Hiram Institute of Theatre
July 17 - 20, 2013 (residential)

An intensive theatre exploratory for high school students.

What is the Hiram Institute of Theatre (HIT)?

HIT is a four-day residential learning opportunity held at Hiram College and run by Hiram College's Theatre Arts Department. HIT is designed to be an acting-intensive program for students to focus primarily on a specific style of acting and musical performance.  Dedicated high school students will focus their energy on learning the skills and values that make Vaudeville one of the most explosive forms of live theatre. Focus areas will include movement, dance, vocal quality, improvisational technique, and character study. HIT will conclude with a Saturday night exhibition that will be open to family and friends.

The objective of HIT is to instill the qualities of performance that dedicated actors gain through intensive training. By using the skills of the past, we can produce better performers for the future.

What is Vaudeville?

From the 1880s to the 1920s, Vaudeville was the most popular form of entertainment in America. At a time when America was becoming more culturally diverse, this form of variety show promised something for everyone. Magicians, jugglers, actors, dancers, comedians, musicians, acrobats, ventriloquists, and more promised "A Dazzling Display of Heterogeneous Splendor."   Performers such as W.C. Fields, Buster Keaton, Kate Smith, the Three Stooges, Charlie Chaplin, Abbott and Costello, and Judy Garland began their careers in Vaudeville.  In this workshop we will explore the history of Vaudeville and the beginnings of musical theatre, as we create our own entertainment with comedy routines, songs, dances, and other acts. From the truly talented, to the unusual and quirky, we can use it all.  Bring your instruments, tap shoes, and individual talents!

Who Conducts HIT?

HIT is led by Hiram College's Department of Theatre Arts Associate Professor and Department Chair, Elizabeth Bauman, and Technical Director/Designer Mr. Carl Skorepa.

When and Where is HIT?

HIT will be held on July 17 - 20, 2013 on the campus of Hiram College, a 45-minute drive from Cleveland and Akron.  Participants will stay 3 nights in a Hiram College residence hall.

Registration

HIT 2013 is aimed at high school students who have a positive attitude and strong commitment to theatre, and an interest in comedy and musical performance.  High school students who will be juniors and seniors in the fall of 2013 are welcome to register. Please submit one registration form and one payment per student.

+ Register & pay online

+ Pay Only: If you have previously registered, but have not paid, please click the Pay Only link to be directed to the payment screen. Please be aware that the first applicants to complete the registration process in its entirety and submit their full payment will be considered for acceptance.

Cost and Payment Arrangements

The total cost for HIT is $55. Meals, housing and all activities associated with the Workshop are covered in this price. The online registration form is linked to two online payment options.  Payment arrangements include:

Online by Credit Card: Hiram College accepts American Express, Discover, and MasterCard.  When paying by credit card, please note that a 2.5% convenience fee will be included to the total amount charged.

Online by Electronic Check: There is no convenience fee when paying by E-check.

Other Requirements for Participation

Reference: On the registration form, students are asked to provide the name, title and telephone number of a teacher or guidance counselor who is willing to serve as a reference on their behalf.  We assume that references are aware that students have used their names and that they may be contacted.

Register Early! Space is Limited!

The first applicants to complete the registration process in its entirety and submit their full payment will be considered for acceptance.  High school students who will be juniors and seniors in the fall of 2013 are welcome to register.  Spaces will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.

The deadline for registration is May 31, 2013.  Interested students are encouraged to register early.

Notification of Acceptance

Once students have registered and paid in full, their registration materials will be reviewed by the Theatre faculty leading the Institute.  As soon as a student has been approved, Lisa Schneider will send out an email notifying the student that he or she has been accepted to attend.

A week or so before the Hiram Institute of Theatre, students will receive via postal mail a packet containing:

• HIT Schedule
• Emergency Medical Form (must be signed by your parent or guardian in order to participate)
• Directions to Hiram College
• Campus Map
• List of Items to Bring with You

Refund Policy

Full payment must accompany registration to be considered for acceptance. A full refund will be issued for those students not accepted into the Hiram Institute of Theatre. Students who choose to withdraw at least three weeks prior to the first day of the Institute will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be made after that date.