Though we may just be over the holiday hump, now it’s time to start planning for summer fun. Not only does theatre offer a great way to spend time during the week, but these unique techniques can help shy kids blossom, show children how to express themselves, and allow everyone to make new friends. With plenty of exciting acting, directing and musical camps and classes available, there’s sure to be something for that theatre-minded child of yours.

PLACES TO FIND CLASSES AND CAMPS

Apex Performing Arts Collective

209 Kalamath St., Unit 16, Denver

Photo by McLeod9 Creative

Pick a whimsical theatre camp this summer hosted by this small collective in Denver. Right now the venue has released 6 four- to seven-day camps through June and July, each with a showcase at the end. For the younger kids, check out the Disney Princess Camp, geared for ages 4 to 7 that takes place on July 24 to 28 from 8:30 to 10:30am. The Peter Pan Jr. camp goes for two weeks and is a full-day session for kids ages 9 to 15, running June 10 to 21 from 10am to 4pm. 

Arvada Center

6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada

Kids ages 3 to 18 can enroll in a variety of camps, both half day and full day. The official guide for 2024 hasn’t come out yet but is sure to feature different arts skills. For example, take a drama and visual art camp, or a musical theatre, drama and art class, all done so the day is broken into different classes. Ages 6 to 13 can also enroll in three-week-long drama or musical camps. At the end of the run, the class does a show for families. Another good thing to note, interpreters for kids who are deaf will be provided free for any class when arranged in advance.

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Denver Center for the Performing Arts

1101 13^th St., Denver

All year long this institution hosts multi-day courses for students in elementary, middle school and high school. Past courses have included improv for each age group, musicals centered around famed Broadway productions, and creative interpretation based on beloved stories. Once your kid is in middle school and high school, the classes take a deeper dive into techniques such as acting, voice over, scene study and monologue work. Spring and Summer session go on sale January 9, 2024.

Northglenn Arts

1 E. Memorial Way, Northglenn

If you’re looking to take the performing arts all the way, this Northglenn institution offers theatre classes from the fundamental skills building to college prep. First-time acting students, ages 5 to 9, can join the Kids Interactive Theatre Experience to get their start and find out if they like acting. From there, classes build skills with more advanced tutelage in monologues, auditioning, vocal performance and dancing on stage. Days, times and duration of each class vary.

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Performing Arts Academy

5690 County Line Pl., Highlands Ranch

Sign up for summer camp come January 22, 2024, when registration opens at this Highlands Ranch venue. Courses take place in June and July for grades kindergarten to high school. Most of the offerings run about a week long, featuring classes designed around The Addams Family, The Wizard of Oz and SpongeBob SquarePants.

Rocky Mountain Theatre For Kids

Boulder: 5311 Western Ave., Ste 135
Englewood: 3425 S. Broadway

For 22 years this Englewood theater has hosted classes and camp for kids ages 5 to 17. Registration is now open for each two-week camp, which include James & the Giant Peach (June 3 to 14), Footloose (July 15 to 26), Finding Nemo (July 29 to August 9) and The Little Mermaid Jr. (August 5 to 16), to name a few. Each camp runs approximately from 8:30 to 3:30pm.

Photo by McLeod9 Creative

WHEN TO ENROLL

Many summer classes open up near the beginning of the year, usually around February and March, but some launch as early as January. There are even a few venues who opened registration already. While this may seem early to start planning what your kid will do over the long break, a lot of classes and camps fill up right away. Check the theatre, camp or event center website to find out what dates the classes open up.

THINGS TO KNOW

• Check each venue and class to see how long it runs. Some places offer full day camps, while others are just for a few hours each week or day.
• Theatre camp can be expensive, but many venues offer scholarships or discounts to families who qualify.
• Don’t hesitate too long when registering for camp. Many, especially well-known, less-expensive and longer-day ones, tend to fill up fast.
• Some camps offer before and after care, so ask when registering.
• Camp is always more fun with a friend. Find out if your kids’ buddies want to go too and register together.