Theatre Lab Camps

Theatre Lab Camps are held at the Theatre Lab. The Theatre Lab is Washington, D.C.’s largest and most comprehensive independent, nonprofit school for the dramatic arts. For over a quarter century, The Theatre Lab’s mission is to transform lives through theatre education. We work to make the real-life benefits of theatre training accessible to all regardless of age, income, or experience level. Read about our history.

Through our courses, camps, and programs, The Theatre Lab enrolls over 2,200 kids, teens, and adults a year. Offerings target beginners and veteran actors alike through a wide range of classes designed to fit busy schedules—summer camps for kids, Saturday acting classes, acting or playwriting classes for rookies, public speaking for non-theatre professionals and more. For those 18 and older preparing for a theatre career, our intensive, year-long Honors Acting Conservatory is the closest thing to graduate-level training students can get without having to quit a job to attend school full-time. Read Theatre Lab At A Glance.

Programming by grade level (entering fall 2020):
Bravos (grades 1&2)
Encores (grades 3&4)
Standing Os (grades 5&6)
Grand Finales (grades 7&8)

SUMMER ACTING CAMP FOR KIDS (Bravos, Encores, Standing Os)

The Theatre Lab’s summer camps are fun, high-energy programs that allow young people (grades 1-8) to fully engage their imaginations as they experience the thrill of creating live theatre. From learning the basic techniques of acting for the stage, to developing improvisation and physical comedy skills, to putting it all together in a public performance, it’s a summer your child will never forget. Taught by some of Washington’s best-known theatre professionals and educators, The Theatre Lab’s summer camps are a great way to discover the joys of drama, explore the creative self, and make wonderful new friends.

Campers participate in a wide variety of theatre activities — including improvisation, scene study, storytelling, creative writing, comedy, and mime — all taught by caring artists and teachers dedicated to meeting each child at his or her level. Classes emphasize drama games and exercises designed to increase spontaneity, engage the imagination, promote self-confidence, and encourage ensemble spirit. At the end of each session, students share their work in a free performance open to the public.

At Theatre Lab Camps, we also understand that kids can’t live by drama alone. That’s why each day also includes group games and gym sports, arts and crafts, and social time for relaxing and playing board games.

Each session has a different focus, and you can sign up for just one session or as many as you want. Past sessions have included African Folktales, Shakespeare, Japanese Puppet Theatre, Commedia Dell’Arte, Mystery Theatre, and more. No prior drama experience is required.

Session I: June 22 – June 26
Session II: June 29 – July 10 (no camp July 3)
Session III: July 13 – July 24
Session IV: July 27 – August 7
Session V: August 10 – August 21
Session VI: August 24 – August 28 $360

SUMMER ACTING CAMP FOR KIDS (Grand Finales)

Session I: June 22 – June 26
Fun, fast-paced, one-week improvisational workshops designed to increase students’ ability to create spontaneously, connect with one another other on stage, use their bodies and voices more expressively, develop unique characters, and have fun with the art of making theatre

Session II/III: June 29 – July 24 + evening performances July 23 & 24 (no camp July 3)
4-week Musical Theatre Camp: Oklahoma!
A fun-filled Musical Theatre Camp open to firsttime performers as well as experienced singers and actors. The camp will culminate in a full production of a slightly abridged version of the musical theatre classic Oklahoma! designed with middle schoolers in mind, to be performed on a professional theatre stage (The Undercroft Theatre, home of the Washington Stage Guild) in two special evening performances for friends, family and the general public.

Session IV/V: July 27 – August 21 + evening performance August 21
4-Week Full Production: As You Like It
An exploration of one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies, culminating in a full production on a professional theatre stage! This program will give participants the tools to create and perform the Bard’s beloved classic about transformation in the the Forest of Arden, a dream-like world full of delightful characters, intrigue, romance and much more. The show will receive two performances — one for our younger campers and one in a special evening performance for friends, family and the general public.

Session VI: August 24 – August 28
Fun, fast-paced, one-week improvisational workshops designed to increase students’ ability to create spontaneously, connect with one another other on stage, use their bodies and voices more expressively, develop unique characters, and have fun with the art of making theatre

View Summer Camps page

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