plays, students will experience the actor’s process in depth.

My child describes herself as a regular girl who needs a li le help. She does not identify with ‘disabled’ and the opportunity you created for her and the support you gave her made her description a reality. There is no greater gi you can give a child than to believe in them and help them believe in themselves. I can still remember when you came to the car and said she can totally do this. And you were right.

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frequently asked questions

How many students are in each class?

Class sizes range from 8-30 students depending on the age group, content, and number of teachers and assistants in the class. Class size maximums are strictly enforced to ensure the best possible learning environment for your student. Register early to secure your spot. All classes are subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not met.

Who are the faculty?

All of our faculty are professional educators and artists. Our teaching artists work all over Greater Boston with institutions such as Actors’ Shakespeare Project, Boston University, Emerson College, Lesley University, New Repertory Theatre, Wellesley Rep and our very own mainstage acting company, among others. We regularly run background checks on all faculty.

What should I bring to class?

Students in all classes should wear clothes and shoes they are comfortable jumping, crawling, and rolling in. Additionally, some classes include messy art projects. Students should bring a lunch, water bottle, and two small snacks (one for mid-morning and one for mid-afternoon). Students do not have access to a refrigerator or a way to warm food. Please note: to ensure the safety of all of our students, we have a strict no-nut policy for both peanuts and tree-nuts (including hazelnut products such as Nutella) and products that “may contain” peanuts and tree-nuts. Younger students will take quiet time after lunch and are encouraged to bring a favorite toy, book and a blanket.

What if my student wants to be in a younger or older class?

We understand that some students thrive in an environment including students either younger or older than their peer group. Please reach out to the WFT@BU Education sta if you would like to discuss your child’s placement.

Is there a play at the end of class?

The majority of our programs end in demonstrations and not performances. These sharings usually take place in your student’s classroom and are an opportunity to showcase the skill building that has occurred over the course of the program. Those programs that end in a more formal final performance are noted in the summer grid and descriptions.

Is there tuition assistance available?

Yes! WFT@BU has never turned away a student from our classes for the inability to pay tuition. For information: wheelockfamilytheatre.org/ education/tuition-assistance

Can I drop-o my student early?

Beforecare is available starting at 8:00 a.m. and costs $10/day or $50/week. You can sign-up for this online or by calling a member of the WFT@BU Education sta .

Can I pick-up my student late?

Aftercare is available for all programs ending at 3:30 p.m. Aftercare ends at 5:00 p.m. and costs $15/day or $75/week. Please note this is structured free-time supervised by WFT@BU sta . The theatre will provide art activities, games, and play age-appropriate movies or television series. Students are also encouraged to bring a favorite book, toy, or game to play. You can sign-up for this online or by calling a member of the WFT@BU Education sta .

How does pick-up and drop-o work?

Drop-o and pick-up occur along Pilgrim Road behind the Theatre. A comprehensive guide to our pick-up and drop-o procedures is available on our website.

How do you create an inclusive and accessible environment for my student?

We are committed to providing inclusive educational practices for your child. For more information, please contact jerih@bu.edu.

How do you ensure child safety?

There is nothing more important to us than the well-being of the young people we serve. In support of that priority, we have created a comprehensive set of practices designed to keep children safe. Those practices have worked for our young actors and for all of our organization’s participants; they continue to be a centerpiece of our culture and our day-to-day activities. Among the key elements of our protections:

• Mandatory background checks, including criminal history and the national sex o ender database, for every paid position prior to starting work and on an ongoing basis;

• A “rule of 3” so that no sta should ever be alone with a student in a private space;

• Socializing with children outside of scheduled rehearsals, performances, classes, or WFT@BU -sanctioned professional activities is strictly limited;

• We are a mandatory reporting organization, which means any sta member must report any suspicion or knowledge of abuse or neglect.

What are your latest Covid-19 protocols?

For most updated Covid-19 protocols: wheelockfamilytheatre.org/education/policies/