We’ve Got Magic Up Our Sleeve!
Upper Darby Summer Stage is one of nation’s oldest and most successful youth theater programs. For four years running (2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011), Summer Stage has been voted by My Fox Philly’s Best Theater Group in Philadelphia!
The Mission of Upper Darby Summer Stage is to encourage young people to develop the magic of their talents, personality and energy, and to share that magic with our audiences through outstanding theatrical performances for the entire family.
Each summer, over 700 young people from in and around the Delaware Valley come to Summer Stage and participate in one of our programs. Participants range in age from 11 to 28.
Click here to view our 2012 Registration Brochure, with information about all programs!
There are limited openings in some Summer Stage programs. Call 610-622-1189 for more information.
Upper Darby School District residents will register at 7 pm. nonresidents register at 7:45 pm.
Tickets
Tickets for Performing Arts Center Members go on sale May 14. Tickets for the public go on sale May 30. Check the website after May 1 to see the show schedule.
On Stage
Apprentice Program – Ages 11 and 12
The Apprentice Program is for our youngest Summer Stagers. Participants must be 11 years of age by the start of the program each summer, or finished 5th grade. Apprentices participate in one of two three-week sessions offered during the summer. Classes are offered in acting, movement, music and storytelling from 8:30 to 11:30 am Monday through Friday. Apprentices perform at local libraries as the Summer Stage Storytellers.
Rising Stars – Ages 12 to 13
Participants must be 13 years of age by the start of the program each summer or finished 7th grade, or must have completed a full session of the Apprentice Program. Rising Stars participate in one of two three-week sessions offered during the summer. Classes are offered from 1 to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday and will culminate in a performance of a children’s musical.
Children’s Theater – Ages 14 to 17
Each Children’s Theater participant will have the opportunity to become a cast member for one or two musical theater productions. This program is open to ages 14 or finished 8th grade to age 17 or finished 11th grade. These productions are theater “for young people, by young people” – musical theater productions of approximately one hour, targeted for children ages four and up. Our Children’s Theater casts rehearse for two to three weeks during the day; we put on one new show per week, with five performances of each show.
Mainstage – Ages 18 to 28
Aspiring actors aged 18-28 along with our Children’s Theater “graduates” have the opportunity to audition for the Mainstage program. Mainstage members rehearse in the evenings during the summer, culminating in a full-scale production of a Broadway musical. This is a college level program that has been compared favorably with the professional theaters in Philadelphia.
Open Programs
There are a number of programs that are open to all Summer Stagers. These programs have rehearsals throughout the entire summer, culminating in performances at the end of the summer.
Dance Troupe – 11 – 25
Cabaret – 16 – 25
Director’s Workshop – 16-25
All Summer Stagers are invited to audition for these opportunities.
Technical Theater
Summer Stage offers an outstanding technical theater training program and has places many alumni in college technical theater schools and professional theater shops.
Technical Theater Program – 14-18
Participants must be 14 years of age by June 18, 2012 or finished 8th grade. Participants will receive training in set and props construction, painting, lighting and sound. An interview with the Technical Director at registration is a requirement for admission to the program. Limited enrollment.