- Acting
- Dance Intensive
- Design
- Environmental Arts
- Studio Arts
- Theatre Tech and Design
Acting and Improv
Students will participate in rigorous acting, voice and speech, movement, and scene study classes to learn the art of acting for the stage. During the program, teens will refine and perform audition pieces and theatrical scenes. Students will also explore improvisation and learn techniques through coaching and warm-up exercises that will build confidence and improve theatrical performance skills.
Contemporary Dance, Ballet, African Dance, and Musical Theatre Dance Styles
In this track, teens will join the faculty and students of one of the strongest and oldest dance programs in the country. Students will be immersed in intense technical training in contemporary dance and ballet. Additional styles such as African dance and musical theatre dance styles, including jazz and hip-hop, will also be woven into the curriculum. A challenging modern dance piece choreographed by a summer faculty member will be rehearsed during the week and performed.
Graphic Design and Industrial Design
Are you interested in learning about graphic design or industrial design? These are two of our most popular art and design majors at Illinois. Whether you make a poster for your favorite band or create a logo for an unnamed coffee shop, you'll learn basic graphic design concepts using Adobe Illustrator. Through industrial design courses you'll create a product and gain hands-on experience with laser cutting, CNC routing, and 3D printing. You'll learn about concepting, collaborative brainstorming, sketching, and prototyping by problem solving through the Design Track. You will create multiple portfolio pieces and will display your work in the art exhibit in the Link Gallery at the end of the week.
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Design, and Urban and Regional Planning
The Environmental Arts Track is for students who are interested in solving environmental design challenges in architecture, landscape architecture, sustainability, and urban and regional planning. In this intriguing hands-on program, students will form mock firms to collaborate and solve problems in environmental science, architectural engineering, and design technology. By working on projects and taking campus excursions, you will strengthen your abilities and gain knowledge about professional fields of study:
- Demonstrate critical thinking, curiosity, adaptability, and initiative
- Appreciate the skills and imagination needed to design, create, and use technologies
- Explore architecture, landscape architecture, sustainability, and urban and regional planning
In this project-based track, each student will display a project for the exhibition at the end of the week.
Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture
This track is for fine artists. Students will explore acrylic paint in its more traditional form as well as its not-so-traditional experimental uses. These will include working with gels and pastes and incorporating collage into a final mixed-media creation. Students will enhance abilities in techniques such as shading, controlling tones, composition, and drawing methods. You will draw indoors and outdoors. Through sculpture students will create a three-dimensional piece by carving and casting. If you have a passion for drawing, painting, and sculpture this track is for you! You will create multiple portfolio-worthy pieces and display your work in an exhibit in the Link Gallery at the end of the week.
Scenic and Lighting Design, Props, and Stage Management
Experience the Illinois Department of Theatre backstage! Students will explore what it means to work behind the scenes in theatre. Discover the skills and techniques you need to successfully put up a show and gain hands-on experience in a variety of backstage areas such as lighting design, scenic design, props design, and stage management.
* Course descriptions are subject to change. Courses may have additional course fees or required supplies.