Sophomore Alisa Zomer said she enjoyed learning new techniques to adapt to her acting style in the Drama Training Institute.

"We had a great deal of freedom in our workshops and with our instructors," Zomer said.

"During our workshops, we would form a circle where we could take turns making comments and expressing our views."

Drama Training Institute, in its sixth summer, gave middle and high school students the opportunity to work with other actors in a focused program leading to dramatic performances, said English teacher Gary Elliott, chair of Theatre Ink.

"It also helps them learn some things about themselves as actors," he said.

Workshop topics included audition techniques, choreography, improvisation, musical theatre, scene study, Shakespeare and stage combat, Elliott said.

Among the professionals who taught the workshops are Naheem Allah, a teacher and director; Michael Alloso, an artistic director; Cliff Allen, a fight choreographer; music teacher Richard Travers; and Angela Wilson, a costume designer.

Performances July 26 and 27 included an abridged version of Mary Chase's "Harvey," Jeff Goode's "Ubu," Milcha Sanchez-Scott's "The Cuban Swimmer," Keith Reddien's "Throwing Smoke" and Allen David Perkins' "In God's Country."