Summer Pre-College Program
Drama Pre-College
The School of Drama’s Pre-College program offers high school students a rigorous introduction to top-tier conservatory training, preparing them for the demands of college auditions and applications while providing a clear vision of their future in theater. Designed for serious students, this focused program mirrors the intensity of the School of Drama’s BFA curriculum, with small studio classes of 10-12 students. Taught by nationally acclaimed faculty, the program emphasizes creativity and discipline, offering a challenging college-level experience that underscores the commitment required for a career in theater.
Find Yourself Here
Discover your potential and define the kind of artist you want to be in CMU’s Drama Pre-College program!
Acting & Music Theater
Students focus on audition preparation, building a repertoire of monologues and songs while learning to select age-appropriate material for applications and auditions. Acting students receive targeted training in Acting, Auditioning, Acting for the Camera, and Dramaturgy, along with Movement, Shakespeare, and Voice & Speech. Music Theater students also take these courses plus Song Coaching and Ballet and Jazz, which offer a solid foundation for beginners and advanced training for experienced dancers. This comprehensive curriculum ensures thorough preparation for auditions and future theater careers.
Design/Production
Students begin creating a cohesive portfolio upon which they can build for their college application process. They will be exposed to classes in Basic Design, Technical Production, and Stage & Production Management, as well as introductory work in Lighting, Sounds, Video/Media, Costumes, and Fabrication Technology. Additional supplementary subjects may be added and can change from year to year. All students in Pre-College Drama, including those in the DP option, will take Dramaturgy.
Sample Schedules
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. Classes are subject to change.
Acting
- Monday Wednesday Friday
- Audition9 am
- Movement10:30 am
- Acting for the Camera1:30 pm
- Acting3 pm
- Tuesday Thursday
- Dramaturgy9 am
- Elective11 am
- Shakespeare2 pm
- Voice and Speech5 pm
Music Theater
- Monday Wednesday Friday
- Acting9 am
- Ballet10:30 am
- Audition1:30 pm
- Song Coaching3 pm
- Tuesday Thursday
- Elective9 am
- Acting for the Camera11 am
- Dramaturgy2:30 pm
- Jazz4 pm
Design/Production
- Monday Wednesday
- Basic Design1:30 pm
- Science of Scenery3 pm
- Tuesday Thursday
- Dramaturgy12 pm
- Technical Production1:30 pm
- Storyology3pm
- Friday
- Production Management1:30 pm
- Applying to College3 pm
Featured Faculty
What Parents Are Saying
Give your student a head start on their theatrical journey in a program renowned for its excellence and innovation—where their passion for theater can truly flourish.