Overview
The 39 Steps directed by Rebecca Wahls
Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre! Teen actors expand their comedic acting skills by taking on a variety of characters in this fast-paced, ensemble driven production.
This very unique and highly intensive program gives actors the experience of developing complex characters and performing a full-length production. This program is always focused on the ensemble, meaning each actor is given time to shine onstage. While receiving top-level training, each actor will receive a role and will work together to create a unique design for the production and participate in the creation of sets, costumes, and more. This program culminates in a full-length production to be performed at the end of the week.
What to Expect
On the first Monday we meet, the actors will begin developing characters and learning the blocking for the play. This continues through mid-week, along with focus on specialty skills that may be needed in the production (e.g., accent work, stage combat, etc.). By Thursday and Friday, the actors are running the show off-book and memorizing their material. By Friday evening, the ensemble is performing on stage with simple technical elements (lights, basic set, props, costumes, sound). This is a very advanced and exciting challenge for any actor! Full-length production to be performed at the end of the week.
An application and successful video audition are required to participate in this program. EXTENDED DEADLINE! The application deadline is May 3. All admission decisions will be sent by May 16.
Program Details
Ages: 13–18
Dates: July 28–August 2, 2025*
9 a.m.–4 p.m.**
Performances: 7 p.m. on Friday, August 1 and 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 2
Tuition: $545
Location: George Mason University Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
Registration Commitment
Please note that full attendance in the program will offer the most enriching and educational experience. While we understand that summer schedules may require more flexibility than during the school year, these programs can have a lengthy waitlist(s). Many students wish to participate.
By registering, you acknowledge that your student is planning to attend the entire program, barring illness or emergency. Should your student have significant conflicts during the camp day or week, please consider if this program is the best choice for this summer.
“The 39 Steps, Abridged” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
*This is a six day program. Students must be able to participate in Friday evening and Saturday midday performances.
**Arrival times for Friday evening and Saturday midday performances TBA.
Program Faculty
Rebecca Wahls
Director
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Rebecca Wahls has worked with AFYP since Fall 2012 teaching for after school, summer camp, and showcase programs and in various administrative capacities. Her favorite AFYP project was Puffs in Summer 2022. Currently, her focus with AFYP is on private coaching, creative writing, and graphic design. AFYP writing credits include Rockin’ Robin Hood (Fall 2021), Cinderella 101 (Fall 2018), Billy Shakes and the Big Screen (Fall 2016), A Midwinter Eve’s Dream (Fall 2015), and the Mini and Adventures scripts for Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 .
Outside of AFYP, Rebecca develops new musicals and film and is currently the Artist in Residence at Duke University. She is a TEDx speaker (“Yes, And: The Power of Improv in Everyday Life”) and offers custom improv workshops for corporate organizations. Through AFYP, she has also taught Improv with the Veterans in the Arts Initiative. Recent directing credits include Pippin (4-time Helen Hayes nominated production with Monumental Theatre Company) and The Play That Goes Wrong (Cumberland Theatre, Winner of Best Play & Best Direction for 2024 by Broadway World Baltimore). MFA Directing (John Wells Fellow), Carnegie Mellon University; BFA Theatre, George Mason University. (rebeccawahls.com)
Program Directors
Kaity Ormesher
Manager of Outreach and Theater Programs
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Kaity holds a B.A. in Theater and an M.A. in Arts Management from George Mason University. Kaity has been a part of the Acting for Young People team since 2008, working as a teaching artist in after school, summer camp, and showcase programs, as well as stage managing for AFYP’s Musical and Advanced Showcase programs. As of 2022, Kaity has moved out of the classroom to fully focus on the day-to-day operations of the organization as the Manager of Outreach and Theater Programs for the Academy.
Kaity has an extensive background in the arts and education. In addition to her theatrical interests, she enjoys sketching, watercolor, and is an avid reader. Kaity has taught children ranging from early childhood through high school levels since 2008. In her time as a student at GMU, she participated in many stage productions as an actor, stage manager, and technician. Kaity served on the board for GMU’s producing group, the Mason Players, for three years, and co-founded GMU’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the theater honor fraternity. She received the Chris Parsons Achievement Award for her work with the theater department in 2010. Kaity has also worked professionally as a stage manager in the DC Metro Area. Kaity is the mother to twin girls. Kaity is passionate about the transformative experiences provided by arts education for people of all ages.
Mary Lechter
Academy Executive Director
School of Theater Faculty
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A graduate of University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Speech Communications, Mary has been working professionally as an actor in the metropolitan Washington-area, Los Angeles, and New York since 1985. She has worked at Washington area theaters including Theater of the First Amendment, Arena Stage, Studio Theatre, and Source Theatre. Television, radio and film credits include ABC’s All My Children, Barry Levinson’s Avalon, Diesel Films’ Dracula’s Mother, the MGM/Lionsgate thriller Hit and Run, and several spots for NPR’s Morning Edition.
Mary founded AFYP in 1997, and has seen the company grow from being its only teacher with a sporadic program schedule in rented spaces to where it is today: a year-round program with a full staff, working in conjunction with Potomac Arts Academy, for which she is Associate Director.
She is a longtime member of Mason’s School of Theater faculty in the areas of Performance and Theater Education. She was named a 2013 “Teacher of Distinction” and was a 2014 TEDxGeorgeMasonU speaker (“Magic Moments: the Transformative Power of Theater“). She previously taught at the Studio Theatre Acting Conservatory and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Her professional memberships include The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Actor’s Equity Association, and the Educational Theatre Association.
Mary’s directing credits include An Experiment with an Air Pump and Shakespeare in Hollywood (George Mason University); Still Beating Hearts and A Godless Man (Theater of the First Amendment First Light Festival); Happy Holidays, Charlie Brown, 101 Dalmatians, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play; Willy Wonka, Jr.; Peter Pan, Jr.; A Seussified Christmas Carol; Alice in Wonderland, Jr. (AFYP).
Notes
- Please note that group classes are subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not reached.
- Be sure to check our policies and procedures regarding registration, withdrawals, refunds, and more for summer group classes.
- All students will receive a Welcome Letter via email at least one week before the class starts with all necessary details.
- Limited scholarship funds are available for families in need of financial assistance. To apply, please visit: https://masonacademy.gmu.edu/about-us/financial-aid/. For families in need of extended payment plan installment options, please contact the Academy at [email protected].
- For additional information, please contact the Academy at [email protected].
- For-credit programs only: A tuition refund minus a $125 cancelation fee will be given provided that notice is received by the Mason Community Arts Academy no later than one week before the program start date. No refunds will be granted after this date.