<p>My 16-year-old D is trying to figure out a good summer acting program that works around our travel plans and starts in mid-July. Acting (not MT) is her passion, and in past summers she's done U.S. Performing Arts camps at UCLA and Pepperdine. This summer, she wants to do something to immerse herself more in acting for a longer period. The three I've found that work are Stagedoor Manor, American Shakespeare Center and Emerson's pre-college Acting Studio. Does anyone have any recommendations among these 3? Stagedoor sounds wonderful, but I'm worried that it will be "cliquey" and hard to break into if you aren't a return camper... ASC also sounds great, though I think she's a bit worried about the Shakespeare-only focus. I've read a lot of threads that rave about Emerson's MT summer studio program, but can't find any info on the Acting Studio. Would be grateful for any guidance!</p>
<p>I don’t know too much about the other two, but the American Shakespeare Center is an excellent choice. I live semi-close to it, and I go there with my Shakespeare class all of the time. I also have a couple of friends who have done the program. They said it is a wonderful experience. They also said it challenged them and helped to expand their range by doing something different. It seems like your daughter wants something with no main focus, but unfortunately, they do mainly focus on the work of Shakespeare. However, I’ve been told that it is still a great acting experience in general. The actors are very down-to-earth, fun, and easy to work with. (Please note, I have not participated in the program myself. I am only telling you what I have been told by friends who have done the program. And in addition, because I go there semi-often, I know a lot of the actors).</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>