Several local theaters will offer young people classes and workshops this summer.

• The Purple Rose Theatre Company and the Chelsea District Library will offer a free teen playwriting workshop for high school students this summer. The workshop will be held July 26-30, from 2-4 p.m. at CDL, located at 220 South Main Street in Chelsea.

  Participants will learn the basic guidelines of dramatic structure, character development and dialogue. Through guided writing exercises, they will create monologues, scenes and a short play. The workshop will feature discussions, table readings and peer feedback, and the instructors will be PRTC resident artists Michelle Mountain and Heidi Bennett. Admission into the free workshop is through application only. Applications are available for download from the Purple Rose website or at the Chelsea District Library. The application deadline is June 25, and applicants will be notified of acceptance by July 1.

  In addition, PRTC will also offer a teen intensive class, for ages 13-18 (grades 8-12), which will include voice and movement work, audition techniques, monologue, scene work, and acting for film. Students must come to class with a memorized one-minute monologue from a published play. The class is taught by Michelle Mountain and Heidi Bennett, and a final performance for family and friends will happen on the last day of class.

  The class, limited to 18 students, runs from July 12-22, Monday-Thursday at 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and the cost is $300.

  For more information, visit the Purple Rose website or call 734-433-PRTC (7782).

• Performance Network’s Children's Theatre Network is now offering a youth acting class called, "The Play's the Thing!" Taught by accomplished instructor/performer Anne Rhoades and CTN Director Becky Fox, classes will meet at the Network, at 120 East Huron Street, Mondays-Thursdays, June 21-July 1, from 4:30-6 p.m.

  "The Play's the Thing!" will feature games that stress innovation, creative thinking, self-esteem and teamwork; improvisation; acting as play; and warm-ups, breathing and vocal exercises. Children will create a play and perform their creation on the last day of class for friends and family. The cost is $80 per student; to register, call 734-663-0681 or visit the Performance Network website.

• Dexter’s Encore Musical Theatre Company announced the launch of its Summer Program for children from elementary, middle, and high school.

  Elementary school program, for students entering grades 1-5: Musical Theatre Exploration

  Participants will explore the world of musical theatre and learn to tell stories onstage. Through activities in improvisation, singing, dancing, and acting, participants will learn the basics of performance and increase their confidence onstage. This week-long session ends with a final performance for friends and family.

  Session A: July 5th through July 9th, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Session B: July 12th through July 16th, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Price: $275 per session

  Middle school program, for students entering grades 6-8: Broadway Bound

  This week-long session provides an in-depth study of musical theater. With classes in singing, dancing, and acting, participants will hone their skills and develop foundations in musical theater performance. Personalized feedback will give each participant the opportunity to focus on his or her individual talents and skills. The final showcase will feature all the participants.

  Session C: July 19th through July 23rd, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Session D: July 26th through July 30th, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Price: $300 per session

  High school program, for students entering grade 9-12: Onstage Intensive

  Over the course of this two week session — in addition to specialized classes in singing, dancing, and acting — participants will focus on blending the three disciplines to create a cohesive musical theater performance. Additionally, participants will attend an audition workshop, discuss all the elements that go into a musical theater show (tech, sets, lights, makeup, etc.), have the chance to engage in a master class taught by a Broadway veteran, and learn real Broadway choreography from actors currently performing on Broadway. The final showcase at the end of the session will allow each participant the opportunity to perform individually.

  Session E: August 2nd through August 13th, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Session F: August 16th through August 27th, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Price: $350 per session

  Class size is limited, and registration forms are available at the Encore Theatre website. Email education@theencoretheatre.org for more information.

Wild Swan Theater also offers summer camps, and while some are already full, some still have openings. See the comment below for additional information. All Wild Swan camps take place in the theater's studio at 410 S. Maple Road.

Jenn McKee is the entertainment digital journalist for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.