Summer Academies
DMACC Ankeny Theatre Summer Academies
DAT’s Summer Tech Theatre Academy
DMACC Ankeny Theatre’s Summer Tech Theatre Academy is a one-week intensive workshop for students entering or exiting 9th-12th grades. Students will train with multiple faculty members in DAT’s professionally oriented Theatre Department, all of which have professional experience in major markets. Students enrolled in the Tech Academy will have the opportunity to learn about fundamental tech theatre basics, learn basic building skills & tool safety, and learn about various skills and jobs for backstage. Throughout the week, enrolled students will put skills to practical use by designing, developing and executing a scenic design along with other technical design elements for the Acting Academy students to build a performance around. Tech students are also welcome and encouraged to perform various backstage roles for the performance.
DAT’s Summer Acting Academy
DMACC Ankeny Theatre’s Summer Acting Academy is a one-week acting intensive workshop for students entering or exiting 9th-12th grades. Students will train with multiple faculty members in DAT’s professionally oriented Theatre Department, all of which have professional experience in major markets. DAT’s academic program offers both a Theatre Transfer Major with surrounding four-year institutions, as well as an Acting Certificate Program. Students enrolled in the Acting Academy will have the opportunity to learn about fundamental acting skills and train in techniques with multiple faculty members. Students will work with faculty and peer groups to write, rehearse and perform a short 10-minute play using the technical elements developed by the Tech Academy students. The week will culminate in a performance of their original material for friends and family at the end of the one-week session.
Summer ‘26 Academy
Our Summer Academies are back - with a new twist!
Tech students will spend their week designing and building a set and other technical elements to be incorporated in performances by the Acting students.
Acting students will spend their week writing and developing a 10-minute play based around the surprise designs the Tech students developed.
Because of how the academies are re-structured, students may not participate in both camps.
All Academy activities for both tech and acting academies will be held in person in the Black Box Theatre in Building 5 on the Ankeny Campus.
Dates for the Summer ‘26 Tech Theatre Academy are as follows:
June 15-19
- Classes will be Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- There will be a 45-60 min lunch break each day, students are expected to provide their own lunch.
- Friday, June 26th, will include a student performance with the Acting Academy students, for family and friends in the evening. The schedule for this day will be adjusted. Tech Students are encouraged to return for this performance!
*There are a limited number of spots available for the Tech Theatre Academy*
Dates for the Summer ‘26 Acting Academy are as follows:
June 22-26
- Classes will be Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- There will be a 45-60 min lunch break each day, students are expected to provide their own lunch.
- Friday, June 26th will have a student performance for friends and family in the evening. The schedule for this day will be adjusted.
*There are a limited number of spots available for the Acting Academy*
Applications for both Acting & Tech Academies open March 1 and will close June 1. There is a $50 participation fee per camp, which includes a t-shirt. Scholarships are available to cover the participation fee and can be requested on the application form or by contacting us at theatre@dmacc.edu.
Applications will be processed once per month and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. More information will be provided about registration as applications are processed.
To apply, please complete the form by selecting the button below.
DAT Summer Academy Application