Our summer theatre explorations don’t begin with a script or an assigned role — they begin with curiosity.
Rather than learn “what lines to say,” we begin with a toolbox and learn what we can build. Collaborative exercises generating stories and characters will uncover the link between our own understanding of the world and the performances we create.
- All SummerBLAST sessions meet Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm. Extended day is available from 8-9am and 4-5:30pm at an additional cost.
- Each session culminates with an informal sharing for family and friends.
- Sessions are capped at a maximum of 30 students. Our maximum ratio of 10 students per adult ensures each student receives focused instruction.
Students entering grades 5–8
1 week: July 10–14
At the Duportail House
Performing combines many different strengths, including listening, observation, empathy, bravery – but we don’t all find those the same way. Each day we’ll test different creative muscles for communicating stories. This week-long artistic retreat is designed to energize and inspire students with previous acting experience as well as to welcome theatre newcomers.
Cost: $375
Registration deadline: June 25
Students entering grades 5–8
3 weeks: July 17–August 4
At the Duportail House July 17-August 1
At People's Light August 2-4
Our signature three-week exploration for young theatre-makers has two sides. Professional artists guide young actors through favorite techniques for vocal and physical expression, improvisation and scripted work, preparing tools used in performance. Simultaneously, students also follow creative prompts for journaling, writing, and devising their own original ideas, which feed into a group project that becomes the focus in the second half of the program. This work is playful but also rigorous, inviting students to become creators as well as performers.
Cost: $1,125
Registration deadline: July 2
Students entering grades 2–4
2 weeks: August 7–18
At People's Light
Inspiration is everywhere. Imagine each day as a scavenger hunt searching for stories in new ways: in the people we observe, in objects, in music, and in pictures. Once we uncover our stories, we’ll apply all the actor’s tools of voice, movement, imagination, and collaboration to bring those stories to life in solo exercises, small groups, and as a full ensemble.
Cost: $750
Registration deadline: July 23
The Duportail House
297 Adams Drive, Chesterbrook, PA 19087
A creative retreat including a historic home, barn, and lawns at the edge of Valley Forge National Park
People's Light's Campus
39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, PA 19355
Rehearsal halls, stages, and the Farmhouse Pavilion where young theatre-makers practice alongside working professionals.
REGISTRATION
A 50% deposit is required for each program at the time of registration. If your family requires an alternate timeline or payment plan, please inquire.
Missed a registration deadline? Late registration may be accepted, subject to availability with an additional fee.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Need-based scholarships are available for a limited number of participants. Click here to download an application.
HOUSEHOLD DISCOUNT
Single households registering two or more students in any SummerBLAST program may take advantage of a 10% discount. Please contact ArtsDiscovery@peopleslight.org to request your household discount.
REFERRAL DISCOUNT
Take advantage of our Buddy Bonus when you recommend us to a first-time participant who enrolls for SummerBLAST. You and your buddy both receive 10% off when both registrations are confirmed. Please contact ArtsDiscovery@peopleslight.org to request your referral discount.
EXTENDED DAY
Standard drop-off is from 8:45am-9am. Extended morning care is available from 8am.
Standard pick-up is from 4:00-4:15pm. Extended afternoon care is available until 5:30pm.
Pricing and enrollment process will be available shortly!
QUESTIONS?
Please contact us at ArtsDiscovery@peopleslight.org or 610.647.1900 x187.
- Any deposit or payments are fully-refundable until 60 days prior to the program start.
- Any cancellation or withdrawal after 60 days prior to the program will receive a 50% refund.
- Any cancellation or withdrawal after 30 days prior to the program will not be refunded.
- In the event that you need to cancel, please inform us as soon as possible so that we may offer a place to any participants who may be on a waiting list.
- Programs will not be prorated for partial or missed days.
