Next Steps Theatre 2027
June 20th-June 26th, 2027

Check-in is the afternoon of June 20th for the intensive.
2027 registration and scholarship applications will open by November 1, 2026

Are you looking for something exciting to do this summer?
Interested in exploring theatre opportunities at James Madison University?

Consider the JMU Next Steps Summer Theatre Intensive, taking place June 22–27, 2026. This week-long program is designed for students entering grades 10–12 who are curious about theatre and eager to explore what the next step in their artistic journey might look like.

Throughout the week, participants will take part in daily workshops led by nationally recognized working actors and JMU theatre faculty, gaining hands-on experience in performance, technique, and creative collaboration. Students will also learn about college audition preparation, training programs, and pathways in theatre, helping them begin to think about their future.

Whether you're just starting to explore theatre or already passionate about performing, we look forward to meeting you where you are in your process and providing a supportive, inspiring environment to expand your creativity, strengthen your techniques, and imagine what comes next.

Join us for a week of learning, creativity, and connection—we can’t wait to see what you bring to the stage!

• Daily studio classes working hands-on with each participant's material, including the fundamentals of acting.
• Training with professional guest artists and JMU Theatre faculty.

• Professional development seminars including audition preparation. 

• College audition question and answer sessions. 

• Final Performance Showcase. 

Summer 2027 Schedule Coming Soon!
Please see the Summer 2026 schedule for a sample schedule.

2026 Classes Offered

New Works A three-session intensive covering the new play development process, from initial casting to presentation. But really though how do new plays get made? It all starts with a “reading”, or the process through which a playwright hears their work performed out loud by a group of professional actors, often for the first time. Most actors make their way into the business, and sustain their practice, by doing readings of new plays. We’ll cover the whole shebang, from initial casting contact to in-room etiquette and expectations, all the way through the final presentation and what happens after. This class will tell and then show- after talking through the process, students will take part in a mock reading of a new play excerpt, then receive participation and performance assessment.

Professional in-person auditions Working actors explain every detail of the professional in-person audition process, followed by mock auditions and feedback. Tackling college auditions is a beast, but auditioning in a professional setting is an entirely different animal. Curious what that means? This course will cover what it’s like to be a working actor from working actors, including how to interact with reps and casting directors, how to prepare, what to expect in the audition room, and the crucial, often-overlooked element of how to advocate for yourself in an professional manner. Instructors will then simulate the entire audition process with students, from the first email to the audition day, giving them a chance to put their newly-acquired knowledge into practice.

Self-tape auditions Since most auditions have moved to a digital format, students will learn the ins and outs of making a professional self-tape before submitting and reviewing one of their own. The theater industry has changed rapidly in the past few years, and self-taping for auditions is here to stay. Acquiring the knowledge of how to record a technically clean and emotionally nuanced performance is more important than ever. In this class, students will be shown the industry standards and proper techniques for self-taping before being sent away to record their own (don’t worry, no expensive equipment required!). The class will then watch the audition tapes as a group and receive constructive feedback.

2027 Program Costs

Residential:
6-Day with housing + meals = $1400.00*

Commuter:
6-Day NO housing, lunch and dinner only = $900.00**

* Tuition cost, double room in the dorm, and 3 meals a day in the dining hall.
** Tuition cost, lunch and dinner in the dining hall.

ACTIVITIES: All prices include group activities on and off campus.

Important Deadlines:
Scholarship Deadline: Monday April 26th, 2027 (Scholarship application will be available when registration opens in November)
Award emails will be sent out on or before May 3rd, 2027. All applicants will be notified either way.

On Campus Housing and Food:
Next Steps participants have the option to stay in JMU dorms while in the program. This exciting opportunity allows the students to get the full JMU student experience.

Dorm Information:

• Double Dorm rooms are available. The price above is for double rooms 

• Double rooms will be assigned randomly unless there is a specific request sent by both roommates.

• Linen service is included in every room:

  • Linens include: 2 sheets, 1 pillowcase, 2 towels, and 1 washcloth.

  • Double towels will be provided

  • Linens are provided folded in each room (beds are not pre-made).

  • Pillows are provided (free of charge) for each bed; blankets for air-conditioned dorms. 

Campus Dining Information:

• For participants who are staying in campus housing, you will receive 3 meals per day in JMU’s award-winning dining halls.  If you are staying in the dorm, the meal plan is required. 

• For those participants who are not staying in the dorm, lunch and dinner in the campus dining hall is included in your tuition cost.

Hotel and Harrisonburg Information:

Next Steps participants who are not local, can utilize campus housing/food but are also welcome to stay in hotels in the Harrisonburg area. If you choose to stay at a hotel, evening supervision is not provided. Please reach out to Ingrid De Sanctis (desancie@jmu.edu) with any specific questions.

For more information on Harrisonburg, please visit the Visit Harrisonburg VA website.

Here are some local hotels that are near the beautiful Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, which will be the base of all Next Steps Summer programs:

1. Hotel Madison - on campus, across the street from the Forbes Center

2. Hyatt Place Harrisonburg - 2.4 miles away

3. Joshua Wilton House - 0.8 miles away

4. Spark by Hilton Harrisonburg University Area — 1.3 miles away

5. Friendly City Inn — 1.6 miles away

6. Double Tree by Hilton Harrisonburg - 2.4 miles away

7. Clarion Pointe Harrisonburg - 2.4 miles away

8. Courtyard by Marriot Harrisonburg - 2.4 miles away

Next Steps will offer a limited number of needs-based scholarships for the 2027 Summer Intensive. Scholarships are awarded by filling out the Next Steps Theatre Scholarship Form (available when registration opens in November) before the deadline of April 26th, 2027. You must register for the intensive first and pay in-full before your scholarship application can be processed. The award notifications will be sent out via email on or before May 3rd, 2027, and the award recipients will receive a refund for their awarded amount via a card reimbursement.