STUDENTS ARE PICTURED on stage in one of the musical productions offered at Dunes Arts Summer Theatre. (Photo courtesy of dunesARTS)
Research shows that participation in theatre arts can significantly benefit children’s social, emotional and academic development. Studies from the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Alliance for Theatre & Education have found that students engaged in theatre programs demonstrate improved communication skills, increased empathy, better self-confidence and greater collaboration in group settings. That’s exactly what the Dunes Arts Summer Theatre in Michiana Shores has been nurturing in young people for over 74 years—and the tradition continues this summer.
The Dunes Arts Foundation, the nonprofit behind the summer theatre program, has opened registration for its 2025 youth education offerings. All classes take place on its wooded campus at 288 Shady Oak Drive in Michigan City, Indiana, just a half-mile from the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan. The organization, founded in 1951, is northwest Indiana’s longest-running summer theater program and a cornerstone of the region’s cultural life.
The Musical Theatre program, geared for youth ages 8 to 18, will run from July 8 to 24 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. CST (2 to 4 p.m. EST). Priced at $225—or $200 each for families registering two or more students—the program allows participants to explore acting, singing and dancing at levels tailored to their individual strengths and interests. Students will work on solos, dramatic scenes and group ensembles in preparation for a final showcase performance.
The class is co-led by Michael Fallon, dunesARTS Education Coordinator, and Danielle Bilderback, a member of the 2024 Dunes Theatre cast. Fallon has taught at Alan B. Shepard High School in Palos Heights for nearly 30 years, where his concert and show choirs have earned numerous awards across the Midwest. Bilderback, a University of Iowa graduate with degrees in Theatre Arts and English, recently choreographed Seussical for Footlight Theatre and played Marian in The Music Man at La Porte Little Theatre. She is also a mentor with the La Porte Little Theatre’s NextGen youth initiative.
For students ages 13 to 18 looking to pursue theatre professionally or prepare for college-level programs, the Dunes will also offer a Theatre Mentorship program from July 7 to 25. Sessions will be held on Monday and Friday afternoons, with exact meeting times arranged individually. This program allows students to receive one-on-one instruction from Steve Scott, dunesARTS Artistic Director, who has directed over 300 productions in the U.S. and internationally. Scott previously served as Producer at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago for 30 years, overseeing more than 200 productions and earning multiple awards for his contribution to the theatre community.
The summer session will conclude with a final presentation on Saturday, July 26 at 11 a.m. CST (noon EST), where students will showcase their growth before family and friends.
The Dunes Arts Foundation promotes inclusivity, diversity and accessibility in all of its programs and productions. In addition to youth education, the foundation also produces professional summer theatre and offers a range of ticket options for audiences: $35 for general admission, $30 for seniors and students, $25 for group purchases of four or more, and $150 for full season subscriptions.
Scholarships for youth programming are available, and registration is now open at dunesARTS.org/education. For more information, contact the Dunes at [email protected] or call (219) 879-7509.