Summer Theater Youth Program

Our Vision

To encourage and educate our youth through the performing arts.

Program Information

WHO: Students entering grades 4-12. No theater experience required!

WHAT: Summer Theater is a unique five‐week program that offers students a fun way to gain theater experience. The program integrates theater games, improvisations, and exercises into a rehearsal process culminating in three full‐length plays. We’ve also introduced optional Friday workshops for participants to increase their knowledge and skills in various areas of theater.

2026 pricing:
1 participant – $175
2 participants – $300
3 participants – $425
4 participants – $550
5 participants – $675
You may pay by check or Paypal.

WHERE: At the theater, 231 Maple St. Portland, MI 48875

WHEN: June 8 to July 12, 2026

Program will run Monday – Thursday with optional Friday workshops (to be signed up for at registration)

2026 Friday Workshops (optional)
June 12: Props
June 19: Tech
June 26: Developing accents/dialects

5-Week Program Schedule:

Week 1:

  • Group 1: 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
  • Group 2: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Weeks 2 – 5:

  • Group 1: 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
  • Group 2: 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Group 3: 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

HOW: Online registration May 1-31 or until slots are filled.

  • If you are unable to complete registration online, please contact Mary Teachout at theatrerat01@gmail.com
  • We at the Portland Civic Players are passionate about making sure every young person has access to the arts. There are a limited number of need-based financial assistance packages available. If interested, please contact Mary Teachout at theatrerat01@gmail.com

Please note: if your student will be absent from the program for cumulatively more than a week, they cannot participate in Summer Theater. Participants must also be in attendance for all performances. Breaking this may terminate your ability to participate in future Summer Theater seasons.

See you at the theater!

2026 performance dates: TBA, July 8-12

Tickets are $6 at the door for all shows.

Parent meeting/Early registration: Wednesday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m.

Official registration opens: Friday, May 1, 2026

Registration closes: May 31 (or when slots are filled)

2026 program: June 8 – July 12

Performance dates: TBA, July 8-12

Our cap is 75 participants. Registration will close when the cap is reached, or if not capped, June 1. If cap is reached before June 1, a waiting list will be implemented.

  • Perform a full show for all your family and friends!
  • Custom program t-shirt
  • Three amazing directors
  •  Youth Membership to the Portland Civic Players
  •  Meeting new friends and connecting with old ones
  • Three fantastic directors
  •  Learning skills, tricks, and general know-how of all aspects of theater 
  • Did we mention three amazingly fantastic (and humble) directors???
  • Optional Friday workshops will be offered to expand knowledge and skills in various areas no matter what the skill level of the participant.

*Due to the need to keep things sanitary and keep our participants healthy, participants will be asked to provide their own makeup (unless it is specialty makeup).  This will generally run about $20.

Discipline Policy: First issue will be addressed by the directors. Participants will be given a chance to correct the issue on their own working with their director. If there is another instance, directors will contact parents/guardian and work with them to address. If this still does not solve the issue and it occurs again, the participant will be removed from the program.