Summer performing arts program for District #97 middle school students.
CASTSummer is a fun-filled, six-week summer program for incoming 5th through 8th graders from District #97 led by Chicago-area professional artists. Our mission is to provide a supportive environment in which students can discover their creative talents. Students learn by doing and, in the process, learn skills that will last a lifetime. Learn more about the CAST philosophy here.
“Everyone who goes through one show in CAST is different when they come out. Whether you have more friends, you’ve learned more, you found out you can sing or you’ve gotten over your shyness, CAST changes you in one way or another.”
CASTSummer 2025 Program Details
The Basics
Dates: Monday June 9 - Sunday July 20, 2025
Location: Percy Julian Middle School, 416 S. Ridgeland, Oak Park, IL. 60302
Days/Times: Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-3 PM; No camp on June 19 and July 4th.
Please note: You must be currently enrolled in a District #97 school to participate in CASTSummer 2025.
Typical Day
9:30 - 10:00 AM Check in, announcements, warm-ups
10:00 - 12:00 PM Workshops/Rehearsals
12:oo - 12:30 PM Lunch & Relaxation
12:30 - 3:00 PM Rehearsal Period/CrewCall in small companies
PERFORMANCE CONCENTRATION
Students will be cast in a company of performers led and mentored by theatre professionals.
Acting Concentration participants will need to prepare a 1-minute memorized audition piece for a PRE CAMP PLACEMENT AUDITION. More information on this will be available once accepted.
Stagecraft Concentration
We’re thrilled to offer ‘CREW’ again this year! Students who choose Stagecraft learn from theatre professionals how to create and build the sets, props and clever gadgets that make our productions magical. Check out this behind-the-scenes look at the CAST Crew in action.
Students applying for crew should email Cory Marshall with the answer to the following question by May 2: What strengths will you bring to CASTSummer 2025?
PERFORMANCES
Each performance will be a high-quality, full-scale theatrical performance on stage in front of a live audience. Shows will be performed Thursday, July 17-Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Tuition/MATERIALS FEE
District #97 is covering the cost of tuition this year. There is a $100 materials fee for each student participant.
Due Dates
May 2, 2025 - Student online application, and stagecraft essay due. Acceptances will be sent via email.
May 23, 2024 - Materials fee of $100 is due.
The materials fee is payable by check, money order or online payment on the D97 website.
For more information, contact Cory Marshall, CAST Program Manager, or call 708.524.7848.
To sign up for summer fill out the form below today!
Our Staff
FAQs
Gallery
For more information about CASTSummer, contact Cory Marshall or call 708.524.7848.