Theatre Design for Grades 6-8


Why Take Theatre Design

Spend your summer getting experience in many aspects of theatre design—including costume, set, lighting, and sound design. You will be immersed in your art and should expect each year to bring a unique experience shaped by the instructors and guest artists involved.

This summer session is your opportunity to get specialized experience in multiple areas of theatre design. While the primary areas of focus are lighting design and costume design, this experience deepens your skills in both areas while exploring design fundamentals that apply to all disciplines—including color theory, drafting as a communication tool, how to build and deliver a design presentation, portfolio exploration, and more.

You'll also benefit from guest artists who share insights from their work in professional theatre—often in areas such as audio, lighting, set, stage management, and costume design. You’ll explore a variety of techniques—such as script analysis, character analysis, dramaturgical research, emotional response imagery, visual metaphor imagery, and first draft renderings—to understand how they impact intentional design thinking in the theatre. 

During this program you will leave having created a high quality portfolio ready piece, appropriate for application to Interlochen Arts Academy or to other theatre programs.

What You'll Learn

During your time at arts camp, you will work under the supervision of professional faculty and staff, and alongside students from around the world who share your passion for theatre. You will have the opportunity to concentrate on your primary area of interest, while developing a variety of other design skills.

As a Theatre Design student, you may learn:

  • Perspective drawing
  • Beginning drafting as a tool for communication in theater arts
  • Costume design and rendering
  • Lighting design fundamentals

Audition Requirements

Apply

Program Snapshot
Program Length
3 weeks
Program Dates
  • SESSION 1: June 28, 2026 to July 18, 2026
  • SESSION 2: July 19, 2026 to August 9, 2026
Tuition
$7,265
Age Range
Intermediate (Grades 6-8)
Deadline
  • SESSION 1: Applications will open Sept. 1.
  • SESSION 2: Applications will open Sept. 1.

Program Highlights

Venues & Facilities

Primary spaces for the Theatre Design summer program are the Phoenix Theatre and the Phoenix Scene Shop. The program is also supported by the 5,600-square-foot, fully equipped Harvey Scene Shop and the Mallory Costume Shop, which houses a 15,000-piece collection and a 4,500-square-foot workroom.

Recreational Activities

This might be an arts camp, but it's still camp! In addition to theatre rehearsals, you'll have the chance to explore the woods and swim, play field games, and learn cool skills like archery.

Additional Opportunities

Interlochen is also home to the Arts Academy boarding high school, which offers theatre programs in Acting, Musical Theatre, and Theatre Design & Production for grades 9-12, as well as a post-graduate year.

Program Specialties

At Interlochen you'll get a well-rounded view of the behind-the-scenes theatre-making process. Focus areas and specialties include but are not limited to:

  • Lighting design
  • Set design
  • Costume design
  • Sound design and engineering
  • Stage management

Meet the Faculty

Our summer faculty is here to help you grow as an artist, designer, or theatre technician. The theatre faculty have established careers in theatre and theatre education, and are equally passionate.

Please note the gallery may showcase previous instructors.

All Faculty

Stephen John

Stephen John

Director of Theatre Design & Production

Jenna Damberger

Jenna Damberger

Instructor of Costume Design, Interlochen Arts Camp

Nick Osenberg

Nick Osenberg

Instructor of Theatre Design & Production

Learn from some of the same expert faculty—online

Get a head start on your Interlochen experience with online courses like Theatre Production: Set Design 1.

A woman cleaning paint brushes in a workshop

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Camp with a free digital viewbook

Camp 2025 Viewbook Graphic

In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about: 

  • Each of our seven arts areas 
  • Various programs 
  • Renowned faculty 
  • A day in the life of a student 
  • How to apply and financial aid information 
  • And more