Four Portland High School Students Ready to “Take it from the Top” at Prestigious MSU Theater Camp

Four students from Portland High School have been selected for Michigan State University’s  highly competitive Take It From The Top summer theater intensive camp. Emberlynn Dillley, Josephine Polasek, Evelyn Johnston, and Lyndsey Camp have secured spots in this week-long immersive experience, where they will hone their skills under the guidance of Broadway professionals.

Take It From The Top summer camps offer an opportunity for students of advanced skill levels to delve further into the world of musical theater. Through rigorous training in singing, acting, and dancing, participants are empowered to push their boundaries and reach new heights in their performance abilities. Led by seasoned Broadway and industry professionals, the camp promises an enriching learning environment where students will receive personalized instruction and invaluable insights into the industry. As part of the curriculum, participants will engage in intensive rehearsals and workshops tailored to enhance their craft and develop their artistic expression. The culmination of the camp will be a performance of Between The Lines, a new musical adaptation of the bestselling novel by acclaimed author Jodi Picoult. This production will showcase the talent and dedication of the young performers as they bring this compelling story to life on stage.

"I’m incredibly excited for our students to have this opportunity,” said PHS Theater Director, Chandra Polasek. "These students have demonstrated incredible talent and passion for the arts, and worked hard to prepare their auditions for this program.  To have all four of our auditionees accepted into this highly competitive program is a wonderful testament to their hard work, and the work of the team who supported them in the process.”  A portion of each student’s tuition for this camp is being provided by the Drama Club Scholarship, a fund supported through community donations.

The Take It From The Top summer camp promises to be an unforgettable journey for these budding performers, as they embark on a week of learning, growth, and artistic exploration. As they prepare to take the stage in  Between The Lines, audiences can anticipate a showcase of extraordinary talent and a testament to the transformative power of theater. Information on performance dates and tickets to come. 

Scholarship awards have been made possible through fundraising and by donations from generous supporters of the Portland High School Drama Club.  For more information on supporting the Drama Club please contact Chandra Polasek at cpolasek@portlandk12.org