Top Theatre arts camps for 2026/2027

Theatre arts camps near you

We list camps from across Canada, offering over 200 different activities for kids. You can use our site's advanced search to find theatre arts camps in many of the country's major cities. Find your city in the list below, and find camps in your desired area:

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Kids' theatre arts in different formats

For kids who love acting and theatre, there are  variety of ways to engage. This includes programs that run year round and overnight camps that offer a full immersion in theatre. Use our site to find different options below.

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What do children learn at theatre arts camps?

Here’s a survey of what kids learn in a theatre arts camp. Consult with camps and programs listed above to learn details of what they teach. (Note that we also list acting camps that include film acting, as well as kids' acting classes.)

Acting fundamentals. Theatre arts camps improve children’s acting skills for the stage. Part of the training is learning oral presentation skills like enunciation, tone, and delivery. Children also learn about characterization in these camps, by dissecting the characters they play and analyzing popular characters in movies and plays.

Listening skills. Actors require good listening skills. Young actors must attentively listen to their scene partners in order to deliver lines appropriately. Students learn how to interpret emotion through others’ tone of voice or body language. 

Empathy. Acting implicitly includes the development of empathy. Empathetic actors connect with and understand the characters they portray. Theatre arts camp teaches kids to accept their character’s thoughts, actions, and decisions (good or bad), and deepen their understanding of people. 

The benefits of theatre arts camps

Increases confidence. Performing on stage builds confidence in maturing campers. Kids and teens find the confidence to perform in front of an audience. In doing so, they discover the power of their own voice and learn how to establish stage presence. 

Healthy competition. Though some theatre arts programs are recreational, others use children’s natural competitive spirit to challenge campers. More established programs listed above include a final performance at the end of the camp session. Auditions are held during camp and campers vie for roles. Each young actor takes on a role suited to them. Campers are pushed to improve their skills, and learn dedication, self-discipline, and acceptance, among other things.

A foundation for future performers. Theatre camp is the perfect setting for aspiring singers, actors, and dancers. Camps teach students the foundational skills of each area. Campers gain performance experience, which can contribute to success in school productions or postsecondary theatre program auditions. Audition training is part of some theatre camp curricula. 

Improved memorization skills. Young actors must memorize their lines, and other performers depend on them to be on cue. This skill is, of course, helpful in school and other settings. 

A chance to work backstage. Some theatre camps and programs encourage campers to take on backstage roles. Lighting, sound, stage management, and costume and set design are all integral parts of a stage production. For kids who like theatre but who may not be suited to performing in front of an audience, there are still many other opportunities to contribute.

Improves writing and reading skills. Campers read and write scripts during camp, expanding their reading and writing skills. In this, kids learn how to write dialogue and stage directions and develop an understanding of the creative writing process. They improve vocabulary, sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar. 

Perform in various genres. Kids and teens perform in dramas, comedies, musicals, and more in these programs. Some camps specialize in comedy training, where they develop timing and improvisation skills. There are also camps that perform tragedies, as well as musical theatre camps. Kids can use the list above to try a variety of genres, broaden their range, or find a niche. 

What to look for before enrolling in theatre arts camp

Theatre camps are an exciting opportunity for kids and teens to meet new people and explore their passion for the arts. Before enrolling, here are some questions you might ask camp leaders:

• How much experience do leaders have in both performing, and teaching acting? 
• How do you ensure auditions are conducted appropriately? How do you deliver rejection?
• How varied is the programming, if the camp includes singing and dancing activities? How is training divided between activities?
• How do leaders manage conflict between campers? 
• When and where are performances held? 
• Is all work collaborative or do children have the chance to perform independently (i.e monologues or other solo performances).
• How are roles cast? For example, do older children receive main roles over younger children?
• Are there any potential health and safety risks that parents/guardians should be aware of? Have there ever been health and safety instances in the past? How were they dealt with?
• Does the camp include accommodation for children with learning, motor, or physical disabilities? If so, how are children accommodated?

Related camps and programs

For kids who love acting, there are a variety of  types of camps and classes can help you develop in specific areas, including those that are somewhat lateral from theatre performance. Camps suggested below help you broaden your horizons in more ways than one: 

Performing arts camps combine acting with related stage arts including singing, dancing, choreography, as well as set design and more.

Arts camps open up a broad range of options to kids, including everything from modeling to music. We also offer arts programs after-school, where kids can take on anything from piano lessons to dance classes.

Combine this with more advice from OurKids.net:

Sources and further reading

The Benefits of Performing Arts for Children. CalgarysChild.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Theatre arts camps are there?
There are 15 programs specializing in Theatre Arts. In addition, there are 22 programs offering theatre arts as an activity. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.

What are the fees to attend Theatre arts camps?
Fees for Theatre arts camps range from $190 to $3,675 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Theatre arts camps start at?
There are programs available for children aged 5 through 18.

Where can parents meet with Theatre arts camps?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.