Acting Summer Course
    In-person Program

    Acting Summer Course

    by Brown Pre-College Programs

    Brown’s acting course develops performance skills through scene study, voice and movement exercises, peer feedback, and a final public presentation.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Acting Summer Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Grades 9-12; all acting experience levels

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Providence, Rhode Island, United States

    Cost

    $8,372; $6,416

    Duration

    3 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    ArtLiterature
    Accommodation: Single, double, or triple residence rooms
    Meals: Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
    Certificate / Outcome: Digital certificate and Course Performance Report
    Campus experience: Workshops, activities, fitness center, and pool
    Tutors / faculty: Janett Bass; Constance Crawford
    Class schedule: Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. ET
    Outside-class work: At least 2-3 hours daily

    Acting Summer Course summary

    Brown’s Acting course is a practical studio experience built around bringing scenes from plays to life. Students develop characters through text analysis, rehearsal, voice, and movement.

    Peer feedback, mock auditions, and a final public presentation make participation central. It suits students who want to practice performing and collaborating rather than mainly listen to lectures.

    What is Acting Summer Course?

    The Acting Summer Course is Brown University’s practical acting studio within its pre-college offering. Students learn by performing, analyzing plays, and rehearsing with classmates in a supportive environment. The emphasis is realistic performance, alongside improvisation, voice, and bodywork.

    Scene study connects character objectives and historical context with choices about sets, costumes, and lighting. Students exchange feedback, practice mock auditions, and give several presentations before a final public presentation. The broader Summer@Brown experience adds campus activities and opportunities to develop independence.

    Why Succeed highlights Acting Summer Course

    • Scene analysis connects practical performance with close reading and character interpretation.

    • Peer feedback and rehearsals give students repeated opportunities to improve collaboratively.

    • Mock auditions introduce a practical skill that extends beyond classroom scene work.

    • A final public presentation gives the course a concrete performance goal.

    • An instructor-written Course Performance Report provides individual evidence of engagement and progress.

    Who is Acting Summer Course for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy performing, interpreting characters, and learning through collaborative practice and feedback.

    Not ideal if

    You prefer mainly lecture-based study, need college credit, or cannot commit to rehearsals outside class.

    Is Acting Summer Course worth it?

    This course offers a useful way to test whether you enjoy sustained acting practice, rather than occasional performance alone. Scene work, peer feedback, and public presentation create opportunities to notice specific improvements in communication and collaboration.

    The financial commitment is substantial, so the strongest reason to choose it is the learning experience itself. It is non-credit, and Brown states that Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission. Families should weigh the campus experience against local theater training that may meet similar practice goals.

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    Cost and what is included

    $8,372; $6,416; includes One three-week Acting course., Residential housing and three meals daily., One daily dining-hall meal for commuters., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Free RIPTA transportation access for commuters with a Brown ID..

    Accommodation

    Single, double, or triple residence rooms

    Meals

    Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily

    Supervision or safety information

    Residential students have trained staff support and a face-to-face check-in at 10 p.m. Students may explore Rhode Island independently outside required commitments, so families should plan communication expectations together.

    Provider details

    Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    3 weeks; Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Acting Summer Course need?

    Effort level

    High, with weekday classes and daily outside-class work.

    Best started

    Six to eight weeks before a future published application deadline, allowing time for essays, academic records, and any English testing.

    Main challenge

    Managing rehearsals, independent work, and campus activities without missing required classes.

    Typical preparation

    • Draft an original 250-500-word application essay and gather current and previous academic-year grades.

    • Arrange any required English proficiency testing early and decide whether to include a recommendation.

    • Practice reading a scene aloud and identifying what each character wants.

    • Plan travel, daily communication, and any accommodation requests well before the course starts.

    Useful if

    You want to strengthen performance, communication, and collaborative working habits.

    What do students do on Acting Summer Course?

    You learn acting through active exercises and collaborative scene work, moving between interpretation, rehearsal, and presentation. Feedback from classmates helps you refine choices before performing for a public audience.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Practice voice, movement, improvisation, and other acting exercises.

    2. 2

      Analyze scenes, character objectives, and the historical context of plays.

    3. 3

      Develop characters and explore set, costume, and lighting choices.

    4. 4

      Rehearse with partners outside class and exchange feedback during class.

    5. 5

      Practice mock auditions and give multiple in-class presentations.

    6. 6

      Present a final performance that is open to the public.

    Acting Summer Course dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    15 May 2026

    Brown Pre-College’s general application deadline.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    22 June-10 July 2026

    Reference date

    Applications open

    14 January 2026

    Brown Pre-College reference cycle.

    Reference date

    Final admission decisions

    22 May 2026

    Decision notification milestone.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Completing grades 9-12.

    • Ages 14-18 by 14 June 2026 for the reference cycle.

    • All acting experience levels and abilities.

    • Strong English language proficiency.

    • Brown Pre-College admission before separate course enrollment.

    How much does Acting Summer Course cost?

    Residential program fee

    $8,372 — One three-week course with housing and meals.

    Funding or discounts

    • Commuter program fee: $6,416 — One three-week course with one daily meal.
    • Application fee: $80 — Fee waivers available to eligible applicants.
    • Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required before separate course enrollment.
    • Scholarships: Sibley and PPSD — Separate application; citizenship and immigration restrictions apply.
    • Limited insurance plan: $80 — Required for international students and uninsured U.S. students.

    What's included

    One three-week Acting course., Residential housing and three meals daily., One daily dining-hall meal for commuters., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Free RIPTA transportation access for commuters with a Brown ID.

    How to apply to Acting Summer Course

    1. 1

      Create one applicant account through Brown’s official Student Portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the application form and an original 250-500-word essay.

    3. 3

      Upload current and previous academic-year grades in English.

    4. 4

      Pay the $80 application fee or request an eligible waiver.

    5. 5

      Submit any applicable English proficiency results and optional recommendation.

    6. 6

      Monitor the portal and applicant email for requests and admission decisions.

    7. 7

      If admitted, review the course catalog, submit the $500 deposit, and enroll separately in Acting.

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    What does Acting Summer Course cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Scene analysis

    Analyze character objectives and historical context to bring scenes from plays to life.

    Character and performance

    Develop characters and apply realistic performance techniques through collaborative scene work.

    Voice, movement, and improvisation

    Practice vocal production, bodywork, and improvisation to communicate stories through performance.

    Audition practice

    Identify effective audition material and develop presentation techniques through mock auditions.

    Scene design

    Explore sets, costumes, and lighting as part of creating each scene.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Acting Summer Course?

    A typical day during the program.

    Acting class

    Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. ET, for active exercises and scene work.

    Independent work and rehearsal

    Allow at least two to three hours daily for Summer@Brown homework and projects, including Acting rehearsals.

    Campus activities

    Optional workshops, activities, and events run throughout the day.

    Residential check in

    Check in face to face at 10 p.m. ET and remain on your floor until 6 a.m.

    Who teaches on Acting Summer Course?

    The Acting section lists Janett Bass and Constance Crawford as instructors. Summer@Brown instructors provide office hours, and this course’s length qualifies students for an instructor-written Course Performance Report.

    Where do students stay on Acting Summer Course?

    Residential plan

    • University residence halls: Single, double, or triple rooms include college furniture, wireless internet, and air conditioning.
    • Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in campus dining halls.
    • Staff support and curfew: Resident assistants and on-call staff support students, with a nightly 10 p.m. face-to-face check-in.
    • Campus activities and facilities: Students can join activities and excursions and use fitness, athletic, and aquatics facilities.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter participation: Attend the same in-person course and use campus resources and activities without a residence hall assignment.
    • Dining and public transit: Commuters receive one dining-hall meal daily and free RIPTA access with their Brown ID.

    Students may explore Rhode Island independently outside required commitments; roommate requests are not honored.

    What happens after Acting Summer Course?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Develop more confident vocal and public speaking techniques.

    Build collaboration skills through partner and group rehearsals.

    Learn to select audition material and make effective presentations.

    Complete a final public presentation.

    Receive a digital certificate and instructor report after successful completion.

    The course is non-credit and does not confer an undergraduate admissions advantage at Brown.

    Where does Acting Summer Course take place?

    Classes take place on Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Families arrange travel to and from campus, while commuters receive RIPTA public transit access with their Brown ID.

    Check-in takes place at Sayles Hall from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET on the Sunday before the course.

    Acting Summer Course FAQs

    No. Acting is open to students of all experience levels and abilities, with active exercises designed to support individual progress.

    You will practice scene study, character development, improvisation, voice and bodywork, and mock auditions. Students also explore set, costume, and lighting choices for scenes.

    Students give multiple in-class presentations and a final presentation that is open to the public.

    This is a non-credit course. Successful completion earns a digital certificate, and the course’s length qualifies students for an instructor-written Course Performance Report.

    Yes. Commuters attend in person, receive one dining-hall meal per day, and can use campus resources and activities. Campus housing is not included in the commuter option.

    Acting includes rehearsals with classmates outside class. Summer@Brown expects at least two to three hours of homework or project work daily.

    Residential students have trained staff support and a face-to-face check-in at 10 p.m. Students may explore Rhode Island independently outside required commitments, so families should plan communication expectations together.

    Brown Pre-College offers scholarships through a separate application process. Eligibility is restricted to specified U.S. citizenship or immigration categories; undocumented and DACA applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. school.

    Alternatives to Acting Summer Course

    These adjacent creative programs offer comparison points for students considering art, storytelling, or communication alongside acting.

    Alternatives to Acting Summer Course

    Art-focused summer study

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    Students comparing performing and visual arts

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    Journalism-focused summer study

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Commuter - Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Admissions Decisions | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown
    • Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • 2026 Program Costs — Breakdown of Fees
    • Acting - Pre-College Course Catalog"

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Course content reviewed

    • Class timetable checked

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Residential and commuter fees checked

    • Admissions guidance compared

    • Housing and meals reviewed

    • Completion credentials checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.