(Syracuse, NY)—Raise the curtain on summer fun with the new Summer Youth Theatre Experience offered by Syracuse Stage in cooperation with Near Westside Initiative. Children ages 11-14 are invited to create and perform under the guidance of professional teaching artists from Syracuse Stage. Participants will be able to choose from different programs in two locations: at the newly opened SALTspace performing arts center and at Syracuse Stage.
Program One: Near Westside Experience- From Page to Stage
During each week-long experience, participants will develop a story from an idea to performance as they create and perform their original work. Sessions include acting, improvisation, voice and creative writing.
Location: SALTspace, 102 Wyoming St., Syracuse, New York
Dates: Week 1 – July 15-19, Acting Out Loud
Week 2 – July 22-26, Creating Characters
Individuals are welcome to participate in one or both weeks.
Time: 10 am – 3 pm daily
Tuition: Register by May 1 for the early-bird rate of $225 per week. After May 1, the rate increases to $250. Before and after care is available.
To Apply: Register online now at http://www.syracusestage.org/summerprograms.php. Space limited. Scholarships available. 
Program Two: Syracuse Stage Experience – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Participants will develop their acting skills with movement, voice and character development as they prepare for a presentation of Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Location: Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, New York
Dates: July 29 – August 9 (Monday through Friday)
Time: 10 am – 3 pm daily
Tuition: Register by May 1 for the early-bird rate of $500. After May 1, the rate increases to $550.
Before and after care is available.
Special Price for all 4 weeks: Register by May 1 for the early-bird rate of $800 ($250 savings—One week free!)
To Apply: Register online now at http://www.syracusestage.org/summerprograms.php. Space limited. Scholarships available.
Syracuse Stage
Founded in 1974, Syracuse Stage is the non-profit, professional theatre company in residence at Syracuse University. It is nationally recognized for creating stimulating theatrical work that engages Central New York and significantly contributes to the artistic life of Syracuse University, where it is a vital partner in achieving the educational mission of the University’s Department of Drama. Syracuse Stage’s mission is to tell stories that engage, entertain and inspire people to see life beyond their own experience. Each season 70,000 patrons enjoy an adventurous mix of new plays, and bold interpretations of classics and musicals, featuring the finest theatre artists. In addition, Stage maintains a vital educational outreach program that annually serves more than 15,000 students from 14 counties. Syracuse Stage is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and a member of the Arts and Cultural Leadership Alliance (ACLA), the University Hill Corporation and the East Genesee Regent Association. Syracuse Stage is a member of The League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the largest professional theatre association in the country.
The Near Westside Initiative
The Near Westside Initiative (NWSI), a 501c3 not for profit organization, was formed in 2006. The mission of the NWSI is to serve in partnership with the community to support and sustain a strong and dynamic neighborhood that enhances the quality of living for those that work, learn, play and sleep in Syracuse Westside neighborhood.
SALTspace
SALTspace is multi-use performing arts center featuring a 150 seat black box theater with green rooms, a versatile rehearsal studio, a modern lobby for gatherings, and shared office space. A program of the Near Westside Initiative, SALTspace aims to create an environment that prioritizes community input, investment and ownership, and provides an affordable and accessible creative space for artistic growth and development, collaboration, job creation and sustainability through the arts.
