NYC's 5 Best Summer Theater Activities For Kids
When it's hot and only getting hotter, watch your kids sizzle on stage at one of New York's camps for celebrities in the making. Whether your little one dreams of taking the stage as a Broadway baby, or your teen has visions of comedic fame, these are the coolest summer programs for your aspiring star. If your daughter wants to join the circus or you need a class that captures your kid's hammy jokes, these dedicated camps help them capture and craft their art all summer long.
Camp Broadway
226 W. 47th St.
New York, NY 10036
(212) 575-2929
www.campbroadway.com
Price: $695 to $1395 Shining Stars/$1,295 Camp Broadway/$1,395 Next Step
Click here for scheduling
Founded in 1995, Camp Broadway has been teaching and training theatrical hopefuls in all areas of the musical theater arts for more than a decade. What makes this comprehensive program a true stand out is its emphasis on offering age appropriate training. While no experience is required for children enrolled in the Shining Stars and Camp Broadway programs, The Next Step program takes performance training to another level. Although no audition is necessary, all new teen applicants are required to submit a resume, letter of recommendation and a headshot.
The New Vic Studio Kids Weeks
229 W. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10036
(646) 223-3010
www.newvictory.org
Price: $500 circus kids weeks/$1,000 theater kids weeks/$1,000 playwriting kids weeks
Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Now calling itself the New Vic Studio, the kids weeks offered by the professionals at the New Victory Theater allow your little ones to dabble in an array of performing arts. Its circus week focuses on improving your child's physical prowess, while the Theater Kids Weeks offer an opportunity to build, hone and enhance theatrical skills. The playwriting weeks are targeted at older kids interested in creating the magic, not necessarily performing in it. Older teens should check out the theater's New 42 apprentice program, which offers an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the theater by working alongside theater professionals. Circus kids weeks run from June 18 to June 22 for ages 7 to 11 for one week. Theater kids weeks run from July 9 to 20 for ages 7 to 11 in a two-week session. Playwriting kids weeks run from July 9 to 20 for ages 11 to 14 in a two-week session.
Realated: Best Public Library Summer Programs for Kids
Kids 'N Comedy
Gotham Comedy Club
208 W. 23rd St.
New York, NY
(212) 877-6115
www.kidsncomedy.com
Price: $995 per session (two week session)
Hours: Mon to Fri – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Perhaps you and/or his teachers are not always a fan of his clowning around. Focus all that energy on stage and out of the classroom. Camp staff includes an impressive cast of comics and writers. If you are looking for a serious way for your child to spend the summer, then this camp is definitely not for you. Kids come home from days here laughing and loaded with jokes that'll have the whole family in stitches. Campers are welcome to take one or all three of the individual sessions.
Broadway Bound Kids
225 W. 99th St.
New York, NY 10025
(917) 449-0093
www.broadwayboundkids.net
Price: $550 Create a Musical (one week) to $1,600 (four weeks)/$450 GLEEK (one week) to $1,400 (three weeks)
Click here for dates and hours
Offering a host of performance opportunities for children from fourth to 10th grades, Broadway Bound Kids knows how to do summer. Campers learn not only how to perform but how to develop and create performances. Its GLEEK Week is sure to be a hit for your tweens and teens who emulate the show's format as well as its stars. Members of the Broadway Bound Players will learn how to thoroughly enjoy the theater as they re-create a revival of the musical classic "Thoroughly Modern Millie." This camp offers flexible packages to create a dream summer for your little performers. Whether they stay for a week or a few, they are sure to enjoy their experience.
ARTScape
The Harlem School of the Arts
645 Saint Nichols Ave.
New York, NY 10030
(212) 926-4100 x336
www.hsanyc.org
Price: $475 (two-week, half-day session) to $2,590 (four, two-week, full-day sessions)
Hours: half day Mon to Fri – 8:30 to 12 p.m.; full day Mon to Fri – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hosted by the premier center for the arts, The Harlem School of Arts, this summer program emphasizes exposure to arts including dance, music, theater and visual arts. Classes are taught by the renowned team of teachers at the school. The program also offers field trips and cultural experiences. Campers are invited to cool off in an afternoon daily swim. For your older kids, the school also hosts a summer TeenARTS Intensive.
Dr. Jennifer Powell-Lunder is a freelance writer in New York. She is a clinical psychologist specializing in work with children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. Her work can be found here
