SUMMER THEATRE CAMP: STAR 2026
ABOUT STAR:
STAR (Summer Theatre Arts Rendezvous) is a theatre arts summer program for youth between 12–18 years old in which students will develop theatrical skill sets that align with their interests. This year, the program will begin slightly earlier to accommodate rehearsals for the season’s first production, starting in July.
That production is especially exciting: Perseverance Theatre will premiere Kutulagaaw: The Tlingít Russian Battle, the first Tlingít opera, co-commissioned and co-produced with Sealaska Heritage Institute.
Students can take part in four weeks of engaging theatrical programming this summer, with options designed to support a range of interests and experience levels.
| Dates | Program A | Program B |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: June 22 – 26 | Acting Intensive | Technical Theatre Intensive |
| Week 2: June 29 – July 3 | Musical Theatre Intensive (This is a 2-week intensive) | Directing Intensive |
| Week 3: July 6 – 10 | Playwriting Intensive | |
| Week 4: July 13 – 17 | Devised Theatre Intensive | |
Each week, students will work to hone their theatrical skills with the guidance and mentorship of visiting and local teaching artists. These intensives are geared towards building the student’s skills as an artist and community member, so that we may continue to develop our local artists pool and build a healthy arts ecology for Tlingít Aaní and beyond.
The program is student-driven, so each camper will be encouraged to honor their inner artist and to use their own unique skill set to develop an artistic piece that speaks from their own perspective. There will be a short showcase at the end of every week (Friday at 2:00PM) that is free and open to family, neighbors, and the community. This is an opportunity for students to show off their hard work and projects created during camp.
This year’s STAR Summer Theatre Intensives will take place Monday through Friday, from 9:00AM until 3:00PM. Check-in and Morning Drop-Off will begin at 8:30AM, and pickup will begin at 3:00PM. Transportation is available at no additional cost to families interested
Perseverance Theatre will provide lunch for all students at no additional charge, though parents are welcome to opt out. Lunch will be from 12:00 – 1:00pm, and campers are required to remain within Perseverance Theatre facilities unless written permission is provided by a parent or guardian.
Upon completion of registration, parents and guardians will be sent a full camp schedule and information packet via email in June.
SCHEDULE
MONDAY – FRIDAY, June 22 – July 17, 2026
8:30AM | Morning Drop-offs and Check-ins Begin
9:00AM | STAR Programming
12:00PM | Lunch
1:00PM | STAR Programming
3:00PM | STAR Student Pick-Up
FACULTY
STAR prides itself on the caliber of ability, discipline, and artistry possessed by our faculty. We work with local and national artists to bring students the best training and guidance necessary to pursue their theatrical interests. Our faculty is adept at teaching while continuing to perform/create as working artists and enhance the world of the theatrical arts.
INTENSIVES BREAKDOWN
ACTING INTENSIVE
(Week 1 June 22 – 26 / $250)
All the world can be your stage in Acting Class! This week is about building your acting skills, exploring different techniques, and learning how to fully immerse yourself in any role. Whether you’re new to the stage or have years of experience, you’ll gain confidence and creativity as you dive into the world of performance.
Through fun exercises, scene work, and character development, you’ll learn how to express emotions, master vocal techniques, and hone your stage presence. Work alongside passionate instructors and fellow campers to explore how to create both dramatic and comedic roles, and by the end of the week, you’ll be ready to perform for a family and friends showcase.
TECHNICAL THEATRE INTENSIVE
(Week 1 June 22 – 26 / $250)
Step behind the scenes and discover the magic of bringing a production to life during Technical Theatre Week at STAR! This week is all about exploring the vital roles that make every performance shine, from set design to stage management to lighting to sound, and costumes. If you’re fascinated by the technical side of theatre and want to learn how to create the perfect atmosphere for a show, this is the week for you.
Under the guidance of expert instructors, you’ll gain hands-on experience with stagecraft, including operating lights, stage management, and creating costumes. Whether you’re interested in creating costumes or learning how to run a lighting board, you’ll gain valuable skills in all areas of technical theatre. By the end of the week, you’ll have contributed to the creation of a family and friends showcase, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
MUSICAL THEATRE INTENSIVE
(Week 2&3 June 29 – July 3 / $500)
Lights, camera, action! Get ready for an unforgettable *two-weeks* of drama, song, and dance at our Musical Theatre Intensive! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-time star, this intensive is packed with exciting opportunities to explore the world of musical theatre. From learning iconic songs to mastering choreography and acting techniques, STAR will support the artistry of all our Musical Theatre campers!
Work with talented instructors and fellow campers in a fun and supportive environment as you rehearse, create, and perform. By the end of the week, you’ll shine in your very own showcase, gain confidence, creativity, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on this chance to sing, dance, and act your way to the stage!
DIRECTING INTENSIVE
(Week 2 June 29 – July 3 / $250)
Step into the director’s seat and bring your vision to life during our Directing Intensive at STAR! This week is all about discovering the art of working with performers, shaping a production, and creating unforgettable moments on stage. Whether you dream of directing your own shows someday or want to learn the ins and outs of theatrical leadership, this week will give you the hands-on experience you need.
You’ll work with performers and designers to learn how to interpret scripts, block scenes, and help actors find their characters. With expert guidance, you’ll sharpen your communication, creativity, and leadership skills as you oversee rehearsals and witness your direction take shape. By the end of the week, you’ll have directed a piece to show off to family and friends!
PLAYWRITING INTENSIVE
(Week 1 July 6 – 10 / $250)
Calling all budding playwrights and storytellers! Dive into the world of drama and creativity during the Playwriting Intensive at STAR. This week is all about unleashing your imagination and crafting original scripts that come to life on stage. Whether you’re passionate about writing intense dramas, hilarious comedies, or thought-provoking mysteries, this week will guide you through every step of the playwriting process.
From brainstorming ideas to developing characters and shaping scenes, you’ll learn the art of storytelling and script development. With the help of expert instructors, you’ll refine your writing, share your work with fellow campers, and even see your pieces read on the stage. By the end of the week, you’ll have the tools to write the next big hit!
DEVISED THEATRE INTENSIVE
(Week 4 July 13 – 17 / $250)
Create something completely original in Devised Theatre Week at STAR! This intensive is all about collaboration, imagination, and bringing your own ideas to life on stage. Instead of starting with a script, you’ll work as an ensemble to build a performance from the ground up—using movement, improvisation, storytelling, and group creativity to shape a one-of-a-kind piece.
Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll explore techniques in improvisation, physical theatre, and collaborative writing as you develop characters, scenes, and themes together. Whether you love acting, writing, or thinking outside the box, this week will challenge you to take creative risks and trust your instincts. By the end of the week, you’ll perform an original devised piece for family and friends that is entirely your own.
PRICING
| Perseverance Theatre’s Summer Camp: STAR 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dates | Program A | Program B |
| Week 1June 22 – 26 | Acting Intensive($250) | Technical Theatre Intensive($250) |
| Week 2June 29 – July 3 | Musical Theatre Intensive ($500) | Directing Intensive($250) |
| Week 3July 6 – 10 | Playwriting Intensive ($250) | |
| Week 4July 13 – 17 | Devised Theatre Intensive($250) | |
Early Bird Offers:
- Register by Sunday, May 24 and get $50 off each week of an intensive!
SCHOLARSHIPS
Perseverance Theatre is committed to working with local community partners to provide scholarships so every student can participate in theatrical arts education.
Please email kferguson@ptalaska.org to receive more information on available scholarship opportunities.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Q: HOW OLD DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE TO ATTEND STAR?
A: STAR is for students 12 – 18 years old.
Q: IS TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM STAR AVAILABLE?
A: Yes! Transportation is available at no additional cost to students.
Q: WHERE DO I PICK UP/DROP OFF MY STUDENT
A: At the Perseverance Theatre main doors (914 Third Street, Douglas, AK). Feel free to join us in the lobby and chat with staff.
Q: ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?
A: Yes! Please email kferguson@ptalaska.org to receive more information. We are also happy to connect you with local community partners that provide scholarships for students.
Q: WHAT SHOULD MY STUDENT BRING TO CAMP?
A: Generally, your student should have: comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement for rehearsals and theatre activities, closed-toe shoes, a water bottle, a positive attitude, and an open mind!
Q: IS LUNCH PROVIDED?
A: Yes! Lunch will take place 12 – 1pm, daily and campers are required to remain within Perseverance Theatre facilities unless written permission is provided by a parent or guardian. Perseverance Theatre will provide lunch for all students at no additional charge, though parents are welcome to opt out.
*If your student has a food allergy, please make sure to make a note on their registration form and notify staff when your student is dropped off.
Q: WILL SNACKS BE SERVED DURING STAR?
A: Yes! Snacks will be served each day, and a nutritious lunch is provided.
*If your student has a food allergy, please make sure to make a note on their registration form and notify staff when your student is dropped off.
Thank you to our generous sponsors for making STAR 2026 possible!