The Theatre in the Park Academy is a youth-centered theatre program focused on learning through process, not pressure. It is a professional educational environment that treats young people seriously, listens to them first, and builds trust through consistency and joy. While it exists within the larger Theatre in the Park ecosystem, the Academy shifts the focus inward. Where Theatre in the Park presents finished stories to an audience, the Academy is where stories and performers are questioned, challenged, and reshaped. This is theatre as a practice rather than a product, and success is measured through growth, pride, relationships, and confidence, not competition or prestige.

Theatre in the Park Acadmey has opportunities for both performers and technicians throughout the year, including summer camps and school break shows.

Opportunities for

PERFORMERS

Opportunities for

TECHNICIANS

Tech Academy focuses on all technical elements involved with a theatrical production - from creating a costume to running a rehearsal as a stage manager.  Tech Academy is built for the summer to be able to learn the ins and outs at the beginning of the summer, and then techies can join full crews that work on Academy productions - including our large outdoor production at the end of the summer.

May 26 - May 29

Intro to Sound Design (Ages 10 - 16)

Check one two…check one two. The sound board can be a daunting place as you learn more about tech theatre. The nuance and skill it takes to be a professional sound designer starts with the basics! Learn about programming, equalization, frequencies, routing and more as you dive into the auditory world of sound design. Once you have the basics, you then will move onto learning vocal effects and modulation.

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May 26 - May 29

Intro to Stage Management (Ages 12 - 17)

The Stage Manager is the most integral role in a theatrical production. From running Pre-Production Meetings, to calling the final cue of the show, the Stage Manager has a hand in all parts of the show. This camp will focus on what it means to be a Stage Manager and what all that means from start to final bow. Participants will gain imperative skills as they begin their training in the world of Stage Management. This is a four day camp, running Tuesday through Friday.

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June 1 - June 5

Intro to Costume Design (Ages 12 - 17) 

Dive into the world of Costume Design with this TIP Tech Academy Camp focusing on the design, construction, and execution of costumes in the theatrical world. Start with the basics of sewing and design, learn about patterns, fittings, and more. No previous sewing experience necessary! Participants will have hands on experience in what it means to be a Costume Designer for a theatrical production.

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July 13 - July 24

Intro to Tech Theatre (Ages 9 - 15)

It’s the techie’s time to shine! Participants in this camp will begin their career backstage as they learn what it means to be in Technical Theatre. Introductions will be made to all aspects including Lighting, Sound, Stage Management, Costume Design, Run Crew, and more. This is the perfect first step into the world of a techie, and a great step for someone who wants to try something new!

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June 8 - June 12

Intro to Shop, Tools, and Construction (Ages 11 - 18)

In this hands-on camp, you’ll learn the basics of power tools, woodworking, and more! Discover how to take a scenic design and bring it to life by building real sets. You’ll get experience using tools like saws and drills, as well as techniques for creating everything from walls to painted backdrops. Work alongside other theater-loving students to explore the exciting world of set design and construction!

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June 8 - June 12

Intro to Stage and SFX Makeup Design (Ages 12 - 18)

It’s time to TRANSFORM utilizing the power of Makeup! This camp will dive right into what it means to ‘paint a face’ for the stage – as well as Special Effects Makeup design. Makeup can be used to truly transform the performer into a beautiful showgirl, a scary witch, or even a zombie! No previous experience is necessary and makeup will be provided for all participants!

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June 15 - June 18

Scenic Painting for "Madagascar" (Ages 10 - 18)

In this theatrical scenic painting camp, you’ll learn to turn blank walls into works of art! Master both small and large-scale painting techniques as you create stunning backdrops and set pieces. You’ll even work on a piece for a real Summer Academy show—no pressure, just fun! Whether you’re a beginner or a Picasso-in-training, this camp is your chance to unleash your inner artist, get creative with paint, and help bring a show to life!

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June 15 - June 18

Stage Makeup & Prosthetics for "Madagascar" (Ages 12 - 18)

The ability to transform a human face into a penguin isn’t something you just figure out on your own! Spend the week with a deeper dive into makeup and prosthetics for the TIP Academy production of “Madagascar”. Work with an expert teaching artist on concept, design, and execution of transforming people into new and beautiful creatures! Makeup crew experience, or a previous TIP Tech Academy makeup camp, is required.

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June 15 - June 18

Intro to Light Design (Ages 12 - 17)

Lights up! Designing lighting for theatrical productions has been going on since the beginning of theatre. Lighting has changed immensely with new and wonderful technology that lets a lighting designer truly set the mood. This camp will introduce participants to what it means to be a designer, as well as focus on the technical elements of lighting instruments. This is a four day camp - ending on Thursday June 18th.

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June 29 - July 3

Props and Special Effects (Ages 10 - 18)

A magic chair, a chalice that emits fog, an arrow that flies out of a tree…all fun elements of a musical or play that a props designer may be charged with creating. This camp will focus on how to take your crafty skills and put them into theatrical art! Focusing on props and special effects needed for a show, you’ll create something from nothing and fool an audience into believing it’s the real thing! Previous props experience at school, or an intro camp at TIP Tech Academy, is encouraged.

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July 6 - July 10

"Addams Family" Light Crew (Ages 10 - 18)

Go Cue 48! Spend the week focusing your light design skills on the TIP Academy production of “Addams Family Young @ Part”! Work with your teaching artist to develop plots, hang lights, design cues, and make the show happen! Previous light crew experience at your school is encouraged, or intro to light design camp through TIP Tech Academy.

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July 6 - July 10

"Addams Family" Makeup Crew (Ages 12 - 18)

Contour, highlight, shadow and more! This crew will focus on the makeup design of the TIP Academy production of “Addams Family Young@Part”. Spend the week developing makeup designs, practicing application, and creating art on the performers of the show! Previous makeup crew experience at your school or TIP Tech Academy makeup camps is encouraged.

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July 13 - July 24

"Anastasia" Costume & Props Crew (Ages 10 - 18)

This two week camp will focus on the costume and prop elements of a production of “ANASTASIA”. The production will use participants in TIP Academy, TIP Tech Academy, and JCPRD Fine Arts camps as they come together to produce a one of a kind show for audiences. The Tech Crew will work with Teaching Artists to handle all of the technical aspects of the production including costumes, wigs, props and more! Previous Costume/Prop crew experience is encouraged, or one or more Intro tech camps through TIP Tech Academy.

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July 13 - July 24

"Anastasia" Tech/Run Crew (Ages 10 - 18)

This two week camp will focus on the backstage and lighting/sound tech elements of a production of “ANASTASIA”. The production will use participants in TIP Academy, TIP Tech Academy, and JCPRD Fine Arts camps as they come together to produce a one of a kind show for audiences. The Tech Crew will work with Teaching Artists to handle all of the technical aspects of the production including sound, lights, stage management, and running the show! Previous Tech/Run crew experience is encouraged, or one or more Intro tech camps through TIP Tech Academy.

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July 27 - Aug 7

"Little Mermaid" Costume/Prop Crew - OUTDOOR ACADMEY (Ages 10 - 18)

Spend two weeks focusing on the costume/prop elements of the TIP Academy production of "THE LITTLE MERMAID JR." which will have its showcase performance at Theatre in the Park. The Tech Crew will work with Teaching Artists and professionals to handle all of the costume and prop aspects of the production including running the show! Tech crew members will then work on the evening sharing performances on the big stage outdoors. 

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July 27 - Aug 7

*FULL - Join the waitlist!*

"Little Mermaid" Tech/Run Crew - OUTDOOR ACADEMY (Ages 10 - 18)

Spend two weeks focusing on the tech elements of the TIP Academy production of "THE LITTLE MERMAID JR." which will have its showcase performance at Theatre in the Park. The Tech Crew will work with Teaching Artists and professionals to handle all of the technical aspects of the production including sound, lights, stage management, and running the show! Tech crew members will then work on the evening sharing performances on the big stage outdoors.

Click Here to Enroll