Summer Theater Camps
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Cheap beginner's drama camp for 14 yr old?
May 2014
My 14 year old daughter has been bugging me all year for classes/camp for a beginner actor. If anyone has a local and cheap non-musical drama class/camp to recommend, that would be wonderful. Hang
I recommend to try StageDoor Conservatory. It is not cheap, but they give scholarships to young people who want to act but can't afford the price. I believe auditions are still continuing. Second company is Youth Musical Theater Company (YMTC). They are wonderful, but I think they are set for the summer play. It is worth checking though. Again, the tuition is not cheap, but they give scholarship. ani
Look at Tomorrow Youth Rep in Alameda. This summer, they are offering week long half day classes, including an acting class. They also have full scale productions, but I believe those classes are full. The staff is first rate , the productions are amazing, and the costs are much, much lower than Stagedoor Conservatory or YMTC. Www.tomorrowyouthrep.org Page
Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but cheap and easy, and the teacher is well liked. For students entering grades 6-8. ''Drama & Improv'' 1.5 hour class/day. Sign up for one or more weeks between June 16 - July 11. APCP Summer Enrichment - The 2014 program brochure and registration information is available at www.apcpsummerenrichment.com.
Doug's Drama Camp vs Aurora Theatre camp for 10yo
April 2014
Hi- I am trying to decide between Doug's Drama camp and the Summer theatre camp at Aurora School for my 10 yr old daughter. Any advice regarding how to decide between the two programs? Thanks, Searching for Summer Camp
My child has attended both the Aurora Drama Camp and Doug's Drama. If it fits into your schedule, budget, and location, I highly recommend the Aurora camp. At Aurora Camp, the campers create all the sets and costumes. They participate in theatre games and build a supportive community around the production. Every child is engaged and involved and supported. Younger children do not get individual speaking roles, but your child is old enough to receive a speaking role. Aurora Drama Camp is an empowering and joyful experience. My child loved Aurora drama camp and was lukewarm for Doug's drama. He did not get as much support and encouragement, and he often sat on the sidelines. Anonymous
Film/drama/screenplay writing camp for teen boy
May 2010
Hi, Does anyone know about a summer camp in the Santa Cruz mountains that offers theater activities for teens? I've heard of one but can't seem to find information about it on-line. Does anyone know of any teen-accessible classes in screenplay writing? Gotta get this kid some structured activities!
Hi! I don't know anything in the S.C. Mountains, but I would like to suggest an amazing camp that my daughter did the summer after 8th grade and after 10th grade. Look up CSSSA (California State Summer School for the Arts). They have drama, creative writing, and other arts. However, you only go into one category of focus. It is subsidized by the State for Calif. residents. It was a great experience and extremely affordable. It is a sleep away camp in So. Cal----held at the Cal Arts campus north of L.A. She loved it! This would be for the following summer, though. You usually have to apply/audition by the end of February. I highly suggest that you check it out, though, if he is interested in theater. She also did an amazing program at Northwestern U outside of Chicago. It was very intense and a LOT more money, but she absolutely was ecstatic about it! That one is only for kids between Jr. and Sr. year of H.S.
Best of luck! I hope you find something for this summer, as well. (My daughter is totally ''ga-ga'' over theater. She is not 20 yr.s old! Leah
Summer acting camp for 12-year-old
March 2010
My 12 y.o.daughter has some interest in attending a camp that focuses on drama and acting, but is not interested in the many summer musical camps in the Bay Area that focus on singing and dancing. Any suggestions? We live in Berkeley and she will be entering 8th grade in the fall. Thanks! Seaching for Camps
You should try the California Shakespeare Theatre summer camps. They have a two week conservatory in the Oakland Hills (Holy Names highschool campus) and a five week conservatory in Lafayette (Bentley highschool campus). They are fun, yet rigorous drama camps for all types of kids! Campers who start here end up returning year after year and loving it. Students study acting, voice, movement,improv. and text in the morning and then have rehearsals for the play in the afternoon. This is a great camp for serious actors as well as those who just want an exciting, interesting and educative summer experience. Contact: calshakes.org/camps or phone 510-809-3293 kate
You should look into Cal Shakes' Summer Shakespeare Conservatories. They offer a really wonderful conservatory- style program (i.e. intensive training by professional teaching artists), designed for kids of all levels of experience, with the day split between classes and rehearsal for a performance. They have locations around the Bay Area, including Oakland. More info at www.calshakes.org/camps. Cal Shakes fan
Definitely check out the Cal Shakes summer programs. They have classes in the mornings (acting, stage combat, improvisation, etc) and rehearse a shortened version of a Shakespeare play in the afternoons. I've seen the performances several years in a row, and they are just fantastic. There's a 5-week program in Lafayette, and 2-week programs in Lafayette and Rockridge. www.calshakes.org/camps jessica
Drama summer camp for precocious 8-yr-old
Feb 2010
hi, my 8-yr-old daughter loves to be dramatic. she's never taken acting classes but loves to perform. we're looking for advice on a solid drama summer camp, one that's challenging but not too rigid. and if we can get around musicals, that would be great, as they're not her cup of tea! any advice? thanks! mama of a sweet drama queen
My precocious 8 (going on 9) year old drama queen has really enjoyed the summer theater camp at the Contra Costa Civic Theater up in El Cerrito.
It's a two week, all day camp and they put on a complete play with costumes and everything. My daughter has done it for the last two years and it was a different play each year. They've had a small dance number in them, but they certainly weren't musicals. The program is intense, like- don't schedule any other activities during that time. But, my daughter has truly enjoyed the challenge of trying out, learning lines, blocking, dance number etc...
Their website is www.ccct.org/classes-summercamp.html andrea
I am happy to recommend to you the California Shakespeare Theatre summer camps. They are fun, yet rigorous drama camps for all types of kids! Campers who start here end up returning year after year and loving it. Students study acting, voice, movement, improv. and text - for my 8 year old boy, the stage combat is the most exciting! This is a great camp for serious actors as well as those who just want an exciting, interesting and educative summer experience. Contact: calshakes.org/camps or phone 510-809-3293 kate
Theater camp for kindergartener and 2nd grader
Feb 2007
Last year my daughter attended a theater camp at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts which she really loved. Now the theater camps at the Julia Morgan are run by a group called Glitter and Razz. Does anyone have any experience with this group and their camps in particular? Alternatively, does anyone have any recommendations for theater camps for a kindergartner and a second grader? Drama Mama Wanna Be
No info about Glitter and Razz, but my daughter has had great drama camp experiences with Bay Area Shakespeare Camp, Contra Costa Civic Theater, and Stage Door Conservatory. All have 2- week summer programs of very high quality. Unfortunately, all begin at age 7 or so (summer before 3rd grade I believe); I think you may have some trouble find a drama program that will take your little one. Mama of a drama queen
Theater Camp for 6-year-old
April 2006
Looks like Julia Morgan isn't offering summer theater classes. My child is 6, will be between 1st and 2nd grade this summer. Any other suggestions? I'm looking for a 2-week session.
I heard about the following theatre camp, but do not know anything about it. http://www.kidstakethestage.com/index.html Also, Children's Fairyland in Oakland has a children's theatre program in the summer. Hope this helps anonymous
Last summer, my 2 sons (ages 5 and 9 last year) went to the Drama camp (theme) at Monkey Business Camp. My older son did not want to go to Drama camp at all, but the timing of the session was right for us. I emailed the director of the program to ask her what might work out for my son. She said there are children who attend drama camp and decide to do behind-the-scenes stuff or who find a way that they are comfortable performing. So my son agreed to go to camp, and there was no pressure, and he ended up in a few skits and had a great time. My younger son was even less interested in performing, but was very active with creating the sets and being on stage crew, and did end up being in one skit. The excitement around having a performance was very fun for the kids, and brought a nice sense of community to the camp, with everyone working toward a common goal. jc
Drama camp for 11 year old?
Feb 2000
Does anyone have a recommendation for a dramatic arts camp for a 11 year old? She is tired of Shakespeare camp, and I don't think the JCC is offering theatre camp this summer... East Bay locations only... Thanks, Judy
Last summer my son (8) was enrolled in a three week theatre camp through the East Bay Regional Parks. He really enjoyed it. I do not see it listed on the park's web site, but I am hoping they offer it again. Kim
For the person asking about summer camp - try Black Pine circle in Berkeley. They have a very extensive summer program including drama. For information call 845-0876
Two suggestions: Theatre Bay Area in SF publishes a monthly magazine called Callboard and they list dozens of opportunities for theatre classes and camps for all levels, from kids to community players to professionally-oriented performers. They also publish a youth theatre directory biannually and I believe the next one is due out soon (you'd think I know because I'm currently the Executive Director over there, but I'm home on maternity leave and have forgotten everything that happens in the other world. ) Also, I am about to become the new Executive Director at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts in Berkeley (I guess if I'm making one major transition I can make two at the same time!) and we're completing revamping their summer Theatre Rats program and and hiring some of the best Bay Area kid youth teachers for drama. Kids will enroll in 2 week sessions that meet all day and take workshops in improvisation, core acting skills, dance and/or musical theatre, mask, clowning and other classes, depending upon the expertise of the teacher (some workshops will be required of all participants and some will be elective depending upon your child's interests). The focus is on process, so although there will be public presentations at the end, there won't be the undue stresses of production per se. Our curriculum is still being developed and our faculty being hired, but we hope to roll out the new program by the end of March. If you're interested in being on our mailing list for Theatre Rats, send me your name and address and I'll make sure you receive a new brochure hot off the presses. Sabrina
Drama camp for 12-year-old
Jan 2004
Could someone recommend a summer camp for a twelve years old girl? Her interests are jazz dancing, and also drama and singing. Tikva
Contra Costa Civic Theater offers great drama camps each summer. You can call them at (510) 524-9132 for information. Also check out the resource http://tlent.home.igc.org/Day_Camp.html R.K.
The Kaleidoscope Program of the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts offers three 2-week camps for students up to grade 6 who are interested in drama and dance. This summer's camps run from July 5-August 13 and feature acting, improv, stage combat, dance, music, playmaking and more. This might be just the fun arts experience that your child is looking for. I'd love to chat with you more about our programs, I can be reached at (510) 845-8542 x378. Beth
Re: Summer camps for 12-13 year old
If the daughter is interested in theatre AT ALL, look into the Young Actors' Workshop (YAW) at Contra Costa College . It is an excellent program and very inexpensive. She is a perfect age for it.
My daughter is enrolled in the Elementary School of Arts and Sciences on Broadway. Although it is an Elementary School K-3, they do have a summer program for musical theater and an after school which starts in mid April for musical theater as well. I know Carol Smith (the director of the school) for five years now and I believe that it is the best program in theater, singing, performing for very young age. Also, you make want to consider the school itself for your daughter since their curiculum includes at least three theatrical performances per year. Their phone number is: 658-5443
California Shakespeare Theater offers training and performance opportunities for youth ages 8 to 18. See Young Performers Workshop
Last summer my son (8) was enrolled in a three week theatre camp through the East Bay Regional Parks . He really enjoyed it. I do not see it listed on the park's web site, but I am hoping they offer it again. --Kim (2/00)
For the person asking about summer camp - try Black Pine Circle in Berkeley. They have a very extensive summer program including drama. For information call 845-0876 (2/00)
Two suggestions: Theatre Bay Area in SF publishes a monthly magazine called Callboard and they list dozens of opportunities for theatre classes and camps for all levels, from kids to community players to professionally-oriented performers. They also publish a youth theatre directory biannually and I believe the next one is due out soon (you'd think I know because I'm currently the Executive Director over there, but I'm home on maternity leave and have forgotten everything that happens in the other world. )
Also, I am about to become the new Executive Director at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts in Berkeley (I guess if I'm making one major transition I can make two at the same time!) and we're completing revamping their summer Theatre Rats program and and hiring some of the best Bay Area kid youth teachers for drama. Kids will enroll in 2 week sessions that meet all day and take workshops in improvisation, core acting skills, dance and/or musical theatre, mask, clowning and other classes, depending upon the expertise of the teacher (some workshops will be required of all participants and some will be elective depending upon your child's interests). The focus is on process, so although there will be public presentations at the end, there won't be the undue stresses of production per se. Our curriculum is still being developed and our faculty being hired, but we hope to roll out the new program by the end of March. If you're interested in being on our mailing list for Theatre Rats, send me your name and address and I'll make sure you receive a new brochure hot off the presses.
Sabrina
My daughter attended the California Acting Workshop during the summer of 1999. This was following her freshman year. She had a great time, and the drama instruction was quite intense and serious. What I found pretty remarkable about the camp was that the entire group, which included high school and junior high school kids, became very close over the few weeks they were together. It is expensive, but you can enroll as a commuter, which sacrifices some of the fun for substantial savings. Nancy
This is to recommend JCC Theater Camp for kids in grades 3-5. Sessions are 2 weeks each, starting June 28th, $325/session ($260 for JCC members). Theater director Simon Kaplan is terrific. He's funny, energetic, and directs wonderful plays (last year my kids did How to Eat Like a Child by Delia Ephron) with choreography, lines, costumes, backdrops. Kids are boys & girls, some ethnic mix, all shapes & sizes. My kids (now 8 & 11) have had a great time in theater workshop. For more info call Simon Kaplan at 848-0237. -- Merry (5/99)
If your child has any interest in performing, I have heard other parents rave about the Young People's Theatre Group program held at the Julia Morgan Center in Berkeley-it runs from 7-19/8-22 for ages 10-16, and they put on a full musical play at the end of the session. They also do field trips, swimming, sports, crafts and a camping overnight. -- Dianne (5/99)
Other Theater Camps
Feb 2005
There is a wonderful program that takes place in a small town (Pontlevoy) 2 hours from Paris. Check out the web site at www.loiretheatre.com. My daughter went there last summer and had a magical time. She did ''A Midsummer's Night Dream'' in French and English. Your teen doesn't need to know French, but will have the chance to be with students from France and England. Miranda Barry is the producer, and is a wonderful person who loves acting and teens, and treats all with respect and kindness . My husband and I went to see the play, and were thrilled to see the quality of work and the beauty of the town and the people. Rona
We live in Berkeley, and are considering the 4 week Cal Shakes theater camp for our 13 year old daughter. It's for grades 6-12, and I hope there are some other older kids in it too!
My son (11YO) really enjoyed his winter camp at Liv & Chiu Art Studio in El Cerrito. Since it was for older kids, they taught more drawing skill and observation skills. Most of the kids were a little older so your child will fit in perfectly. They have in person summer camps available now.