Theater Arts Institute
The Theatre Arts Institute offers students currently in grades 6-11 a total theater immersion experience for 4 weeks. Students are invited to learn the process of theater through daily classes designed to explore and enhance their skills in acting, singing and dance.
A Four Week Course
The Institute is a 4-week course for
students currently in grades 6-11.
Students at all levels – beginner and advanced–
- study vocal performance while learning new repertoire and vocal technique
- develop dance skills in tap, ballet, modern and jazz styles
- learn acting techniques drawing from classical to modern
repertoire
As Broadway lyricist Stephen Sondheim says, "Piece by piece, is the only way to make a work of art." At the end of the 4-week Institute you will have an opportunity to perform in both an original theater piece and in a musical revue.
New York City Trip
On the second full weekend of the Institute, students and faculty travel to New York City. While in New York, we go to Broadway and off-Broadway shows, museums, and perhaps a gallery. We also may visit Lincoln Center, explore Shubert Alley and shop in Soho and Greenwich Village.
Other field trips within the Institute program may include attending evening performances at:
- Long Wharf Theater
- Wesleyan University
- Yale Cabaret
- the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center
- the Goodspeed Opera House
If my friends could see me!
Sara Schoch, an alumna says, "My parents were
apprehensive about my wanting to pursue a career in theater.
"Then
my mother found this program. She wanted to make sure that this
was the life I wanted..."
Today, Sara is a professional actress and
vocal coach.
She says, "The Institute was an invaluable
tool in my training. The intense day-to-day structure, a rigorous
class schedule and the high expectations prepared me not only for college auditions, but for a
career in the theater."
Facilities
Designed by I.M. Pei and located on Choate’s 458-acre campus in Wallingford, the Paul Mellon Arts Center houses two theaters, a recital hall, music classrooms and practice rooms, art and dance studios, and a large art gallery/lounge area.
Eligibility
Students are required to submit an application, application fee, personal statement, current transcript, school recommendation, and two teacher recommendations. A DVD/CD of their performance of one piece may be mailed to the Summer Programs office, or a digital file emailed to choatesummer@choate.edu. These options are encouraged, but not required.
For application information, please see the How to Apply page.
Your Teachers are also Performers
The Institute’s Directors, James Balmer and Mary Nelson, experienced vocal coaches and performers, along with playwright and drama teacher Jared Eberlein and choreographer Kate Loughlin, guide and motivate you to new levels of performance success.
The Institute Directors
James Balmer — Known for his long association with the spring musical, the Summer Arts Conservatory and as a voice teacher, Jim was appointed an adjunct arts faculty member in 2010 sharing the responsibilities of Choral Director with his wife, Mary Nelson. Jim holds degrees from College Misericordia (B.M.), University of Hartford (M.M.), and University of Illinois DMA Doctoral Studies Candidate in Choral Conducting and Literature ABD (All but Dissertation).
Mary C. Nelson— Mary is a graduate of University of Wisconsin (B.S.) and Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford (M.M.) and is well known at Choate as the adviser to handbells and for her work with the spring musical as the piano accompanist. An adjunct member of the arts faculty, Mary also serves as the School organist and Co-Choral Director with her husband, Jim Balmer.