Mississippi State University's Summer Scholars Program offers two residential camps for gifted and talented students who have completed grades seven through twelve. The camps emphasize the well-being of each student through a careful blending of academics, recreation, personal and social development. Summer Scholars Camps are famous as places where lasting friendships, inspirational staff, outstanding teachers, and meaningful experiences combine for very special memories.  

On Stage :

The components of the On Stage Camp consist of writing and production. Working together, students create, develop, and perform what usually manifests itself as a musical comedy. The production is performed for the public in McComas Hall Theater on the Mississippi State University campus.

Writer's/Production Camp - (3 Weeks) *July 5 - July 25, 2009*
Writer's scholars create and develop an original script for the On Stage production. The writers spend time in creating the story line, developing characters in relation to the number of participants in the production camp, and suggesting musical numbers to fit the story. The writers make suggestions for set design. Once the writers finish with the script, they are ready to present it to the production camp. During production, their role changes from writer to actor.

Production Camp - (2 Weeks) * July 11 - July 25, 2009*
The writers, along with the rest of the production scholars, develop their talents in music, dance, and drama through intensive classes during the first week. All Scholars practice choral techniques, rehearse basics in contemporary Broadway/MTV-style jazz dance, and participate in extemporaneous role-playing and character developments. Since production camp involves the use of many talents, students with multiple skills, especially those who play musical instruments, will be given special consideration.

Activities during the first week will consist of tryouts for the parts in the production, blocking, and initial rehearsals. Week two is vigorous with full rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and the final production which are presented to the public at the end of camp.

Camp Costs and Registration
The fees include instructional materials, housing, recreation and access to university medical facilities. Meals are not included except when included as a planned activity. Students may purchase a university meal ticket on registration day. Past experience indicates that approximately $250 is sufficient for most students for a three-week camp and $200 for a two-week camp.

An early registration discount is available for both camps if full payment is received before June 18.

If a camper withdraws prior to June 19 a full refund will be made. Withdrawal
after June 19 forfeits the deposit.

Final payments are due two weeks before the date of the program
unless other arrangements are made. Limitated partial scholarships are available.

For more information, contact:

Patricia Brock
Division of AOCE
662.325.1457
pbrock@aoce.msstate.edu