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. In 2024 we introduced optional Friday workshops for participants to increase their knowledge and skills in various areas of theater.

2025 pricing:
1 participant – $175
2 participants – $300
3 participants – $425
4 participants – $550
5 participants – $675

WHERE: The Portland Playhouse: 231 Maple St. Portland, MI 48875

WHEN: June 9 to July 13, 2025

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

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: It’s easy! For your convenience, complete a digital registration form, available May 1.

  • 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 participant will be absent from the program for cumulatively more than a week, they cannot participate in Summer Theater. Breaking this will terminate your ability to participate in the future.

See you at the theater!

2025 performance dates will be July 9-13.

Parent meeting/Early registration: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Official registration opens: Thursday, May 1, 2025

Registration closes: May 31

2025 program: June 9 – July 13

Performance dates: July 9 – July 13

Further Details

The 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.

Some Other Important Things to Keep in Mind:

  • 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???
  • Other Important Information: 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.