High School Summer Theater Intensive

Who is this program designed for?
The program is designed for New York City high school students—particularly rising juniors and seniors—who are curious about theater and storytelling and want to learn more about the professional theater ecosystem. No prior professional theater experience is required.

Is this an acting training program?
No. While students will observe rehearsals and participate in workshops, the Summer Intensive is not a conservatory or performance-based acting program. It is designed to introduce students to the full ecosystem of professional theater-making, both onstage and behind the scenes.

What is the daily schedule like?
The program runs Monday–Thursday, approximately 35 hours per week. Exact schedules may vary by day and will include a mix of project work, workshops, staff talks, rehearsal observation, and group discussions. Some activities, such as performances or events, may take place in the evening.

Is attendance required for the full program?
Because this is a cohort-based intensive, students are expected to participate fully for the entire session. Students should not plan other daytime commitments during the program dates.

Will students receive academic credit?
No. This program does not offer academic credit. However, participants will receive a certificate of completion, which may be included in school records, portfolios, or college applications at the discretion of the student’s school or institution.

What supervision will students have?
Students will be supervised by Playwrights Horizons staff during scheduled program activities. All activities are structured and led by professional staff and visiting artists.

What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by Monday, February 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM (noon ET).

What is the admissions process?
Applications are reviewed after the deadline. Selected finalists will be invited to an on-site interview with the Program Coordinator in early to mid-March. Final admission decisions are expected to be communicated in late March.

When will applicants hear back?
Admission decisions are expected to be released in late March 2026.

How many students are accepted?
Each session will include approximately 5–8 students, allowing for a close-knit cohort and individualized attention.

What happens after acceptance?
Accepted students will receive detailed onboarding materials, including schedules, required forms, and additional program information.

Applicants may respond in writing or by video.

• Written responses: up to 200 words per question
  
  

• Video responses: up to 1 minute per question
  If submitting video, please upload your files to a platform such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or YouTube and paste the link in the application.
  
  

Application prompts:

1. Tell us about your experience with theater or storytelling. This can include school productions, writing, design, classes, watching plays, independent projects, or anything else that sparked your interest. If you are newer to theater, tell us what excites you about it so far.
   
   

2. Playwrights Horizons focuses on new plays by living writers. What interests you about new plays and contemporary theater? Is there a play, playwright, or story that has stayed with you? Why?
   
   

3. What are you most curious to learn about how professional theater is made (onstage, backstage, or behind the scenes)? Are there specific areas—acting, writing, producing, design, marketing, or administration—that you want to explore?

4. (Optional creative prompt) Imagine you were in charge of a theater lobby. What would you put there to make audiences excited before and after the show?
   

Are scholarships available?
Yes. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available. Scholarship requests are reviewed confidentially by a limited administrative team and are not considered as part of the artistic or educational selection process.

Does requesting a scholarship affect my chances of admission?
No. Admission decisions are made without regard to financial need. Scholarship availability is determined after admission offers are made.

How are scholarships awarded?
Scholarships are offered to a limited number of admitted students, based on availability of funds and program capacity. Requesting financial support does not guarantee a scholarship.

Are scholarships guaranteed if I request one?
No. Scholarships are limited and not guaranteed. Students who are offered admission without a scholarship may choose whether or not to enroll.

Is housing provided?
No. Housing is not provided. Students must live in the New York City area or have local housing arranged for the duration of the program.

Is transportation provided?
No. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Playwrights Horizons and any off-site program activities.

Will meals be provided?
Yes. Lunch will be provided daily for all participants. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate dietary restrictions when notified in advance.