Apply & Eligibility

Summer Scholars On Stage is a three-week residential theatre program at Mississippi State University. Campers live in MSU residence halls, eat in campus dining facilities, and spend their days in classes, rehearsals, and collaborative work sessions. The first week focuses on the Writing and Technical Theatre Tracks as they create the script, music, and design concepts. During the second and third weeks, the full company joins for auditions, dance and music rehearsals, acting and theatre classes, and community-building activities leading to a fully staged production.

Key Dates & Capacity

Application Deadline: May 10, 2026
Full tuition deadline: June 1, 2026
Withdrawal deadline to receive refund: May 15, 2026
Maximum number of attendees: 55 students (apply early; space is limited).

Who Can Attend

Students entering grades 7–12 at the time of camp.
Interest in theatre, music, writing, design, or technical production.

Students may apply for the Performance Track, Writing Track (Scriptwriting or Music Composition), or the Technical Theatre Track. Most students participate in both the Writing Track (week one) and the Performance Track (weeks two and three).

Program Costs

Camp tuition covers housing in an MSU residence hall, meals, instruction, rehearsals, materials, and on-campus activities.

Three-Week Program Tuition: $TBD
Two-Week Program Tuition (Performance): $TBD
Deposit: $TBD (required at the time you apply; refundable if you withdraw on or before May 15, 2026)
Total tuition must be paid by June 1.

Limited need-based scholarships are supported through donations to the “Sponsor a Student” program. To learn more, visit the Sponsorships page.

Refund Policy: If you withdraw on or before May 15, 2026, your deposit and other payments will be refunded. Payments including deposit will not be refunded after this date.

Scholarships

Scholarship funding is available on a limited basis. If you need financial assistance, you can apply for funding from Summer Scholars as well as from the Starkville Area Arts Council (if you are a Starkville/Oktibbeha County resident).

Apply Now

Registration & Payment

Accepted students will complete registration and confirm their spot in the program by submitting the required deposit and any remaining tuition by published deadlines.

Application Deadline: May 10, 2026
Deposit: $TBD, due at the time you apply (refundable if you withdraw on or before May 15, 2026)

A link to the online application and payment portal will be provided once it is available, and families will receive reminder emails with instructions and deadlines.

How to Apply

Review the Program Tracks and decide which track(s) best fit your interests and experience.
Parents and student must review and sign the Camp Policies and either mail them, present them at camp or upload in the registration system. You can upload this document in the registration system.
Click the Apply Now button (at the top of this page or in the sidebar) to access the online application form (link to be added).
Upload any required materials for your selected track(s) as part of the application.
Submit the required deposit at the time of application (required to hold your place).

Once your application is reviewed, you will receive an email with your admission status and next steps, including payment details, forms, and arrival information.

Questions?

For questions about eligibility, fees, or the application process, please contact:

Stephen Cunetto
Camp Director, Summer Scholars On Stage
Email: stephen.cunetto@msstate.edu
Phone: (662) 418-3870

Program Tracks & Materials

Performance Track

For students who want to rehearse and perform in the original musical. Performance students take part in acting, music, and dance classes, daily rehearsals, and the final performances in McComas Hall.

Returning Performance Track students do not have to submit recordings.

Application requirements:

Statement of interest describing your performance experience or why you would like to participate.
Audition video or link (song, monologue, or short performance) if you have not attended previously.
Recommendation from a teacher, music director, or professional artist verifying your involvement in a musical project, performance, or event where your song or composition was featured.
Copy of your transcript.

Writing Trackk

For students who want to develop the story and music for the camp’s original production. All Writing Track students begin together and then focus on either Scriptwriting or Music Composition.

Returning Writing Track students do not have to submit writing samples. Students who have attended the Performance Track previously but want to attend the Writing Track will need to submit a sample.

Scriptwriting Track (Limited to 15)

Focus on characters, dialogue, scenes, and story structure for the musical. Students collaborate to draft and revise the script that will be performed by the Performance Track.

Application requirements:

Original short story or play (minimum 1200 words).
Recommendation from a teacher, music director, or professional artist verifying your involvement in a musical project, performance, or event where your song or composition was featured.
Copy of your transcript.

Music Composition Track (Limited to 9)

Write original songs and lyrics for the production, working closely with scriptwriters and staff to integrate music into key story moments.

Application requirements:

Lyrics for an original song.
Recording of that song (audio or video).
Recommendation from a teacher, music director, or professional artist verifying your involvement in a musical project, performance, or event where your song or composition was featured.
Copy of your transcript.

Technical Theatre Track

For students interested in stagecraft, design, and backstage work. These students help design and build the set, learn about lighting and sound, and assist with technical rehearsals and performances.

Suggested application materials may include:

Statement explaining your interest in technical theatre and any related experience.
Optional examples of creative or technical work (photos of projects, artwork, or school theatre involvement).
Recommendation from a teacher, music director, or professional artist verifying your involvement in a musical project, performance, or event where your song or composition was featured.