Bring Awesome Stories to Life this Summer

Summer is sooner that you think for all the young performers in your life! The Playhouse’s long-running summer theatre camp and Performance Academies will begin June 3 and end Aug. 2, for eight weeks of theatrical fun and creativity. This summer’s offerings bring more performance opportunities than ever with new programming and the return of programs that campers have loved in recent years. Camps will be held at the Playhouse in Mt. Adams, at Mason Community Center and at Ignite Institute in Erlanger. Programming offers options for incoming first- through 12th-graders, with some camps designed specifically for older campers. 

Putting Performance in the Spotlight

“Our camp families have asked for more performance opportunities, and that’s just what we have in store,” says Playhouse Education Director Ariana Moses. 

Campers have their pick of programs that suit their unique interests. One-week camps teach the fundamentals of creating theatre. Each week has a different theme that focuses on special skills — like stage combat, singing and dancing or writing — in addition to rehearsal and performance. Campers will share what they have learned with family and friends at the end of the week in an informal Shareformance. One-week camps this year include:

Grades 1 – 10:

• Clash of the Movie Monsters
• ¡Hola Casita! Songs from Disney’s Encanto
• The Kraken, Mothman and Ogopogo: Writing Urban Legends

Two-week Performance Academies offer the chance to experience the production of a play from start to finish. These camps have become popular for young theatre enthusiasts who enjoy working as an ensemble to rehearse and perform a play — but any student who is interested in learning theatre is welcome to register! Each session concludes with a performance, complete sets, props and costumes, for family and friends. Performance Academies this year include:

Grades 1 – 6:

• Annie KIDS
• Disney’s Finding Nemo KIDS

Grades 6 – 12:

• Mean Girls JR.
• She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition 

New programming this summer includes one-week Performance Showcases and Intensives. Designed for rising first- through 12th-graders — with some camps designed specifically for older campers — these camps focus more deeply on honing performance and storytelling techniques. Thematic content varies from week to week, but each camp explores these techniques through the lens of a specific story, musical or performance style. Campers will have extended rehearsal time in the lead-up to a performance showcase (without sets, props or costumes) at the end of the week where they’ll share selections of what they have focused on with family and friends. Programs include:

Grades 1 – 10:

• Musical Theatre Intensive: Spotlight on Disney’s Descendants: The Musical

Grades 6 – 12:

• It’s Showtime! Beetlejuice the Musical Showcase
• Playwriting Inside the Upside Down Showcase
• How to Make it Through a Zombie Apocalypse: Combat Showcase
• Musical Theatre Intensive: Spotlight on Disney’s Descendants 2

A Snapshot of our Summer Camp Environment

Our mission is to encourage creativity through awesome stories in an inclusive, artistic environment. We invite students to unleash their imagination, get moving, make new connections and become part of a community—all while having a blast! All students are welcome to register, and no audition or prior theatrical experience is required.

“Theatre can be created by any person at any age, and our camp staff loves helping our campers play a part in that process during summer programs,” says Moses. "We always see students gain both confidence and performance skills. By the end of the summer, they’ve made new friends and are brimming with the joy that is live performance. It’s a pretty magical time.”

Through the course of each session, campers work together to tell awesome stories while learning both theatre skills and life skills. In addition to studying musical theatre, stage combat, acting, writing and other topics, campers discover more about their individuality as they make connections with audiences, with each other and with themselves.

Our Launch Pad Accessibility Program continues this summer as well, offering opportunities for more campers to join the theatrical fun of our programming. Launch Pad allows campers who have developmental disabilities, neurodivergences and sensory challenges to participate in camp and have their unique needs met. Camp staff are trained to meet specific needs and accommodations, and a family coordinator works with parents and caregivers to ensure a comfortable experience for their camper.

Registration Details for Summer Camp

Early enrollment for all camps has begun! Families can enjoy special tuition rates during this period until Feb. 29, 2024. Prices increase on March 1. Financial scholarships are available for campers who demonstrate need, and Before Care and After Care options are available at all locations.

For more information or to connect with us about questions, visit our Summer Camps page or call 513-421-3888.