Pennsylvania Theatre Institute at West Chester University: A Highly Regarded Summer
Program for Young Artists Opens Registration for its 8th Year
“An artist is generous, curious, playful, and kind.
An artist works hard.
I am an artist.”
Each morning, the Pennsylvania Theatre Institute’s (PTI) Young Company summer program begins with this shared mantra—spoken together by students and teachers alike. It sets the tone for the day ahead.
Though summer may seem like a long way off, PTI is already preparing to welcome young artists and their families back to campus for another summer of creative and transformative youth arts education, taught by expert faculty, and hosted in state-of-the-art facilities.
Founded in 2018 by married arts educators Charlie DelMarcelle and Katherine Fritz,
PTI opens registration on February 5, 2026, for its eighth summer (they were unable
to host camp in 2020) at https://www.pennsylvaniatheatreinstitute.com/. Welcoming approximately 120 students each summer, PTI serves young artists ages
8–18 through two distinct programs: Young Company (ages 8-14 ) and the Pre-College
Intensive (high school students). Sessions regularly sell out, and many families return
year after year—often enrolling multiple children and watching them grow with the
program.
A Young Company typical day balances structure and creativity. Students take morning
classes. In the afternoon, with the help of professional teaching artists, they create
and rehearse their very own student-driven final showcase performance, which they
perform for their families and friends at the end of the two-week session. The focus
is intentionally placed on process over product, emphasizing creativity, ensemble
work, and friendship-building, rather than rushing toward a final performance.
“We wanted to build the program we wished had existed when we were kids,” says DelMarcelle, who is also an Associate Professor of Theatre at WCU. “Unlike many theatre camps, we don’t try to mount a full-blown musical production in two weeks.”
PTI’s two programs offer distinct experiences tailored to different age groups. The Pre-College Intensive, taking place June 18 – 27, 2026, is designed for motivated high school students considering theatre study in college. It’s a 10-day immersive, on-campus experience. Participants live on campus in Brandywine Hall, dine in WCU’s dining commons, and train alongside university faculty and professional teaching artists. Enrollment is capped at 24 students, allowing for individualized coaching and one-on-one attention. By the end of the program, students leave with audition-ready monologues and songs, professional headshots, and a clear understanding of the college audition process.
Senior Rosie Gorn of Upper Merion High School shared, “The environment is so warm, and the instructors are awesome. I liked the experience of living away from home. It helped me feel more confident about what college might be like.”
There are two sessions for Young Company campers, taking place July 6 – 17, 2026, and July 20 – 31, 2026, respectively. The Young Company introduces younger students to theatre through acting, movement, voice, improvisation, and storytelling.
Fritz says, “One of the many things we are abundantly proud of is the friendships that are formed at PTI and the way our campers build community. We’ve watched some of our youngest campers grow into Pre-College students. It’s so rewarding to witness their growth both as artists and as individuals.”
When campers “graduate” from Young Company, Fritz gifts a collage of photos memorializing their years as campers.
Fourteen-year-old Katie Fisher of Delaware County attended PTI each year from the age of 10 to 14.
“This camp is what made me decide I wanted to study theatre,” she said. “I’ve made friends I see every summer. I’m considering attending West Chester University so I can be on staff someday.”
Besides DelMarcelle and Fritz, instruction at PTI is led by a team of experienced theatre professionals, many of whom are working artists based in the region. Teaching artists bring real-world industry experience into the classroom, combining professional standards with a deep commitment to mentorship and youth development.
PTI’s impact extends beyond its campers. The program is also committed to the growth of West Chester University students, providing paid summer employment and hands-on teaching experience for WCU students who are also emerging artists and educators. PTI also established the PTI Prize for an Emerging Theatre Educator, a scholarship supporting graduating WCU students pursuing careers in arts education.
For West Chester University, it’s a mutually beneficial partnership. WCU’s College of Arts & Humanities provides the in-kind use of class, production, and performance spaces, allowing the program to remain reasonably priced. And PTI strengthens West Chester University’s role as a cultural and educational hub.
College of Arts & Humanities Dean Jen Bacon says, “WCU is proud to support the Pennsylvania Theatre Institute. The faculty and students are creating a dynamic and fun learning environment for these young artists and their families, and it is a joy to see the ways that programs like PTI reflect our commitment to community engagement, arts education, and providing access to high-quality learning experiences on our campus.”
As PTI looks ahead to its eighth summer, its mission remains unchanged.
“Families place a great deal of confidence in us during a formative part of their children’s lives,” says DelMarcelle. “That’s something we take seriously every single day.”
Registration for Summer 2026 opens on February 5 at https://www.pennsylvaniatheatreinstitute.com/. Families are encouraged to register early, as sessions frequently fill.