the intensive
The Stand Up Speak Out Summer Intensive is an immersive, high-energy theatre experience designed for young performers ages 9 and up, who want to grow artistically while being part of a mission that truly matters. This intensive blends performance training, collaboration, and social-emotional learning, all rooted in SUSO’s anti-bullying and upstander message.
Attendees will spend the week singing, acting, moving, creating, and connecting — while learning how theatre can be used as a powerful tool for empathy, confidence, and change.
What to Expect
- Vocal, acting, and movement workshops
- Group scenes and musical numbers
- Ensemble building & confidence development
- Guided conversations around bullying, kindness, and being an upstander
- Insight into professional theatre, touring productions, and new work development
- Audition opportunities connected to future SUSO productions
This intensive is open to performers of varying experience levels. No prior theatre training is required — just a willingness to learn, collaborate, and participate.
leadership & creative team
This summer, attendees will work closely with Wayne Page, who officially joins Stand Up Speak Out as a producer and writer as the project continues to evolve.
Wayne brings a strong educational and professional theatre and media background, with experience in writing, producing, and developing new work for the stage and the screen. His approach emphasizes storytelling, collaboration, and helping young performers understand both the artistic and human impact of the stories they tell. Throughout the intensive, Wayne will guide attendees through creative exploration, performance work, and the deeper meaning behind SUSO’s mission.
The intensive is led by Kayleigh Joseff, Director of Stand Up Speak Out, who has been part of the project since starring in it in 2023.
Kayleigh brings extensive experience in directing, performance, and youth theatre education, as well as training from Yale University, where she studied theatre and performance at the Actor's Conservatory. Her leadership centers on creating a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where every attendee feels seen, challenged, and empowered to grow both on and off the stage.
Select returning SUSO cast members and other special guests may also join the intensive as counselors and mentors throughout the week.
tuition & registration
Full Tuition: $375
Early Registration Rate: $350 if booked before April . A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to hold a spot.
Registration is completed through the Google Form linked here.
Once the form is submitted, the deposit must be sent via SUSO’s Venmo to confirm enrollment.
👉 Venmo: @SUSO1
(Please include the camper’s name + “Summer Intensive” in the note.)
👉 Check: Make all checks payable to “Jill Nesi”, with “SUSO SUMMER” in the memo. Mail to 56 Maple Street Unit 312, Branford, CT, 06405 Spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additional Details
More information regarding daily schedule, lunch plans, drop-off/pick-up procedures, and final logistics will be sent to registered attendees closer to the start of intensive.
If you have any questions, please reach out through our contact page.
We can’t wait to stand up, create, and inspire together this summer. 💛