Senior Theatre Camp

At the Senior Theatre Camp, high school students engage with theatre as a social opportunity, not merely a skill.

I designed this program based on my experiences in mathematics and the lack of arts education in Iranian high schools, so students could develop a critical perspective through understanding the workings of theatre. For me, this critical perspective is tied to our daily lives, which increasingly resemble a society of the spectacle as we continuously take on new roles. Introducing students to these dynamics through theatre from an early age helps them build awareness and critical thinking.

The program runs in two phases, helping students both understand theatre and prepare for entrance exams.

During this six-month phase, students attend online classes outside school hours to build foundational theatre knowledge.

• Theatre History: They explore theatre history by studying renowned plays, analyzing stylistic features under mentor guidance, and gain insight into the transformations of performance over time.
• Contemporary Theatre: They watch filmed productions and engage in discussions with critics to broaden their aesthetic perspective.

At the end of Phase 1, students present initial performance ideas based on their developed monologues, which will then be refined and expanded in Phase 2.

During the month-long camp, students live together, focusing on cooperation and community-building. They manage chores and collaborate in dorms and rehearsal spaces, fostering teamwork in a non-hierarchical environment, guided by the motto, “I am responsible for others.”

• Exploratory Group Walks: Led by camp leaders, students explore the city, gaining new perspectives and understanding relationships.
• Practical Skill Development: In designated spaces, students practice voice, solfeggio, body movement, and improvisation while integrating theoretical concepts related to time and place in theatre.
• Performance Opportunities: At the end of the camp, students present their interpretations of renowned plays or personal monologues, guided by their mentors.

These institutions attract talented students from across Iran in various artistic disciplines. They offer theatre programs based on the curriculum of the Senior Theatre Camp:

• Honarioon Group – Since June 2022
• Midia Art Institute – Since June 2018
• Amraei Academy – Since June 2016

Each year, about 200 students attend the Senior Theatre Camp, and a large proportion continue their studies at leading theatre schools. Participants work collaboratively and share their first performance experiences.