Summer time is here and children love to Act Out with Hope Summer Repertory Theatre (HSRT) professionals.

The popular Act Out theatre workshops, with classes for children from kindergarten through 12th grade, are back on the Hope College campus. Taught by the professional staff at HSRT, these workshops are intended to teach children about all aspects of the theatre, from auditioning to building a set.

Creative Dramatics teaches elementary-age children how to begin the dramatic process through fun games and exercises. Children in grades 4 and 5 can take the workshop from June 24-28, 9-10:30 a.m., for $75.00. Younger children, grades 2 and 3, can take the workshop July 15-19, from 9-10 a.m., for $50.

For the Littlest Tykes is just that - theatre for children kindergarten and first grade. Children will learn beginning dance steps to music from one of HSRT's shows. The workshop is offered twice for this age group, first from July 22-26, 9-10 a.m., and again July 29-August 2, from 10-11 a.m. Cost is $50.

Action Acting teaches students the details of creating a character and bringing it to life on stage. Students from seventh to tenth grade may sign up for the July 8-12 workshop, from 3:30-5 p.m., while fourth through sixth graders may take the July 15-19 workshop, from 9-10:30 a.m. Cost is $75.

Performing a Song helps students step out from the chorus to learn how to solo. Offered just once, from July 29-Aug. 2, 3:30-5 p.m., this class is for students grades 5 through 10. Cost is $90.

Page to Stage lets students adapt a book for the stage, with their own play performed at the end of the two-week workshop. For sixth through tenth graders, this workshop runs from June 17-28, 6-7:30 p.m. The cost is $125.

Broadway Song and Dance takes the songs from Broadway hits and uses them to teach students dance and singing. This popular class is offered three times. Students in grades 2 and 3 may sign up for either the June 24-28, 9-10 a.m. workshop or the July 22-26, 4-5 p.m. workshop. Student in grades 4 and 5 may take the July 8-12 session, from 4-5 p.m. Cost is $50.

Backstage Basics is for the student who wants to learn about the workings of the theatre. Scenery, props, costumes, lights, sound, and stage management are learned by watching two HSRT shows come to life. For seventh through twelfth grade students, this workshop runs from July 15-19, 2-5 p.m. Cost is $90.

Grades indicated are the grades children are entering in the fall of 2002. All classes meet in the DeWitt Theatre lobby on the first day. Scholarships are available. For more information, contact Judyth Thomas at 616-395-7600.