Registration Info

July 20 - August 2, 2025

T. Oliver Reid, Program Director
Ryanne Domingues, Program Director 
 

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Experience what it is like being a student in the nationally recognized programs in acting and musical theatre at Rider University. This summer we will provide an in-person personalized experience with a world class training program in both disciplines. Within the Musical Theatre Intensive, you will thrive as a triple threat performer through focused group and private sessions to refine your skills in singing, acting and dancing. Within the Acting Intensive, students will immerse themselves into multiple acting styles and techniques, both on stage and screen. Lead by faculty of Rider University, you will receive professional training by working with and learning from renowned, distinguished faculty with experience on Broadway and National Tours as well as TV, commercials and film. Students will a experience summer conservatory-like experience in a nurturing yet challenging environment. 

Program Highlights

  • Master classes with special guests
  • Classes in scene study, song as text, monologues, and audition technique
  • Self-taping techniques for online auditions and college submissions
  • Voice classes with Rider faculty
  • Dance classes in Tap, Jazz and Broadway styles
  • College audition counseling and coaching with institute staff and Rider University admissions specialists
  • Perform live in a final showcase performance
  • Working on acting techniques for both stage and screen, including devised and new work

Our Mission

The Rider University Pre-College Musical, Theatre, and Film Institute (MTFI) seeks to empower the young “Actor of the Future” for the “Industry of the Future.” The MTFI works to give a student an experience that mirrors the rigor and atmosphere of safety and inclusion of the Rider University experience.

The MTFI faculty recognize that students have varying levels of natural ability and experience for a myriad of reasons. The faculty commits to meeting each student “where they are” in their training, and help them cultivate and expand their current abilities. The program is dedicated to developing the talent the student brings to the table. We also seek to cultivate a program that celebrates, recruits, retains and nurtures diversity and inclusion as well as breaking down systemic barriers in the entertainment and educational industries, including access and ability to pay.

We encourage each student to develop their own voice and authenticity as well as support breaking down and reinventing the ideas of “type” that have supported racist and other non-inclusive practices and systems. We view the MTFI as an opportunity to train actors “holistically” and help them create tools that serve their talent, their community and as the future of the industry, the catalyst for embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

2025 Faculty

Dance
Robin Lewis 
Dani Tucci-Juraga 

Voice
Rosena Hill-Jackson 
Vanessa Parvin 

Music Director
Louis Goldberg 

Vocal Accompanist
Mike Bond 

Acting 
Ryanne Domingues 
 

Additional Instructors and guest artists to be announced at a later date.

 

Schedule

Musical Theatre Students

  • Rotating acting classes in scene study, monologue coaching, and song interpretation
  • Rotating dance classes in Broadway styles, Tap and Jazz
  • Afternoon and evening small group voice lessons and coaching by Institute staff (one-on-one sessions with vocal coaches possible at an additional cost
  • Master classes with industry professionals

Acting Students

  • Rotating acting classes Devised Theatre, Classical Theatre, and On-Camera Acting
  • Afternoon and evening one-on-one monologue coaching sessions
  • Master classes with industry professionals

Scholarship Opportunity

High school students who complete any Rider University Pre-College Summer Program prior to applying for first-year admission to Rider University can qualify for an annually renewable $2,000 Pre-College Completion Award. Some restrictions may apply.

Tuition

$3,400 (includes $150 deposit/processing fee and Room & Board)

Enrollment

Enrollment is open to high school singers, actors and dancers entering the 10th grade through those who have just completed their senior year. Enrollment is limited; applicants are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Video auditions and teacher recommendations are requested before new student registration; upon receipt and review of materials, students will be sent a link to complete their registration. Returning students are not required to audition.

Audition Materials

  • Video performance of (Acting Students) two monologues in contrasting genres/styles (one dramatic, one comedic) (Musical Theatre Students) one monologue
  • (Musical Theatre students only) Video performance of one musical theatre song of the student's choosing
  • Letter of recommendation

Videos are preferably received as a YouTube or Vimeo link, or a shareable link in Google Drive. The letter of recommendation may come from any of the student’s teachers and emailed directly to the Westminster Summer Arts Programs via sap@rider.edu.

Deadline to submit audition materials: April 30, 2025

Please email all materials to sap@rider.edu. All students will receive a decision on acceptance by May 31, 2025.

Expectations for students: Students must participate in both weeks. 

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