Summer Programs 2011
The Academy’s summer drama program has expanded, and is now offering two weeks for aspiring actors, dancers, singers and set-builders in grades 5-12. The program will include workshops with Valley theater luminaries Double Edge Theatre, Serious Play, and Chrysalis Theatre in movement, voice work and intensive actor training. Heath School Drama Director Jonathan Diamond, who will oversee the workshop, describes it as “both an opportunity for experienced performers to expand their imaginations and hone their craft and a chance for newcomers to the stage to experience a wonderful introduction to the world of theater.”
“What we’ve shown time and time again is that you can teach serious actor training methods to this age group,” Diamond said. “There is a lot of mentoring of new company members by more seasoned ones and the entire group gets to train with professionals who are at the top of their games. We find roles for everyone, and make it fun while working hard to improve our skills. We had an amazing week last year, and now we’re going to build on what we started—but this time, with slightly more focus on performance and production. Anyone who is at all interested should give it a shot.”
This year’s summer drama program will include a special evening preview of the summer spectacle at Ashfield's internationally renowned Double Edge Theatre and a “talk-back” afterward about the production of The Odyssey. The Summer Drama Program will run from July 11 – July 22, 2011, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will culminate in a public performance at the Academy.
Rock n Roll Week returns this year as well, led by Dave Chalfant and Scott Hoffman, both professional musicians, studio engineers and Academy teachers. In his Conway studio, Chalfant has recorded acts from The Nields to The Winterpills. Hoffman’s band, Hands And Knees, recently earned praise in a review in the Boston Globe.
Student musicians will collaborate with Chalfant and Hoffman on musical choices and arrangements and end the week with a rock concert. “Basically, we just want to help kids rock out,” Chalfant said. “They come up with the best stuff, and we have the experience to help them realize their vision, however insane it may be.”
The Rock n Roll Program will run from noon to 2 p.m., August 1 – 5.
A fourth program running at The Academy this summer is the Hilltown Youth Soccer League and its affiliated clinics. The league is open to children entering 2nd through 7th grade (with a minimum age of 6 years old), and participants play with others of their level and strength.
“Our number one priority is a fun, safe experience for the kids,” said CJ Holt, co-director of the league. “Within that framework, players learn and practice the essential skills, and the fundamentals of teamwork and strategy. We like to get them playing as much as possible—and to avoid standing in lines for drills!”
The Youth League will run on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., June 28 – August 4.
The HYSL Clinics provide an opportunity for middle-school and high-school players to continue building their skills and experience. “The clinics are more intense, but lots of fun,” said Holt. “We work on skills and tactics in the morning, then break for lunch and swimming at Mohawk State Forest. In the afternoon we play small-sided and full-size games, and we always include a goalie clinic with Alan Kuusisto, who is an outstanding goalie and goalie coach.”
Holt said the week-long intensives allow for a range of skills, and are tailored to the needs of individual players. There are two HYSL clinic sessions this summer, each running from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: June 27 – July 1, and August 8 – 12.
For further information about summer programs at The Academy, visit www.charlemont.org/summer-programs, e-mail Jesse Porter-Henry ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Abe Loomis ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), or call 413-339-4912.
