Summer Camps
Welcome!
Who We Are
This summer, Piven Theatre Workshop invites you to have fun, build new friendships, and discover your own unique voice through our summer camps.
For 50 years, Piven has been giving each individual student the training, mentorship, and support needed to achieve excellence and to find their community both onstage and off. Discover why the Chicago Tribune calls Piven Theatre Workshop “one of this area’s most distinguished actor training centers!”
Experience for yourself why Piven alum John Cusack says, “Instead of carving out cookie-cutter actors, Piven taught us to celebrate our individuality.” At Piven, we’re always trying to “find the height”—of joy, of connection, of the moment. Enroll in a camp to find your height this summer!
Where We Are
Piven Theatre Workshop is located in Evanston’s Noyes Cultural Center, at 927 Noyes Street.
“Sam has grown so much from this experience (and he has made some great friends). I can’t thank you enough for all you do.”
Camps and Classes
Details and Camp Descriptions
4-Week Camps for 3rd-6th Graders
Monday-Friday
9:00am-4:00pm
$995 + Activity fee of $25
Session A: June 12 to July 7
or
Session B: July 10 to August 4
No camp on June 19 and July 4
Sign up for a 4-Week Summer Camp and join Piven for a fun-filled theatre camp experience like no other! Students learn signature Piven theatre games & improvisation techniques while supporting one another, gaining confidence, and expressing their creativity. Through ensemble exercises, story theatre exploration, and scene work led by our highly trained lead Piven instructors, campers hone their acting skills throughout the four weeks.
Each week, different professional guest artists offer specialty workshops that complement our core curriculum. Past workshops have included stage combat, sketch comedy, Shakespeare, on-camera performance, clowning, hip-hop dance, and much more. Stay tuned for more details on Summer 2023 workshops. We infuse each week with traditional summer camp fun as we build towards a final Open Workshop performance on the last day of camp. Friends and family members are invited to join us for the final performance as we celebrate all of our students.
Open to experienced and beginning students, and perfect for those who wish to use Piven’s training to heighten their performances in school, community, and professional plays. This camp is for any student looking to explore, create, and grow this summer.
Remember to sign up early, as we expect our camps to fill quickly!
Late Summer Sampler for 3rd-6th Grade Students
Monday, August 7 – Friday, August 11
9:00am-4:00pm
$395
Join Piven for a fun, creative, and supportive theatre experience! Students spend their mornings learning how signature Piven games & improvisation can be applied to bring creativity and excitement to ensemble exercises and scene work. In the afternoon, guest artists lead workshops complementing our core curriculum. Previous topics have included stage combat, clowning, hip-hop dance, and more! This is your chance to get a taste of our celebrated work in a week full of laughter, teamwork, and play.
Middle School Improvisation and Scene Intensive
Saturdays, June 17-August 12
8 sessions, no class July 1
10:00am-12:00pm
$395
Learn the theatre and improvisation games that form the core of the legendary Piven training method! Students are introduced to vital acting skills while learning to build an ensemble, explore improvisation, and develop scripted scenes. Students use signature Piven theatre games and improvisation exercises to create dynamic and fun improvised and scripted pieces, all within a close-knit, supportive ensemble. Open to new and returning students!
High School Improvisation and Scene Intensive
Saturdays, June 17-August 12
8 sessions, no class July 1
12:00pm-2:00pm
$395
In this class students explore improvisation as a tool for the actor. Guided by the expert direction of a Piven teaching artist, students use theatre games to build ensemble and explore improvisation. They learn to apply the Piven Technique to scene work to bring spontaneity, deeper relationships, and realistic characterization to scripted scenes. Open to experienced and beginning students, and perfect for those who wish to use Piven’s training to heighten their performances in school, community, and professional plays.
Cancellation and Refund Policies
4-week camps: A $250.00 non-refundable deposit is included in the cost of each four-week camp. Tuition is refundable (minus the $250 deposit) ONLY if the Piven Theatre Workshop is notified one month before start of our four-week summer camps (May 12th). After this day, tuition becomes non-refundable. Transfer and credit opportunities may be possible. Students are responsible for notifying the Piven Theatre Workshop that they wish to drop a class; not attending does not constitute an official withdrawal. Classes may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Cancellations may be made at the last minute and students will be notified by phone and/or email. Tuition will be promptly refunded.
One-week camps and weekend classes: A $75.00 non-refundable deposit is included in the cost of each one-week camp and Saturday classes. Tuition is refundable (minus the $75 deposit) ONLY if the Piven Theatre Workshop is notified one month before start of class. After this day, tuition becomes non-refundable. Transfer and credit opportunities may be possible. Students are responsible for notifying the Piven Theatre Workshop that they wish to drop a class; not attending does not constitute an official withdrawal. Classes may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Cancellations may be made at the last minute and students will be notified by phone and/or email. Tuition will be promptly refunded.