The NHSI Theatre Arts Division offers a powerful exploration into stage performance and design. A rigorous combination of classes and rehearsals challenge students every day for five weeks, giving them a taste for what their college experience may be like should they pursue a degree in the field. Working with professional theatre practitioners from around the country, students receive extraordinary training in a collaborative and supportive environment, and get to take advantage of the world-class facilities offered at Northwestern. Niche.com ranks Northwestern University as the #1 school in America for the Performing Arts, this program gives students insight as to why!
Summer 2023
Northwestern and NHSI will continue to monitor health information from the CDC and will adhere to all guidelines and directives put out by the State of Illinois. At this time, we are intending to host our programming on Northwestern’s campus this summer. If for any reason this is not possible, we will notify families as soon as possible via email and refund any deposits as necessary. We look forward to assessing your application soon. Please be sure to check our website frequently for additional updates.
5-Week Programs
Performance
Stage Management/Design-Tech
June 25 – July 29, 2023
2-Week Musical Theatre Extension
Performance
Stage Management/Design-Tech
July 29 – August 12, 2023
**Students interested in the Musical Theatre Extension must participate in the 5-week program, spending a total of 7 weeks at Northwestern. Students remain in the same concentration for the duration of the 7 weeks and may not switch from Performance to SM/DT or vice versa for the extension.
Watch a presentation below to get an idea of the day-to-day of the institute!
Follow the Theatre Arts Division on Instagram for updates and insight @nhsi.theatrearts
What the Faculty Have Said:
“The demands placed on cherubs are not unlike the demands placed upon college students (and professional actors). It is assumed that any student entering this program has reached the level of maturity, understanding, and dedication necessary to handle everything that will be expected of him/her.”
“I believe that there is no other program in the world like the NHSI Theatre Arts Division. This may seem like an awfully tall statement, but given what we offer to the students and demand of them in return I don’t believe there is anything comparable.”
What Our Students Have Said:
“I learned ways to trust myself, stay in the moment, and get out of my head”
“The things I learned in this program will be with me for the rest of my life“
“The staff truly made it feel like you were working with professionals, which is what one looks to get out of a program as rigorous as this. At the same time, however, each and every one of them was approachable, willing to exchange advice, and personable in their own right…and that is something not every summer program can offer.”
“My favorite part of the program was the freedom to explore my art without any limits or hindrances.”
“A noncompetitive, safe and encouraging atmosphere to learn.”
What Parents Have Said:
“I want to thank everyone at National High School Institute – Theatre Arts Division summer program for my daughter’s wonderful experience. From the moment we arrived, your top-notch staff couldn’t have been nicer and more helpful.”
“The directors and the cast and crew of all the shows were amazing. My daughter’s director made a strong impression on her. She learned so much from him and felt he extracted her full potential. She feels she can take these skills and techniques she learned and apply them to her future performances.”