Arts camps
Let your brood be noisy and make messes somewhere other than your home.
Performing arts
Applause New York
Wanna-be Patti LuPones and Adam Pascals can warm up their pipes at this camp; the program features classes in acting, singing, set design and audition technique. A different Broadway star visits each week to perform for the campers, adding to their inspiration. St. Jean’s Community Center, 184 E 76th St between Lexington and Third Aves (212-717-0703, applauseny.com). Camp runs June 4–Aug 3, Mon–Thu 9:30am–3pm, Fri 9:30am–1pm. One-week session $750. Early drop-off available for $100 extra per week. Ages 5 to 14.
Artscape at Harlem School of the Arts
Campers choose from programs in dance, music, theater or visual arts. Mornings feature elective classes—such as ballet, guitar, chorus or painting—in kids' field of concentration. In the afternoon all campers reunite for recreational activities. At the end of the session, the hard workers put on a performance showcasing their new skills. 645 St. Nicholas Ave at 141st St (212-926-4100, hsanyc.org). Camp runs June 25–Aug 17, Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm or 8:30am–noon. Eight-week session $2,590 (full day), $1,770 (half day); two-week session $695 (full day), half day $475 (half day). Ages 4 to 11.
Atlantic Acting School
Children form their own thespian company and sharpen their acting chops via theater games, improv, costume play and storytelling. Older kids (ages 9 to 11) join a more intensive program and focus on creating specific characters while learning about different theater styles. Atlantic Acting School, 76 Ninth Ave between 15th and 16th Sts, suite 537 (646-216-1171, atlanticactingschool.org). Summer Youth Arts program runs June 18–Jul 27, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm (ages 5 to 8). Summer Young Creators Workshop, July 9–20 or July 30–Aug 10, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm (ages 9 to 11). Two-week session $1,100. Ages 5 to 11.
Bandwriting Fundamentals
Taught by professional recording artists and songwriters, this two-week intensive program was designed to spark kids' creativity and help them develop recording skills they can use in the real world. Budding musicians will hone their craft by creating original music and, for two days in the second week, recording at Shelter Island Sound, a professional recording studio. For more information, e-mail sklinger3@nyc.rr.com or call 917-374-3979. Camp runs July 9–20, 10am–4pm. Ultrasound Studios, 251 W 30th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (bandwritingcollective.com). $900 when deposit is made before May 1; thereafter $1,000. Sibling discount available. Ages 10 to 15.
BAX Junior Summer Arts Program
The youngest campers explore a different theme—dance, theater, music or art—each week. Older kids work with an experienced artist in the morning, then break for outdoor activities. Brooklyn Arts Exchange, 421 Fifth Ave at 8th St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-832-0018, bax.org). Camp runs July 2–Aug 17, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. Week one (July 2–6) $300, subsequent weekly sessions $375, plus $35 registration fee. Ages 5 to 12.
Broadway Bound Kids
This camp for show-tunes-loving kids offers three different programs. At Camp Gleek, participants become part of a summer glee club, singing show tunes, writing songs and scripts, and practicing music and dance numbers for a showcase at the end of the week. Create-a-Musical Camp offers campers the chance to craft their own scripts, song sets and costumes, as well as learn performance basics. In Broadway Bound Players, made up of campers ages 9 to 15 admitted by audition, kids mount a full-scale version of Thoroughly Modern Millie. St. Michael’s Church, 225 W 99th St between Amsterdam Ave and Broadway (917-449-0093, broadwayboundkids.net). •Create-a-Musical Camp runs June 18–22, June 25–29, Jul 9–13 and Jul 16–20; Mon–Fri 9:30am–2:30pm. One-week session $550. •Camp Gleek runs July 2–6 (excluding July 4), 9:30am–2:30pm. One-week session $450. •Broadway Bound Players runs July 9–27, Mon–Fri 9:30am–3:30pm. Three-week session $1,400. Ages 6 to 18.
Calhoun Summer Theater
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. The Calhoun School, 160 W 74th St between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves (646-666-6353, calhoun.org). Camp runs June 25–July 27 (closed July 4), Mon–Fri 8:30am–3:30pm. Five-week session $3,100. Ages 8 to 11.
CAMP (Creative Arts and Music Programs)
Local performers and designers lead innovative classes spanning percussion, global dance, songwriting and visual art techniques. This year's themes include Mexico and the Harlem Renaissance. Center for Performance Research, 361 Manhattan Ave at Jackson St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (646-284-4033, creativemusicprograms.com). Camp runs July 2–Aug 10, Mon–Fri 8:30am–3pm. Six-week session $2,150, four-week session $1,400, two-week session $800. Ages 4 to 11.
Camp Broadway
If soundtracks from the Great White Way make up the bulk of your child's iTunes collection, these musical theater programs are for him. In Shining Stars (ages 6 to 9), campers learn song-and-dance routines in preparation for a showcase for friends and families. Older kids (ages 10 to 17) work with professional Broadway performers, choreographers and directors on singing, acting and dancing. They even take a field trip to Times Square for a Broadway matinee, followed by a Q&A with the show’s cast and creative team. Pearl Studios NYC, 500 Eighth Ave between 35th and 36th Sts, 12th floor (212-575-2929, campbroadway.com). •Shing Stars runs July 16–20 and Aug 6–10, Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm. One-week session $695. •Camp Broadway runs July 16–20 and Aug 6–10, Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm. One-week session $1,295. Ages 6 to 17.
Camp Kids 'N Comedy
Budding jokesters practice monologue and sketch writing, improv, stand-up and on-camera acting. Each session ends with a live show at Gotham Comedy Club. Click here for a Q&A with camp director Jo Ann Grossman. 208 W 23rd St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-877-6115, kidsncomedy.com). Camp runs July 9–Aug 17, Mon–Fri noon–4pm. Two-week session $995. Ages 10 to 18.
Child's Play NY
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, childsplayny.com) and Brooklyn Free School, 372 Clinton Ave between Greene St and Lafayette Ave, Clinton Hill, Brooklyn (347-406-2177, childsplayny.com). Camp runs Aug 6–31, Mon–Fri 9am–noon. One-week session $325. Ages 3 to 5. •St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Stsbetween Clinton and Court Sts, Brooklyn Heights (347-406-2177, childsplayny.com). Camp runs Aug 6–31, Mon–Fri 1:30–5pm. One-week session $400. Ages 6 to 11.
A Class Act NY—Four Day Broadway Boot Camp
Kids work with a Broadway performer to learn song-and-dance routines from popular musicals. On the last day of the program, campers perform in a show for friends and family. Ripley-Grier Studio, 520 Eighth Ave between 36th and 37th Sts (212-315-3010, aclassactny.com). Camp runs Aug 6–9, Mon–Thu 10am–5pm. Four-day session $450. Ages 7 to 16.
A Class Act NY—Five Day Broadway Camps
If your singing-and-dancing tween can’t get enough of Broadway’s grand overtures, this one-week foray into the basics of musical theater could be just the ticket. Workshops with Broadway performers cover such topics as vocal and musical-theater techniques, Shakespeare and stage combat. Campers attend one Main Stem matinee, to be followed by a session during which they chat with cast members about life on the Great White Way. 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 Aug 13–17, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. One-week session $680. Ages 7 to 16. •Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Dr near Northern Blvd, Roslyn, NY (516-484-1545, aclassactny.com). Camp runs Aug 20–24, Mon–Fri 9:30am–5:30pm. One-week session $770; includes transportation from Manhattan. Ages 7 to 16.
CurtainUp Kids
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. SpaceOnWhite, 81 White St between Broadway and Lafayette St y (917-494-7620, curtainupkids.com). Camp runs Aug 6–26, Mon–Fri 10am–1pm. Three-week session $900. Ages 6 to 16.
Dancewave’s Summer Dance Intensive
Tweens and teens who want to find their rhythm take up to four classes a day with professionals from major city dance companies in ballet, hip-hop, jazz and tap, as well as African, flamenco and belly dance. Old First Reformed Church, 729 Carroll St at Seventh Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-522-4696, dancewave.org). Camp runs Aug 20–31, Mon–Fri 10am–4:30pm. Two-week session $850. Ages 10 and up.
Day Jams: Rock Music Camp
Aspiring Jack Whites and Shirley Mansons are organized into rock bands, where they work with peers and a musical director to write and rehearse an original song. When they’re not in twice-daily band rehearsals, campers take music classes. They also create promotional materials for their band, watch professional performances, engage in specialized clinics and recharge their creative batteries during play breaks. At the end of each session, the bands put on a concert. Allen Stevenson School, 132 E 78th St between Park and Lexington Aves (800-295-5956, dayjams.com). Camp runs Aug 1–12, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. One-week session $685. Ages 8 to 15.
Downtown Dance Factory
Older kids (ages 5 to 11) try their toes at a range of dance genres, including jazz, modern tap, musical theater and even break dancing, while also exploring costume making, choreography and improvisation. Meanwhile younger students sample the school’s preschool classes—KindiHop, KindiBallet and KindiTap—and spend the rest of their time playing dress-up, listening to stories and making dance-related crafts. Downtown Dance Factory, 291 Broadway at Reade St (212-962-1800, downtowndancefactory.com). Camp runs July 2–27, Mon–Fri 9am–noon (ages 3 to 4), 9am–3pm (ages 5 to 11). One-week session $550 (full day), $325 (half day). Ages 3 to 11.
Exploring Theater! (Park Explorers)
Campers let their imagination run wild as they turn stories into one-of-a-kind plays. They’ll also hone their on-stage skills with vocal and diction exercises, acting lessons, and costume and scenery workshops. 611 Eighth Ave between 6th and 7th Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-788-3620, parkexplorers.com). Camp runs July 9–Aug 17, Mon–Fri 8:30am–4pm. Three-week session $1,350 (ages 8 to 10), $1,390 (ages 10 to 14). Private coaching sessions available for an additional $75 fee (or $25 per week). Ages 8 to 14.
Four Corners Adventures on Stage
Among other seasoned actors, Memphis's Hillary Elk and Wicked's Meggie Cansler share their expertise with aspiring performers. Additionally, campers learn Broadway choreography and hip-hop dance routines and take singing and acting classes. The Steiner School, 15 E 79th St at Fifth Ave (913-706-7942, fourcornerscreative.com). Camp runs June 18–July 27, Mon–Fri 9am–1pm. One-week session $575. Ages 5 to 11.
JCC Summer Stock Theater Camp
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. JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th St (646-505-4430, jccmanhattan.org). Camp runs July 23–Aug 10, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. $2,400. Ages 10 to 15.
Kids Creative Summer Camp
The purpose of this camp is twofold: It fosters youngsters’ imaginations while offering a primer in peace education. As kids create their own plays, stories and artwork they’ll also learn lessons about community building, problem solving and diversity. P.S. 87, 160 W 78th St between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves (646-485-5123, kidscreative.org). Camp runs July 2–Aug 10, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Two-week session $825, six-week session $2,475. Ages 4 to 13.
Long Island City Summer Arts Camp
Members of the Long Island City School of Ballet teach dance, representatives from the Long Island City Academy of Music provide music instruction and the Secret Theater stops by for drama lessons. The youngest campers (ages 3 to 6) focus on classes while older kids (ages 7 to 13) devote part of their day to rehearsing a piece they’ll perform at the end of the session. Long Island City Ballet, 44-02 23rd St at 44th Rd, Long Island City, Queens (718-781-1169, licsb.com). Camp runs July 9–Aug 2, Mon–Thu 9am–2pm. One-week session $350. Ages 3 to 13.
Marymount Drama Camp
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. Marymount School of New York, 1026 Fifth Ave between 83rd and 84th Sts (212-744-4486, marymountsummer.org). Camp runs June 25–July 27, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. Five-week session $3,750, four-week session $3,200, three-week session $2,700, two-week session $1,900, one-week session $1,000. Ages 6 to 12.
Museum of the Moving Image Summer Media Camps
The venerable Queens spot offers tweens and teens a chance to work with the museum’s computers, software and equipment to put together their own onscreen creations. Children ages 9 to 11 choose from three weeklong sessions covering live-action video (Aug 6–10), animation (Aug 13–17) and video game design (Aug 20–24), while teens ages 12 and up refine their skills in an advanced animation and video-game-design program. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave at 37th St, Astoria, Queens (718-777-6853, movingimage.us/summermediacamp). Camp runs Aug 6–31, Mon–Fri 10am–4pm. Three-week session $1,100, two-week session $800, one-week session $450. Ages 9 and up.
New Victory Theater's Circus Kids Week
Teaching artists from the New Victory Theater, the city’s most renowned purveyor of children’s fare, instruct youngsters in tumbling, improv, juggling, clowning, physical comedy and theater games. Each day begins with a group warm-up and ends with an opportunity for children to perform for one another. At the end of the week, parents are invited for an informal performance. New 42nd Street Studios Building, 229 W 42nd St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (646-223-3010, newvictory.org). Camp runs in two sessions, June 18–22. Mon–Fri 10am–4pm. One-week session $500. Ages 7 to 11.
New Victory Theater's Playwriting Kids Weeks
Tweens tap into their inner Neil Simons as they work towards writing and performing their own shows for the stage. New 42nd Street Studios Building, 229 W 42nd St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (646-223-3010, newvictory.org. July 9–20 Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Two-week session $1,000. Ages 11 to 14.
New Victory Theater's Theater Kids Week
Kids learn about all aspects of play production (improv, rehearsal, acting) and try their hand at puppetry, dance and physical theater. An end-of-the program showcase for friends and family is planned. New 42nd Street Studios Building, 229 W 42nd St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (646-223-3010, newvictory.org. July 9–20, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Two-week session $1,000. Ages 7 to 11.
New York City Rock Camp
Young musicians receive lessons in an instrument of their choosing (guitar, bass, drums, keyboards or vocals), form bands and develop their rock-star cred with workshops in songwriting, recording and music history. A live jam session for friends and family caps off the experience. Greene Hill School, 39 Adelphi St between Flushing and Park Aves, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (nycrockcamp.org). Camp runs Aug 6–11, Mon–Sat 8:30am–5:30pm. One-week session $300. Ages 9 to 17.
Prospect Theater’s Music Theater Summer Intensive Program
This three-week program has campers working directly with Prospect artists on parts written especially for teens. Budding thespians also rehearse with a professional stage and music director and eventually perform a musical revue with original songs and monologues. Kirk Theatre, 410 W 42nd St between Ninth and Tenth Aves (212-594-4476, prospecttheater.org). Camp runs July 9–28, Mon–Sat 10am–6pm. $850. Auditions are required. Ages 12 to 17.
Rosie’s Theater Kids Spotlight on Broadway Camp
Aspiring stars prepare for the spotlight in the heart of Times Square with daily classes in musical theater, dance, drama and voice. Plus they’ll chat with Broadway professionals such as casting agents and performers, and even learn how to write their own Playbill bios. Maravel Arts Center, 445 W 45th St between Ninth and Tenth Aves (646-434-2776, rosiestheaterkids.org). Camp runs Aug 6–10, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. One-week session $1,025. Ages 9 to 14.
Theatre Arts Center Musical Theater and Dance Camp
Campers join one of three performance companies (assignments are based on age and ability), then work to put on a fully staged show choreographed by Broadway guest artists. To prepare, teen scene stealers tackle an array of performance classes, including acting, dance (tap, jazz and hip-hop), singing, on-camera auditioning and improvisation. Professional Performing Arts Center at the Queensborough Community College, 222-05 56th Ave between Cloverdale and Springfield Blvds, Bayside, Queens (718-595-2905, theatreartscenter.com). Camp runs in a single four-week session July 9–Aug 5, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Four-week session $1,800. Admission is by audition beginning in March. Ages 7 to 19.
Visual arts
Brooklyn Arts for Kids
With the help of working artists, kids explore a variety of visual and performing arts, from painting, sculpting and drawing to dancing and singing. On the Saturday following the final week of camp the young artists showcase their new skills with a final performance and exhibition of their work. 13th St at Third Ave, Gowanus, Brooklyn (917-907-0701, artwithbelinda.com). Camp runs July 2–13, Mon–Fri (except for July 4) 9am–3:30pm. Two-week session $830. Ages 7 to 12.
Brooklyn Design Lab
These innovative classes school kids entering kindergarten, first or second grade in collage design, printmaking and 3-D creation, depending on the week. Campers learn professional techniques by creating, presenting and discussing art, and they leave the program with a portfolio of their work. Brooklyn Design Lab, 413A Seventh Ave between 13th and 14th Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn (917-657-7441, brooklyndesignlab.org). Camp runs July 16–Aug 24, Mon–Fri 9–11am or 1–3pm. One-week session $220. Ages 4 to 6.
CMA Summer Art Colony
Between this program's two locations, little ones have a choice of 45 creative classes. Each week presents a new theme for children to explore, spanning visual-art (claymation, ceramics and film) and performing-art (podcasting, puppetry and improv) topics. Campers at the Soho location draw inspiration from trips to local museums and galleries, while youngsters on Governors Island have ample time to discover the isle's landscapes and historic sites. •Children's Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St between Hudson and Greenwich Sts. •Governors Island, meet the staff at the main CMA building between 8 and 8:30 am (212-274-0986, cmany.org). Camp runs June 11–Aug 31, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Soho: one-week session $595, four-day session $475 (ages 6 to 13). Governors Island: two-week session $1,700 ($1,530 week of July 2), one-week session $850, four-day session $680 (ages 8 to 15).
City Sculpting Summer Arts Program
Children tackle a new lesson in the elements of design daily, learning project-based sculpting, life casting, collage and drawing. Younger children work on simpler creations, while older kids are encouraged to take on more detailed pieces. After lunch in a nearby park, kids enjoy an hour of outdoor play. •Sixth Street Community Center, 638 E 6th St between Ave B and C (646-221-8450, citysculpting.com). Camp runs July 9–Aug 31, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. Extended hours available for an additional price. One-week session $425 before May 1, thereafter $525. •Dobin Mews, 50-52 Dobbin St between Nassau and Norman Aves (646-221-8450, citysculpting.com). Camp runs July 9–Aug 17, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. Extended hours available for an additional price. One-week session $425 before May 1, thereafter $525. Ages 5 to 17.
Creative Arts Workshop
This UES camp offers more than 80 classes, from video and painting to fashion photography and songwriting. There is a daily show at noon where guest artists stop by for a Q&A session. The Today Show's Hoda Kotb, musician Jimmy Buffet and Broadway's Idina Menzel have all made appearances in previous summers. Nightingale-Bamford School, 20 E 92nd St between Fifth and Madison Aves (212-722-4745, ext 856; creativeartsnyc.org). Camp runs July 2–27; Mon–Thu 8:45am–3pm, Fri 8:45am–1pm (ages 6 to 7) or Mon–Thu 8:45am–4pm, Fri 8:45am–1pm (ages 8 to 15). Four-week session $2,500. Ages 6 to 15.
Culture BugsMini-Camp
Participants start the day with a mix of hands-on projects, music, gallery hopping and museum visits. After lunch, full-day campers hunker down and explore a specific discipline, ranging from anime and manga to sculpture and painting. HiArt, 227 W 29th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-209-1552, hiartkids.com). Camp runs June 18–Aug 9, Mon–Fri or Tue–Thu 9:30am–3:30pm (ages 5 to 14) or Tue–Thu 9:30am–noon (ages 3 to 5 with adult companion). Two-week session $2,500 (five days), $1,550 (three days), $775 (half days). Ages 3 to 14.
The QMA Big Time Summer Art Thing for Kids
This program’s young artists use the Queens Museum of Art as their muse while they create their own masterpieces. In one session, campers make books inspired by Brian Selznick’s Wonderstruck (which features the institution’s iconic Panorama of the City of New York). In another participants explore the “Caribbean: Crossroads of the World” exhibit, then create festive masks, costumes and floats. Queens Museum of Art, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, near 111th St and 49th Ave entrance, Flushing, Queens (718-592-9700, ext 134; queensmuseum.org). Camp runs July 9–Aug 17, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Two-week session $500 (ages 6 to 10), one-week session $300 (ages 10 to 14). Ages 6 to 14.
Summer Camp at the Painted Cloud
Young creative types examine pop culture in art, try their hand at Abstract Expressionism, build sculptures from recycled materials, dye fabric and take on other artistic ventures. Each day includes a drawing session, playtime and a run through the back deck's sprinkler. Painted Cloud, 168 Marcy Ave between Broadway and South 5th St , Williamsburg, Brooklyn (646-229-5810, cloudcamps.blogspot.com). Camp runs July 2–Aug 31, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. One-week session $600. E-mail thepaintedcloud@yahoo.com to register. Ages 4 to 10.
Summerscapes Art Camp
Museum educators at the Guggenheim introduce kids to the institution's permanent collection, special exhibitions and iconic architecture. Once familiar with different art forms, youngsters create their own masterpieces using paint, printmaking, sculpture and collage. Campers show off their work to family and friends at an end-of-the-program mini-exhibit. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave at 89th St (212-423-3637, guggenheim.org). Camp runs July 16–Aug 3, Mon–Fri 9:30am–4pm. Two-week session $900, one-week session $500. Ages 8 to 11.
Textile Arts Summer Day Camp
Students learn various fiber and textile arts: weaving, hand-sewing, embroidery, felting, screenprinting, dyeing and collage. Four days are spent at the studio working on projects; the fifth day is devoted to a textile-related field trip. Completed projects may include tapestries, scarves, bags, stuffed animals and sculptures. •505 Carroll St between Third and Fourth Aves, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-369-0222, textileartscenter.com). Camp runs June 25–Aug 10, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Supervised playtime 8–9am and 5–6pm available for $15 per day. One-week session $475. Ages 5 to 12. •26 W 8th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (646-225-6554, textileartscenter.com). Camp runs July 2–Aug 17, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Supervised playtime 8–9am and 5–6pm available for $15 per day. One-week session $475. Ages 5 to 12.






































































