If your child has the performance bug and wants to learn how to perform on stage, Lancaster County has no shortage of summer theater camps available!
The best way to learn to perform is to perform!
Lessons and practices just aren’t quite the same experience as being on stage.
A performer grows in their skills of acting, singing, dancing, etc. in lessons and classes. There they get specific training and technical work. In that respect, performances
It’s really important for young performers to look at these opportunities as learning experiences not as “end results”. They are usually culminating experiences designed to showcase the skills learned.
However, each performance is a stepping stone. When parents and teachers help guide students to understand that this performance- whether good, bad, or ugly!- will give them valuable experience for what to do and what not to do, it helps them keep performing in perspective.
It’s no secret that performing is competitive with actors, singers, and dancers clamoring for lead roles.
There is something to be learned at every level, though.
As a lead, you learn most about character development, authentic presentation, audience connection, and the amount of work it takes to memorize lines, blocking, choreography, and music.
As a supporting lead, you learn how to make the best of your time on stage creating connections with other actors. You may learn comedic timing or how to react and act while note speaking.
As an ensemble member, you learn how to improvise, develop a character that may not have lines that are in the script, but that is an integral part of making the show believable.
The more experience you get, particularly when you are cast in roles, the more mature your performance will be.
It is really important to remember that it’s not merely the most talented performers that get chosen, especially the more professional the performing company. Experience, look, and who you know are all important parts of the casting process.
So, if you haven’t landed a lead yet, don’t despair!
It doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t talented!
You may need to gain some experience using that talent in a featured presentation (or more!) so that your audition is more authentic and mature.
It’s wonderful that so many students are able to use their gifts and hone their crafts in the performing arts!
There really is something for everyone.
Take a look at the round-up of camp opportunities below to find out more about the Summer Theater Camps in Lancaster County in 2021!
Theater Camps in Lancaster County
Discover Your Voice Camp (Mountville, PA)
DYV is the perfect place to gain experience on stage in a way that helps you shine. No prior experience or auditions needed! Over the course of the camp, students learn to discover, create, rehearse, and perform in a safe and supportive environment. Campers learn the ins and outs of their voices, the importance of authentic acting, and the uniqueness of each artist’s gifts. They then take their new knowledge and apply it to the stage.
The camp is directed by Julie Stone, who lends her expertise in both individual and group training over the week. At the conclusion of the week, campers have the opportunity to showcase what they have learned in the “Happily Ever After/Shine” concert. The camp is separated into two tracks-the “Happily Ever After” track for ages 7-11, and the “Shine” track for ages 12-18. Camp is $275 per camper. If you register by June 15th, 2021, your camper receives free access to bonus acting sessions, a bonus singing masterclass, an 8x10 headshot and hair and makeup for the showcase. If you register by July 18th, 2021, your camper receives an 8x10 headshot, and hair and makeup for the showcase.
The camp runs from July 25-31, 1-4pm, at Bella Voce Studio (120 College Ave. Mountville PA).
Cavod Performing Arts (New Holland, PA)
Camp Create | 13yrs. to Adult- Camp Create teaches dance foundations, explores music and theatre, and creates art masterpieces. (Geared towards teens and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.) The camp welcomes those at the beginner skill level). The camp runs from August 2-6, 4-6:30pm, at Cavod in New Holland. The camp concludes with a showcase on August 6th at 6pm. Camp is $145 per camper if paid in full by July 1st, 2021. The cost is $175 after July 1st, 2021. Space is limited! Lessons: Camp Create (Lancaster, PA) | Cavod Academy
Circus Spectacular Camp | Ages 3-6- Circus Spectacular Camp focuses on campers at an early arts skill level. The week-long camp teaches campers basic stage experience through circus-inspired activities, all while welcoming new friendships with other campers. A closing performance is available for friends and family at the Cavod Theatre. The camp runs from July 5-9, 9am-12pm, at Cavod in New Holland; the concluding showcase on July 9th, at 11:30am. The cost per camper is $175. Space is limited! Lessons: Circus Spectacular Camp Ages 3-6 (Lancaster, PA) | Cavod Academy
Circus Spectacular Camp | Ages 7-12- Circus Spectacular Camp focuses on campers at a beginner skill level. The week-long camp teaches campers stage experience through circus-inspired activities, all while welcoming new friendships with other campers. A closing performance is available for friends and family at the Cavod Theatre. The camp runs from July 5-9, 1-5pm, at Cavod in New Holland; the concluding showcase on July 9th, at 4:30pm. The cost per camper is $175. Space is limited! Lessons: Circus Spectacular Camp Ages 7-12 (Lancaster, PA) | Cavod Academy
Into the Woods Musical Theatre Camp | Ages 10-18- This summer camp develops campers’ theatre skills through masterclasses from professionals. The culmination of the 2-week long camp is the professional presentation of Into the Woods Jr., a family friendly version of the Broadway musical. Campers get a taste of professional theatre while gaining experience and making friends. Auditions take place on June 25th at 4:30-9:30pm at Cavod Theatre. For the audition, a headshot and resume is required, as well as a 1 min. monologue and 16-32 bars of a song prepared (bring sheet music). Slots are available for auditions on the website. A read-through and costume fitting will take place on June 26th, 9am-12pm at Cavod Theatre. The camp runs from July 12-22, 9am-3pm (bring a packed lunch) and July 23rd, 9am-7pm (dinner provided). See website for camp dress code. The show dates are July 24th at 2pm and 7pm, and July 25th at 2pm and 7pm. Camp cost is $350 if paid in full by July 1st, 2021. Cost is $380 after July 1st, 2021. Lessons: Into the Woods Musical Theatre Camps (Lancaster, PA) | Cavod Academy
Singing in the Rain Musical Theatre Camp | Ages 10-18- This summer camp develops campers’ theatre skills through masterclasses from professionals. The culmination of the 2-week long camp is the professional presentation of Singing in the Rain Jr., a family friendly version of the Broadway musical. Campers get a taste of professional theatre while gaining experience and making friends. Auditions take place on July 2nd at 4:30-9:30pm at Cavod Theatre. For the audition, a headshot and resume is required, as well as a 1 min. monologue and 16-32 bars of a song prepared (bring sheet music). Slots are available for auditions on the website. A read-through and costume fitting will take place July 3rd, 9am-12pm at Cavod Theatre. The camp itself take place at WJTL. The camp runs from August 2-12, 9am-3pm (bring a packed lunch) and August 13th, 9am-7pm (dinner provided). See website for camp dress code. The show dates are August 14th at 2pm and 7pm, and August 15th at 2pm and 7pm. Camp cost is $350 if paid in full by July 1st, 2021. Cost is $380 after July 1st, 2021. Lessons: Singin in the Rain Musical Theatre Camps (Lancaster, PA) | Cavod Academy
Summer Dance Intensive | Ages 7 and up- The Summer Dance Intensive works with dancers of all skill levels to expand, strengthen, and grow in technique and artistry. Classes are taught by local professionals and Cavod staff, offering Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, and other genres. The camp is divided into two tracks: Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced. The Beginner track is offered to ages 7-11. The camp runs from July 26-30, 9am-12pm. Cost for the Beginner track is $175. Space is limited! The Intermediate/Advanced track is offered to ages 12and up. The camp runs from July 26-30, 10am-5pm. Cost for the Intermediate/Advanced track is $350. Space is limited! Lessons: Summer Dance Intensive (Lancaster, PA) | Cavod Academy
Summer Dance Series 2021 | The Series provides lessons for dancers of all skill levels, offering a wide range of genres, such as Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, and more. The Summer Dance Series is scheduled for July 12-22 and August 2-12. The cost is $10 per class for pre-registration OR $15 per class drop-ins. See website for daily schedules, dress code, and more information on pre-registration. Lessons: Summer Dance Series 2021 (Lancaster, PA) | Cavod Academy
Servant Stage Company (Leola, PA)
Getting to Know Once Upon a Mattress | Ages 10-18- In this camp, campers will rehearse and perform a student production of the musical Once Upon a Mattress. In addition to learning the show, campers learn valuable skills for the theatre world, and receive training through experienced professionals and special masterclasses. Auditions take place the first day of camp (More information is given after registration). The camp is directed by Brandon Cameron and Wally Calderon. The camp runs from July 5-10, 9am-5pm, at Lancaster County Christian School. There are two performances for family and friends, on July 10th at 3pm and 7pm. Camp cost is $250. The cost includes a camp t-shirt, all materials and handouts, and daily rehearsal with the Servant Stage staff (lunch is not provided). Once Upon A Mattress (JR.) — Servant Stage
Aladdin Jr. | Ages 10-18- In this camp, campers will rehearse and perform a student production of the musical Aladdin Jr. In addition to learning the show, campers learn valuable skills for the theatre world, and receive training through experienced professionals and special masterclasses. Auditions take place the first day of camp (More information is given after registration). The camp is directed by Lauren Schaeffer and Wally Calderon. The camp runs from July 12-17, 9am-5pm, at Lancaster County Christian School. There are two performances for family and friends, on July 17th at 3pm and 7pm. Camp cost is $250. The cost includes a camp t-shirt, all materials and handouts, and daily rehearsal with the Servant Stage staff (lunch is not provided). ***This camp is filled; however, you may still sign up for the waiting list. Aladdin JR. — Servant Stage
Moana Jr. | Ages 10-18- In this camp, campers will rehearse and perform a student production of the musical Moana Jr. In addition to learning the show, campers learn valuable skills for the theatre world, and receive training through experienced professionals and special masterclasses. Auditions take place the first day of camp (More information is given after registration). The camp is directed by Joshua William Green and Wally Calderon. The camp runs from July 26-31, 9am-5pm, at Lancaster County Christian School. There are two performances for family and friends, on July 31st at 3pm and 7pm. Camp cost is $250. The cost includes a camp t-shirt, all materials and handouts, and daily rehearsal with the Servant Stage staff (lunch is not provided). ***This camp is filled; however, you may still sign up for the waiting list. Moana JR. — Servant Stage
High School Musical 2 Jr. | Ages 10-18- In this camp, campers will rehearse and perform a student production of the musical High School Musical 2 Jr. In addition to learning the show, campers learn valuable skills for the theatre world, and receive training through experienced professionals and special masterclasses. Auditions take place the first day of camp (More information is given after registration). The camp is directed by Amanda Lewis and Wally Calderon. The camp runs from
August 2-7, 9am-5pm, at Lancaster County Christian School. There are two performances for family and friends, on August 7th at 3pm and 7pm. Camp cost is $250. The cost includes a camp t-shirt, all materials and handouts, and daily rehearsal with the Servant Stage staff (lunch is not provided). ***This camp is filled; however, you may still sign up for the waiting list. High School Musical 2 JR. — Servant Stage
Ephrata Performing Arts Center (Ephrata, PA)
Centerstage Summer Theatre Camp 2021 | Grades 1-12- EPAC’s summer camp is available for 1-4 weeks, from July 5th-August 2nd. The 2021 Camp Production is Seussical Jr.! Camp runs from Mondays-Fridays, 9am-3pm. More information is available after registration is processed.
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (Centerville, PA)
Pre-Beginner Session | Ages 5-7- “In this mini-camp, preschoolers will participate in basic theatre techniques and work on creating a production out of some well-loved children’s stories. Camp runs from June 28-July 3, 9am-12pm. Additionally, there is a Saturday morning performance. Cost for camp is $175. Summer Workshops - Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Beginner Sessions | Ages 8-11- This camp is designed for providing young performers experience on the stage. The camp offers training for singing, acting, and dancing. The camp concludes with a Musical Reviews. There are three available sessions for beginners, July 12-17, July 19-24, and August 9-14. Camps run from 9am-12:30pm, with the Musical Review opening on Saturday morning. Cost for camp is $200. Summer Workshops - Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Intermediate Sessions | 12 and up- “This session has a pre-requisite of at least 2 years of our Beginner Sessions and/or performance experience in several high school, community or professional theatre productions. A resume must be submitted with application. Attendance in this workshop is at the discretion of the Program Directors.” Campers are encouraged to take their skills to the next level in the session. Campers prepare their own materials under camp guidance. A cabaret-style performance will take place at the camp’s conclusion on Saturday morning to showcase campers’ work. Camp runs from July 26-31, 9am-12:30pm. Cost is $200. Summer Workshops - Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Creative Pursuits Academy (Lancaster, PA)
Seussical Kids | Upcoming 3-6th graders- This week-long camp trains campers in theatrical skills while working to put on a production of Seussical Kids. All classes are held at Creative Pursuits Studio. Camp runs from August 2-7, 9am-4pm. The performance takes place on August 7th at 7pm. Camp cost is $225; registration includes all materials, scripts, and music (lunch is not provided). Covid regulations will take place. Seussical Kids - Summer Camp | cpstudio (creativepursuitsstudio.com)
Legally Blonde Jr. | Upcoming 7-12th graders- This week-long camp trains campers in theatrical skills while working to put on a production of Legally Blonde Jr. All classes are held at Creative Pursuits Studio. Camp runs from July 12-24, 9am-4pm. The performance takes place on July 24th at 7pm. Camp cost is $350; registration includes all materials, scripts, and music (lunch is not provided). Covid regulations will take place. Legally Blonde Jr - Summer Camp | cpstudio (creativepursuitsstudio.com)
Popovsky Performing Arts (Lancaster, PA)
Triple Threat | Upcoming 1-5th graders - This camp encourages campers to build confidence, community, and stage presence. Welcoming all skill and experience levels, the camp trains campers in acting, singing, and dancing, creating the “triple threat” effect. All registered students are accepted; auditions are held for casting purposes only. The camp runs from June 14-25, 9am-4:30pm. A final performance takes place on June 25th. Cost is $375 (on sale at $300 now!). Triple Threat for 1st – 5th Grade – Popovsky Performing Arts Studio
Shrek Jr. | 7-12th graders - This camp encourages campers to build confidence, community, and stage presence. Welcoming all skill and experience levels, the camp trains campers in acting, singing, and dancing. The camp applies these skills to creating a performance of Shrek Jr. All registered students are accepted; auditions are held for casting purposes only. The camp runs from June 14-25, 9am-4:30pm. A final performance takes place on June 25th. Cost is $375 (on sale at $300 now!). Shrek Jr. Production Camp for 6th – 12th Grade – Popovsky Performing Arts Studio
Audition Intensive | 6-12th graders - This camp intensive encourages campers to build confidence, community, and stage presence. Welcoming all skill and experience levels, the intensive trains campers in acting, singing, and dancing, preparing campers for the life of auditioning. All registered students are accepted; auditions are held for casting purposes only. This intensive runs from June 28-July 1, 9am-1pm. Cost is $175 (on sale at $150 now!). Audition Intensive for Grades 6th – 12th – Popovsky Performing Arts Studio
Acting 101 Intensive | 1-5th graders - This camp intensive encourages campers to build confidence, community, and stage presence. Welcoming all skill and experience levels, the intensive trains campers in acting, singing, and dancing, focusing on character development. All registered students are accepted; auditions are held for casting purposes only. This intensive runs from June 28-July 1, 9am-1pm. Cost is $175 (on sale at $150 now!). Acting 101 Intensive for 1st – 5th Grade – Popovsky Performing Arts Studio
Dance Intensive | Upcoming 6-12th graders - This dance intensive encourages campers to build confidence, community, and stage presence. Welcoming all skill and experience levels, the intensive trains campers in acting, singing, and dancing, focusing on dance and movement. All registered students are accepted; auditions are held for casting purposes only. The intensive runs from July 6-9, 9am-1pm. Cost is $175 (on sale at $150 now!). Dance Intensive for Grades 6th – 12th – Popovsky Performing Arts Studio
Drama Stars Intensive | 1-5th graders - This dance intensive encourages campers to build confidence, community, and stage presence. Welcoming all skill and experience levels, the intensive trains campers in acting, singing, and dancing, focusing on creating a story line and script to be performed at the conclusion of the camp. All registered students are accepted; auditions are held for casting purposes only. The intensive runs from July 6-9, 9am-1pm. Cost is $175 (on sale at $150 now!). Drama Stars Intensive for 1st – 5th Grade – Popovsky Performing Arts Studio
The Little Mermaid Jr. | 1-5th graders - This camp encourages campers to build confidence, community, and stage presence. Welcoming all skill and experience levels, the camp trains campers in acting, singing, and dancing. The camp applies these skills to creating a performance of The Little Mermaid Jr. All registered students are accepted; auditions are held for casting purposes only. The camp runs from July 12-23, 9am-4:30pm. A final performance will take place on July 23rd. Cost is $375 (on sale at $300 now!). Little Mermaid Jr. for 1st – 5th Grade – Popovsky Performing Arts Studio
Aristocats Kids. | 1-5th graders - This camp encourages campers to build confidence, community, and stage presence. Welcoming all skill and experience levels, the camp trains campers in acting, singing, and dancing. The camp applies these skills to creating a performance of Aristocats Kids. All registered students are accepted; auditions are held for casting purposes only. The camp runs from July 26-August 6, 9am-4:30pm. A final performance will take place on August 8th. Cost is $375 (on sale at $300 now!). Aristocats Kids for 1st – 5th Grade – Popovsky Performing Arts Studio
Seussical Jr. | 6-12th graders - This camp encourages campers to build confidence, community, and stage presence. Welcoming all skill and experience levels, the camp trains campers in acting, singing, and dancing. The camp applies these skills to creating a performance of Seussical Jr. All registered students are accepted; auditions are held for casting purposes only. The camp runs from July 26-August 6, 9am-4:30pm. A final performance will take place on August 6th. Cost is $375 (on sale at $300 now!). Seussical Jr. Production Camp for 6th – 12th Grade – Popovsky Performing Arts Studio
Jungle Book Kids | 1-5th graders - This camp encourages campers to build confidence, community, and stage presence. Welcoming all skill and experience levels, the camp trains campers in acting, singing, and dancing. The camp applies these skills to creating a performance of The Little Mermaid Jr. All registered students are accepted; auditions are held for casting purposes only. The camp runs from August 9-20, 9am-4:30pm. A final performance takes place on August 20th. Cost is $375 (on sale at $300 now!). Jungle Book Kids for 1st – 5th Grade – Popovsky Performing Arts Studio
Broadway Review | Upcoming 6-12th graders - This camp encourages campers to build confidence, community, and stage presence. Welcoming all skill and experience levels, the camp trains campers in acting, singing, and dancing; this camp focuses on the best of Broadway. All registered students are accepted; auditions are held for casting purposes only. The camp runs from August 9-20, 9am-4:30pm. A final performance takes place on August 20th. Cost is $375 (on sale at $300 now!). Broadway Review for Grades 6th – 12th – Popovsky Performing Arts Studio
A special thank you to Julie Stone from Bella Voce Studio in Mountville for compiling and writing this post on Lancaster County Summer Theater Camps. You can learn more about her at sopranojam.com.
