Acting & drama camps

Drama and acting camps let your son or daughter unleash their creativity through movement, improvisation, vocal training, and dance lessons. They’ll learn valuable theatre skills including technical instruction in para-theatrical activities like lighting, makeup, stage managing which help to broaden their interests.

I was overwhelmed with the performance of my 'shy' son … He has already asked where he can go to take acting classes.”
—Parent, Great Big Theatre Company

Acting schools and summer acting programs offer an oft-intensive, structured environment where kids bitten by the acting bug a get a deep glimpse into the world of theatre production, film production (including special effects), and related environments. In these camps, schools and March break programs, the seriousness of teens' commitment gets tested by the discipline instilled by camp leaders, directors and others.

Acting instruction camps give your child an opportunity to work with professional stage and screen actors. And as part of the overall theatre experience, campers are often involved in a live stage performance at the end of their stay, or the creation of a film production as part of the acting camp's programming.

The discipline instilled by summer acting camps is multifold. Camps run from Monday to Friday and will often follow a structured workday, from 9-5, for example. Students will work regularly with cameras or with stage instructions. Memorization skills will be tested. They will be given instruction in character development, camera presentation, staging and blocking. A number of professionally run kids' acting camps also instruct in ancillary matters of equal importance, such as auditioning techniques and the inculcation of professional decorum.

They'll also have a lot of fun and meet other kids and teens who have the same passion!

In a sphere renowned for competitiveness, why encourage kids to attend drama camp?

Acting camp is also an ideal opportunity for your child to gain important life skills such as self-confidence, leadership, cooperation and teamwork. He or she is certain to learn more about themselves, develop a deeper awareness of their emotions as well as how to more fully sympathize with others.

In some cases your child may even work with professional stage and screen actors and as part of the overall theatre experience, campers are often involved in a live stage performance at the end of their stay.

Find the right drama camp for your child

When choosing a drama camp, be sure to consider your child’s other interests and any particular needs, plus factors such as location and cost. Would your child prefer a day or overnight camp? What other activities are they interested in that the camp can help expose them to?

More specific questions can include:

• What sort of facilities and equipment are available for campers to use?
• How does this drama program compare to others like it?
• What particular sessions or workshops are offered that can help my child develop a certain skill?
• What are the qualifications of the counselors and the acting coaches, vocal coaches and others?
• What sort of professional actors visit the camp and how long do they visit with the campers?
• Is any school credit offered?

Can you picture your child thriving in a theatrical environment? Then start your search for a drama camp with the listings below.