Summer Acting Workshop

Summer Acting Workshop, Musical Theatre, Improv and Playwriting Classes

Fun-Filled Theatre Camps for Kids and Teens (Grades 3-12)

The skills developed—and explored—in SCR’s Summer Acting Workshop classes build confidence and self-esteem. The two-week day camp is designed for students new to SCR and introduces them to solving creative problems through inspiration and innovation! Enthusiastic and experienced professional artists will help students explore and deepen their understanding of the craft of acting and strengthen important life skills.

Classes meet in the safe and creative environment of Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory, which has been at the forefront of theatre in America for more than 50 years.

What's a day like at the camp? Each day begins with an invigorating all-camp warm-up. Class time follows, as students join their age groups for two lively hours of interactive instruction in voice, movement, character development and more—led by SCR’s staff of theatre professionals. The final hour is spent with special guests who bring to life various aspects of theatre, such as design, improvisation, combat, singing and playwriting—it's something different every day. The two-week camp concludes with students sharing their work onstage in a demonstration for invited family and friends.

Classes are taught by a faculty of theatre professionals. Meet Our Faculty!

Current and past students talk about the quality of what they learn—and how Conservatory Director Hisa Takakuwa inspires them.

CLASS OPTIONS

Choose mornings or afternoons, or have the all-day experience by choosing Summer Acting Workshop in the morning with Musical Theatre, Improv, or Playwriting in the afternoon. Or vice-versa. All-day students receive a $50 discount on the afternoon class.


Tuition is $495 per two-week session of Summer Acting Workshop (pricing listed below for specialty classes), and sibling discounts are available. All listed tuition includes fees.

Cancellation and refund policies.

Please call (714) 708-5510 for questions or to register by phone.

SESSION I

July 13-24, 2026

3-4 Grade: Meet from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
4-5 Grade: Meet from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
5-6 Grade: Meet from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
7-8 Grade: Meet from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
9-12 Grade: Meet from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
OR
4-6 Grade: Meet from 1-4 p.m. 
7-1 0 Grade: Meet from 1-4 p.m.

Enroll

SESSION II

July 27 - August 7, 2026

3-4 Grade: Meet from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
5-6 Grade: Meet from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
7-8 Grade: Meet from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
9-12 Grade: Meet from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
OR
4-5 Grade: Meet from 1-4 p.m.
6-8 Grade: Meet from 1-4 p.m.

Enroll

MUSICAL THEATRE

Grades 5-7
Instructor: Rachel McLaughlan or Erica Schaeffer
TUITION: $440

In this exciting class, students will begin exploring the world of musical theatre, including audition, rehearsal, and performance techniques. Above all, they will learn what it means to “act” a song with emphasis on healthy use of the voice, how to work with others, how to sing with confidence, and, of course, lots of fun!

5-7 Grade meet from 10–12 p.m., July 13-24, 2026
5-7 Grade meet from 1–3 p.m., Jul. 27 - Aug. 7, 2026

Enroll

MUSICAL THEATRE

Grades 8-12 (7th graders who have completed one year in the SCR program are welcome to enroll.)
Instructor: Rachel McLaughlan or Erica Schaeffer
TUITION: $550

This exciting, action-packed class teaches students how to audition for a musical role and then prepares them to perform it. They’ll enjoy vocal work while learning to interpret the music and the text. In other words, they’ll learn what it means to “act” a song and “sing” a scene. Throughout, emphasis will be on healthy use of the voice.

8-12 Grade meet from 1-4 p.m., Jul. 13-24, 2026
8-12 Grade meet from 9-12 p.m., Jul. 27 - Aug. 7, 2026

Enroll

Grades 9-12
(For those entering 9th grade in the Fall 2023. Eighth-graders are welcome if they have completed at least a year in SCR’s Conservatory.)
Dates: July 27 – August 7, 2026, from 1-4 pm
Instructor: Christopher Sullivan
TUITION: $495

Explores working within an ensemble to create narrative-based improvised stories. Students will focus on creating Character, Relationship, Objective, and Where, and understanding how they work with narrative structure. Through a variety of exercises—including scene work, group games, and character exploration—actors will develop their ability to think on their feet, listen actively, and build compelling stories. The class will encourage each actor to explore truth in acting while cultivating their comedic voice.

Enroll

For those entering 9th grade in the Fall of 2025. Eighth-graders are welcome if they have completed at least 1 year in SCR’s Conservatory.
Dates: July 27 – August 7, 2026, from 1-3 p.m.
Instructor: Kristina Leach
Tuition: $450

Unleash your creativity and write your stories for the stage. In this two-week playwriting class, teens will explore the fundamentals of storytelling while deepening their understanding of writing for the theatre. Through writing prompts and collaborative discussions, students will develop their unique voices and hone their craft. Open to all experience levels, ages 14 and up. Whether you’re a first-time writer or a seasoned storyteller, this class is the perfect place to ignite your passion for playwriting.

Enroll

PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE

GRADES 4-7
July 13-24, 2026, from 1-4 p.m.
Instructor: To be announced
TUITION: $495

The performance Ensemble is for students who have completed at least two 10-week sessions in the Youth or Teen Acting Classes. Using skills learned in the Conservatory, students rehearse a performance piece for family and friends in the Nicholas Studio. Students collaborate with their director and bring a play to the stage in only 2 weeks. No audition is required to join.

Enroll

PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE

GRADES 8-12
July 6-24, 2026, from 2-5 p.m.
Instructor: Kristina Leach
TUITION: $580

The performance Ensemble is for students who have completed at least two 10-week sessions in the Youth or Teen Acting Classes.

  • WEEK ONE – Write a new piece. Talk about the structure; do whatever it takes to kick-start a new story idea. By Friday of the first week, we have the play's rules and topic, and the characters are starting to take shape and have something resembling a first draft.
  • WEEK TWO– Start blocking, memorizing lines, working on character development, figuring out our objectives, and making the strongest choices possible.
  • WEEK THREE – Make final edits, costuming/music/prop selection; we get off-book and get ready for the LIVE performance.

We’re going to create an original piece of theatre SPECIFICALLY TAILORED to be performed by you.

Enroll

SUMMER PLAYERS PRODUCTION

Jun 29 - Aug 8, 2026
TUITION: $820

This is for returning students who must have completed at least one year in our Youth and Teen Acting Classes. The show (title to be announced in March) will be directed by Hisa Takakuwa, with musical direction by Erin McNally. Acceptance into this program is through audition only. The auditions will be held in late April-May, and eligible students will be emailed details and audition information by Apr 1.

Enrollment will open after auditions and casting are complete

The Theatre Conservatory has been a part of Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory for more than five decades. The Theatre Conservatory and its staff of professional working artists have been an integral part of SCR from the theatre's start, with the goals of laying a strong training foundation and enriching the lives of all its students.

Would you like to register by phone or do you have questions? Call the Education Office at (714) 708-5510

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