Summer Springboard
Theater Arts
ON THE CAMPUS OF CAL POLY SLO
CRAFT STAGE MAGIC THROUGH DESIGN STORYTELLING AND LIVE PERFORMANCE
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Theater Arts @ Cal Poly SLO
- Analyze and interpret scripts to develop visual metaphors and narrative design.
- Master stage design principles, including layout, composition, and storytelling through visual space.
- Experiment with color, lighting, projections, and scenic painting to shape mood and atmosphere.
- Experience live theater firsthand and reflect on real-world production choices.
- Create practical design projects that connect environment, object, and text in storytelling.
- Learn professional standards and best practices through critical analysis and instructor feedback.
Summer Springboard
Theater Arts
About This Course
This immersive two-week studio course introduces students to the fundamentals of stage and theatrical design through an engaging blend of script analysis, hands-on creation, and live theater experiences.
Participants begin by critically evaluating texts to identify themes, metaphors, and visual storytelling possibilities. From there, they learn to apply design principles using tools like color mediums, light, projections, and scenic painting to bring those concepts to life. Students develop individual and collaborative design pieces that unite environment, object, and narrative under instructor guidance.
By observing professional performances and reflecting on design choices, students deepen their artistic judgment and appreciation for theater’s multidisciplinary nature. Graduates leave the program equipped with practical design skills, refined critical thinking, and insight into the collaborative process of live production.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
Students create design prototypes using painting, lighting, projection, and scenic elements to visualize and bring scripts to life.
Career Exploration
By studying professional practices and receiving instructor mentorship, students gain insight into the roles of scenic designers, lighting designers, and production artists in the world of theater.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“Throughout my whole experience, I really enjoyed how quickly everyone connected. It feels like I have known these people my whole life after only 2 weeks”
– Reese E.| Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Theater Arts
Meet Your Instructor
Brian holds an MFA in Theatrical Design and a B.A. in Theatre. He has taught lighting design, scenic design, stagecraft, and dramatic theory for 23 years. He is an Associate Professor of Stage Design and Technical Production and Department Chair of Cal Poly Theatre and Dance. Between the Pacific Coast and the Great Lakes, Brian has worked at or with such companies as Sundance Resort (Utah), Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (Seattle), Long Beach Opera (CA), Windy City Music Theatre (Chicago), and Ho House Theatre (St. Louis).
BRIAN HEALY
“It was a great experience packed with fun and educational insights. I would recommend this camp for the mentors alone, that were helpful, kind, and engaged in all our activities.”
– Kaleo W. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Theater Arts
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: June 21 – July 3, 2026 |
| Session 2: July 5 – July 17, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,298 |
| Commuter Tuition: $2,998 |
Apply by November 30 to lock in the lowest prices of the year. Tuition increases on December 1.
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: San Luis Obispo |
| State: California |
| Campus: Cal Poly SLO |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.