Performing arts camps: The best summer camps for kids in NYC

At performing arts camps, kids write and star in theater productions, learn how to play instruments and master different types of dance techniques.

By Lindsey Garland, Lizzie Plaugic and Mary Squillace Mon Feb 11 2013

Theater camps

Applause

Price band: 2/4

Kids who want to follow in Lilla Crawford’s footsteps can warm  up their pipes at this camp; the program features classes in acting, singing, hip-hop dance and audition technique. A different Broadway star visits each week to perform for the campers, adding to their inspiration. Camp runs June 3–Aug 2, Mon–Thu 9:30am–3pm, Fri 9:30am–1pm. One-week session $750. Ages  5 to 14.

184 E 76th St , (between Lexington and Third Aves), 10021

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Broadway Bound Kids Camp

Price band: 3/4

This camp for show-tunes-loving kids offers three different programs. At Gleek Week, participants become part of a summer glee club, singing pop songs and practicing numbers for a showcase at the end of the week. Create-a-Musical camp offers campers the chance to craft their own scripts and costumes, as well as learn performance basics. In Broadway Bound Players, made up of campers ages 9 to 18 admitted by audition, kids mount a full-scale version of a Broadway musical. Create-a-Musical camp runs June 17–21, June 24–28, Jul 15–19 and Jul 22–26;  Mon–Fri 9:30am–2:30pm. One-week session $549. Gleek Week runs July 8–12, 9:30am–2:30pm. One-week session $549. Broadway Bound Players runs July 15–Aug 2, Mon–Fri 9:30am–3:30pm. Three-week session $1,400. Ages 6 to 18.

St. Michael's Church, 225 W 99th St, 10025

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Calhoun Summer Theater

Price band: 2/4

With the help of Calhoun vets and seasoned pros, campers create and perform an original production. Kids do everything from designing the sets and costumes to writing the show’s tunes. Camp runs June 24-July 5 (closed July 4), Mon-Fri 8:30am-3:30pm. Two-week session $1,500. Ages 8 to 11.

160 W 74th St , (between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves), 10023

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Camp Broadway

Price band: 2/4

In Shining Stars (ages 6 to 9), campers learn song-and-dance routines in preparation for a showcase. Older kids (ages 10 to 17) work with pros on singing, acting and dancing. They even attend a Broadway matinee, followed by a Q&A with the show’s cast and creative team. Shining Stars runs July 15–19 and Aug 5–9, Mon–Fri 9am–2pm. One-week session $695. Camp Broadway runs July 15–19 and Aug 5–9, Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm. One-week session $1,295. Ages 6 to 17.

Pearl Studios NYC, 500 Eighth Ave, (between 35th and 36th Sts), 10018

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Child's Play NY

Price band: 2/4

MFA grads and Broadway performers help dramatically inclined tykes bring classic children's tales to life. The youngest campers (ages 3 to 5) focus on imaginative play (sessions include Magical Travels, Ocean Adventures and Fairy Tale Improv), while older kids (ages 6 to 10) delve into musical theater, Shakespeare and improvisational acting, and other theater genres. •Cobble Hill Ballet, 193 Columbia St between DeGraw and Sackett Sts, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn (347-406-2177). Camp runs Aug 5–30, Mon–Fri 9am–noon. One-week session $325. Ages 3 to 5. •St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Sts between Clinton and Court Sts, Brooklyn Heights (347-406-2177).Camp runs Aug 5–30, Mon–Fri 1:30–5pm. One-week session $400. Ages 6 to 11.

Various locations,

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A Class Act NY—Camp Academy

Price band: 3/4

Workshops with Broadway performers cover such topics as vocal and musical-theater techniques, Shakespeare and stage combat. Campers attend one Broadway matinee, to be followed by a session during which they chat with cast members. As the session’s grand finale, campers will make their Off Broadway debut in a short showcase. •Nola Studios, 250 W 54th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-315-3010, aclassactny.com). Camp runs July 15—Aug 16, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. One-week session $695. Ages 7 to 16. •Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Dr near Northern Blvd, Roslyn, NY (516-484-1545, aclassactny.com). Camp runs Aug 19–23, Mon–Fri 9:30am–5:30pm. One-week session $770; includes transportation to and from Manhattan. Ages 7 to 16.

Various locations,

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Curtain Up Kids Camp

Price band: 2/4

In three weeks, children ready themselves to put on a traditional musical or musical revue in an Off Broadway theater. Experience is less of a requirement than enthusiasm, energy and the ability to cooperate with peers. But thanks to the venue, every kid can imagine he or she is a star—without suffering any rejection along the way. Camp runs Aug 5–23, Mon–Fri 10am–1pm. Three-week session $900. Ages 6 to 16.

SpaceOn White, 81 White St, (between Broadway and Lafayette St), 10013

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Four Corners Adventures on Stage

Price band: 2/4

Among other seasoned actors, Memphis's Hillary Elk, Wicked's Meggie Cansler, and a Rockette have visited to share their expertise with aspiring performers. Additionally, campers learn Broadway choreography and hip-hop dance routines and take singing and acting classes. Camp runs June 17–28, July 15—26, Aug 12—23, Mon–Fri 9am–2pm. One-week session $495. Ages 4 to 11.

Redeemer Community Center, 150 W 83rd St, (between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves), 10024

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JCC Summer Stock Theater Camp

Price band: 2/4

Children learn acting, theater production and choreography from trained professionals at this three-week intensive program. When kids aren't brushing up on performance skills, they take dips in the JCC pool and attend Broadway shows. Camp runs July 22–Aug 9, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. $2,500. Ages 10 to 15.

334 Amsterdam Ave, (at 76th St), 10023

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Kaufman Music Center Musical Theater Workshop

Price band: 2/4

Campers work in age-appropriate groups, under the direction of theater vets, to produce and perform an original musical. Mornings are designated for acting, singing, and movement classes, while musical rehearsals take place in the afternoons. At the end of the month, the future stars take the stage at Merkin Concert Hall to perform their musical for family and friends. Camp runs July 1–Aug 1, Mon–Thu 10am-4:30pm. Five-week session $2,060. Ages 6 to 15.

Lucy Moses School, 129 W 67th St, (between Broadway and Amsterdam Ave), 10023

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Kids Creative Summer Camp

Price band: 2/4

The purpose of this camp is twofold: It fosters youngsters' imaginations while offering a primer in peace education. As kids create an original play they'll also learn lessons about community building, problem solving and diversity. Camp runs July 1–Aug 9, Mon–Fri 9am–4:30pm. Two-week session $875, six-week session $2,550. Ages 4 to 13.

P.S. 191, 210 W 61st St, (at Amsterdam Ave), 10023

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Marymount Drama Camp

Price band: 3/4

Teaching artists show youngsters the ropes through acting, singing, dance and set-design workshops. They also visit the Met and take a field trip to see a Broadway musical. Participants perform a full musical at the end of the summer. Camp runs June 24–July 26, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. Five-week session $3,800, four-week session $3,300, three-week session $2,700, two-week session $1,950, one-week session $1,000. Ages 6 to 13.

1026 Fifth Ave, (at E 84th St), 10028

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New Victory Theater's Theater Kids Week

Price band: 2/4

Kids learn about all aspects of play production and try their hand at puppetry, dance and physical theater. An end-of-the program showcase for friends and family is planned.  Camp runs July 22–Aug 2, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Two-week session $1,000. Ages 7 to 11.

229 W 42nd St, (between Seventh and Eighth Aves), 10036

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Play On! Studios Camps

Price band: 3/4

At this Upper East Side studio, tots can hone their performance art skills at Creative Drama Camp (ages 5 to 10) or Musical Theater Camp (ages 9 to 13) where they’ll rehearse and perform in a full production, play drama games, and work with professional actors and teaching artists. Creative Drama Camp runs June 24–28, Aug 5–9, Aug 12–16, Aug 19–23 Mon–Fri, 9am–3pm. Five-day session $425. Musical Theater Camp runs July 1–Aug 2 Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. Five-week session $2,400. Ages 5 to 13.

2067 Broadway, (between 71st and 72nd Sts), 10023

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TADA! Musical Theater Camp

Price band: 2/4

Two professional teaching artists direct campers as they put together a mini musical—in just five days. In preparation, children practice scenes, dances and musical numbers, learn comedic improv and play theater games. Camp runs June 10–Aug 31, Mon–Fri 9am–2:30pm. One-week session $450 with multiweek discounts available. Ages 6 to 14.

15 W 28th St, second floor, (between Fifth Ave and Broadway), 10001

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Theatre Arts Center Musical Theater and Dance Camp

Price band: 2/4

Campers join one of three performance companies (assignments are based on age and ability), then work to put on a fully staged show with the help of Broadway guest artists. To prepare, teen scene stealers tackle an array of performance classes, including musical theater, dance, singing, on-camera acting, and improvisation. Camp runs in a single four-week session July 8–Aug 4, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Four-week session $1,900. Admission is by audition beginning in March. Ages 8 to 19.