Arts camps

Camp Broadway

A Class Act NY
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 is just the ticket. Workshops with Broadway performers cover such topics as vocal training, Shakespeare and stage combat. Campers will attend one Main Stem matinee, which is to be followed by a Q&A session, during which theater pros chat with the aspiring stars about the nitty-gritty of the Great White Way. For the camp's grand finale, campers will make their Off Broadway debut in a short showcase. This camp has two sessions held at separate locations. • Aug 17–21; Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Nola Studios, 250 W 54th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-479-8480, aclassactny.com). One-week session $650. Ages 7 to 16. • Aug 24–28; Mon–Fri 9:30am–5:30pm. Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Dr, East Hills, Long Island (516-484-1545, aclassactny.com). One-week session $770, includes transporation from Manhattan. Ages 7 to 16.

Applause New York Summer Day Camp
Wannabe Patti LuPones and Adam Pascals can warm up their pipes at this camp, but kids more interested in making sets and costumes will also have a blast. The program features classes tailored to just about every theatrical interest, from acting and singing to costume design and audition technique.  A different Broadway star visits each week and performs for the campers, so they can stay inspired. St. Jean’s Community Center, 184 E 76th St between Third and Lexington Aves (212-717-0703, applauseny.com). Camp runs Jun 8—Jul 31, Mon–Fri 9:30am–3 pm. One-week session $650. Ages 5 to 15.

Artscape at Harlem school of the arts
Campers specialize in one of four areas: dance, music, theater or visual arts. Mornings feature elective classes—such as ballet, guitar, chorus or painting—within their concentration. In the afternoon all campers reunite for recreational activities, twice-weekly swimming and field trips to relevant locales (like theaters or museums) in the five boroughs. Counselors are college educated and well trained in their area of artistic expertise. On special days they chaperone trips to nursing homes and hospitals, where the kids put on performances for patients. 645 St. Nicholas Ave at 142nd St (212-926-4100, harlemschoolofthearts.org). Camp runs Jul 6–Aug 14, Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm or 8:30am–12:30pm. Single six-week session $1,860 (full day), $975 (half day). Applications accepted beginning Mar 4. Ages 4 to 11.

ArtsCetera Summer Un-Camp
Ideal for kids who are new to the camp experience—or not so keen on structure—this low-commitment less-than-half-day program exposes youngsters to a wide range of creative activities and lets them focus on what they like best. In their time at “un-camp,” little ones create collages, sing songs, learn about puppetry, complete planting projects, stretch into yoga poses and dance their socks off. The season culminates in the “un-camporee,” a day where kids show off what they’ve learned to parents. 212 Smith St between Baltic and Butler Sts, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn (718-643-6817, artscetera.com). Camp runs Jul 13–Aug 14, one to three days per week, 1–3:30pm. Three-day session $150. Ages 4 to 6.

Arts in action
Unlike many arts camps, where the focus is on creating new works, this one emphasizes art history. On the first day, counselors (an art instructor and an assistant) talk to campers about their artistic likes and dislikes. The next day, kids tour a museum (matched to the prior day’s discussion) and explore how artists the campers admire created their works. For the remainder of the session, campers reinterpret what they saw and felt at the museum, using multiple mediums to mimic the artists’ process and techniques. When the weather cooperates, the camp sometimes relocates to Central Park for “observational studies.” 711 Amsterdam Ave at 94th St (212-864-4883, artsinactionvap.org). Sessions run for two, four and six weeks. Call for dates and prices. Applications accepted beginning in March. Ages 5 to 14.

ASASE YAA CHILDREN'S DAY CAMP
Offered by the venerable Asase Yaa African-American Dance Theatre, this camp invites little movers and shakers to explore movement by holding true to the troupe's tradition of "living the culture." Dedicated to empowering youth, the program enlightens kids with historical lessons, multicultural experiences and talent showcases. P.S. 5, 820 Hancock St between Howard and Ralph Aves, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn (347-581-2385, asaseyaaent.com). Camp runs Jul 6–Aug 14, 8am–5pm. $660. Ages 5 to 12.

Barbara l. Tate summer Arts Day Camp
Through classes and workshops in music, theater, dance and visual arts, campers prepare for roles in an original musical. Weekly breaks from rehearsal include cultural field trips and jaunts to the neighborhood pool. Abrons Arts Center, 466 Grand St at Pitt St (212-598-0400, henrystreet.org/arts). Single five-week session runs Jun 29–Jul 31, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. $1,000. Applications accepted beginning Apr 1. Ages 6 to 12.

Bridge for Dance Musical Theatre Camp
No prior experience in dance is required for kids to enjoy a session at this well-rounded camp. Musical theater veterans instruct children in ballet, tap and jazz dance in addition to voice training and acting (every camper learns a monologue). Set and prop design are also incorporated. 2726 Broadway between 104th and 105th Sts, third floor (212-749-1165, bridgefordance.com). Camp runs for two weeks in July and two weeks in August; call for schedule. One-week session $500, two-week session $950. Applications accepted beginning Mar 2. Ages 7 to 12.

BROOKLYN ARTS EXCHANGE
If your little star is curious about the performing arts, treat her to a session at this cheery camp. Children will learn drama basics through games and movement exercises; each week features a specialty, such as creative circus, creative dramatics, video or musical theater. Brooklyn Arts Exchange, 421 Fifth Ave at 8th St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-832-0018, bax.org). Camp runs Jul 6-Aug 7, Mon–Fri 8:30am–3pm. Late pick-up available until 5pm. One-week session $330 plus $35 yearly registration fee. Ages 5 to 11.

Calhoun Summer Dance & Video (CSDV)
This new camp allows children to take charge of a dance-driven film project: a choice of a newscast, a commercial or a documentary. In the process, they learn scriptwriting, videography, editing, costuming, directing, prop design and choreography. The program is taught by David Alpert, the Calhoun School’s director of performing arts, and renowned dancer-choreographers Thaddeus Davis, Tanya Wideman-Davis and Phyllis Slattery. The Calhoun School, 433 West End Ave at 81st St (212-497-6500, calhoun.org/csdv). Camp runs Jul 27–Aug 7, Mon–Fri 8:30am–3pm. Two-week session $1,000. Ages 10 to 14.

CAMP (Creative Arts and Music Programs)
This innovative arts camp debuts in an eco-friendly Williamsburg building.  Class titles include “Drumming Around the World” and “Look, Mom, I Can Write a Song.”  Campers get to explore art in every way, shape, and form—from dance and visual arts to music. 361 Manhattan Ave at Jackson St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (646-284-4033, creativemusicprograms.com). Camp runs Jul 6-17, Mon–Fri 8:30am –3 pm. $800. Ages 4 to 11.

Camp Broadway
If soundtracks from the Great White Way make up the bulk of your tween’s iTunes collection, this deluxe one-week primer in musical theater may be his, ahem, Xanadu. Professional Broadway performers, choreographers and directors are the instructors-cum-counselors during singing, acting and dance classes. Throughout the week, campers learn group song-and-dance routines in preparation for a showcase for friends and family on Friday afternoon. Wednesday is a treat: The camp takes a field trip to Times Square for a Broadway matinee, followed by a Q&A with the show’s cast and creative team. Chelsea Studios, 151 W 26th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-575-2929, campbroadway.com). Camp runs Jul 13–17 and Aug 3–7; Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm. One-week session $1,095. Ages 9 to 14.

Camp Kids ’n Comedy
Seinfelds- and Chappelles-in-training come together to practice monologue and sketch writing, improv, stand-up and on-camera acting. Professional stand-up comics teach the classes; along the way, casting directors from Nickelodeon come in to offer young humorists constructive feedback. Gotham Comedy Club, 208 W 23rd St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-877-6115, kidsncomedy.com). Camp runs Jul 6–Aug 14, Mon–Fri noon–4pm. Two-week session $950. Ages 10 to 17.

Children’s Museum of the Arts Summer Art Colony
This camp introduces youngsters to just about every form of visual media imaginable. With professionals guiding them, young artists try their hand at photography, stop-motion animation, Claymation, filmmaking, printmaking, cartooning, weaving, drawing, painting, sculpture and more. Children’s Museum of the Arts, 182 Lafayette St between Broome and Grand Sts (212-274-0986, cmany.org). Camp runs Jun 15–Sep 4, Mon–Fri 10am–4pm. Supervised playtime available 9–10am and 4–5pm (no additional fee).  One-week session $595. Ages 6 to 12.  

Church Street School for music and art
The downtown arts school hosts three age-specific creative camps. Toddlers take part in Summer Arts Medley, a laid-back program that teaches music and movement with a visual arts class.  A typical day at Summer Arts Express (for campers ages three to five) involves an hour of open play, a chance to croon in a song circle, and art and music classes. In Creative Arts Workshop older campers enjoy a more robust schedule replete with classes in chorus, solfege & eurhythmics, piano, recorder, drawing, painting, live-action movies, stop-action movies and sculpture. As they experiment and create, campers offer one another constructive feedback on their projects. On the last day of camp, they curate a gallery show of their work, as a well as a musical performance, for parents. 74 Warren St between West Broadway and Greenwich St (212-571-7290, churchstreetschool.org). Summer Arts Medley: Camp runs Jun 22–Jul 30, Mon–Thu 9:45am–11:05am. Six-week session (attending one day each week) $330 plus $10 registration fee. Summer Arts Express: Camp runs Jun 22–Jul 30, Mon–Thu 9:15am–12:15pm or 1–4pm. Single six-week session (morning or afternoon) $440–$1,585 depending on number of days each week. Creative Arts Workshop: Camp runs in a single six-week session Jun 30–Aug 6, Tue–Thu 10am–4pm. $2,450 plus $80 materials fee. Ages 16 months to 12 years.

Create-a-play
Children separate into small, mixed-age groups to create original musical productions. The campers brainstorm story ideas, write a script and music, and perform at the end of the session. In the afternoons, they take a break from the creative process and play games in the park or travel to child-friendly destinations like the Bronx Zoo, the American Museum of Natural History and interactive musical concerts. The camp also offers three other programs: Create-A-Play Express (a two week version of the main camp), Create-A-Tale (for entering kindergarteners only) and Create-A-Dream (for Middle School students). Fordham University at Lincoln Center, Columbus Ave at 60th St (646-485-5123, kidscreative.org). Camp runs Jul 6–Aug 14, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm (optional early pick-up at 3pm). Early drop-off and late pick-up available for an additional fee. Single six-week session $2,400. Ages 5 to 11.

Culture Bugs Mini-Camp
This program could only exist in Manhattan: In the morning children watch an opera and use it as inspiration for a large-scale art project. Then they head out to a restaurant for lunch—Bottino, Sarabeth’s or another fave—before exploring an art museum or gallery. Every session focuses on a particular art form (such as manga, filmmaking, sculpture or animation). Professional, nationally acclaimed artists who specialize in the summer’s chosen topics guide campers in accomplishing self-conceived projects. Hi Art, 939 Eighth Ave between 55th and 56th Sts (917-318-9499, hiartkids.com). Camp runs Jun 16–Aug 20, Tue–Thu, in one-, two- and four-week sessions, with morning, afternoon and full-day options; Aug 24–28, Mon–Fri 9:30am–3:30pm. $500–$3,100. Ages 3 to 14.

CurtainUp Kids
In three weeks, children get ready to put on a traditional musical in an Off Broadway theater. Talent 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’s a star. (And they don’t even have to suffer any rejection to get there.) Players Theatre Studios, 115 MacDougal St between Bleecker and W 3rd Sts (917-494-7620, curtainupkids.com). Camp runs Jul 6–24, Aug 3–21, Mon–Fri 10am–1pm. Three-week session $900. Ages 5 to 18.

DayJams: Rock Music
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 rehearsal, campers take music classes—most of the kids have studied an instrument for at least a year. 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. Marymount School, 1026 Fifth Ave between 83rd and 84th Sts (800-295-5956, dayjams.com). Camp runs for three weeks; call for dates. Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. One-week session $685. Ages 8 to 15.

FASHION DESIGN CAMP WITH FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Little fashionistas get hip with an FIT professor at this design school. Aspiring Donna Karans and Ralph Laurens get to create and produce their own duds with fellow fashion-forward youngsters. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave at 92nd St (212-415-5573, 92y.org). Call for dates. One-week session $895. Ages 9 to 12.

The Global Arts Camp at Symphony Space
If you want to give your child a global visual and performance arts education without leaving NYC this summer, then this camp's dedication to worldly culture is just the ticket. Kids will explore international art traditions through hands-on workshops like African mask-making, Chinese tumbling and martial arts, American playwriting and acting and Latin American music. Campers will meet with artists from around the world and go on interactive museum field trips. 2537 Broadway at 95th St (212-864-5400, symphonyspace.org). Camp runs Jul 6–10, 13–17; Mon–Fri 9am–3pm, or 9am–6pm.  $600–$750. Ages 8 to 11.

Kids Make Movies
Children who have stories to tell can bring them to the big screen at this weeklong camp. Students practice all aspects of moviemaking, from directing to costume design, camerawork to video editing. Bonus: They walk away with a DVD of their opus. videovampires inc, 42 W 29th St between Broadway and Sixth Ave (212-213-5722, kids-make-movies.com). Camp runs Jun 15–19, 22–26 and Jul 6–10, Mon–Fri 9am–noon. One-week session $750. Ages 8 to 15.

LITTLE MASTERS ART SUMMER CAMP
Looking for a flexible camp for your kid’s already over-planned summer? Little Masters offers several day and time combinations to fit your child’s busy schedule. All sessions feature workshops that introduce preschoolers to texture, color and patterns. Throughout the day, Spanish, music and movement activities are incorporated. El Taller, 2710 Broadway at 104th St, third floor (646-491-2381, littlemastersart.com). Camp runs Jun 22–Jul 31. Mon–Fri 9am–noon or 2–5pm, $500 per week; Tue–Thu 9am–noon or 2–5pm, $300 per week. Ages 4 to 12. Terrific Twos (with adult) Fri 10am–noon, $300 for five weeks. Ages 18 months to 2 years. Busy Bees (with adult) Wed and Fri 3–5pm, $600 for five weeks. Ages 3 to 4.

MARK O’CONNOR STRING CAMP
Twenty of the world’s leading string players helm an intensive workshop for kids. Instruction in violin, viola, cello and double bass are all offered at this program. Every evening, campers can also watch a faculty performance. Ethical Culture School, 33 Central Park West at 63rd St (718-588-7171, markoconnor.com). Camp runs Jul 27–31; call for hours. $600. Ages 8 to 18.

New Victory Theater Studio Weeks
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, theater games and plenty more. Each day begins with a group warm-up and ends with an opportunity for children to perform for one another. New42 Studios Building, 229 W 42nd St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (646-223-3010, newvictory.org). Camp runs in two sessions, Jun 15–19 and Jul 13–17; Mon–Fri 10am–4pm. Early drop-off and late pick-up available for additional fee. One-week session $400; second-week and sibling discounts available. Ages 8 to 11.

Summer Art Colony on Governor’s Island
Kids experience a special vibe at this Children's Museum of the Arts-sponsored camp, which takes place just a ferry ride away in an atmosphere totally foreign to the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Children get to create art, play outside and learn about living history by taking a class in a real Victorian-era home. Animation, film, and landscape drawing are just a few artistic genres that children will  explore.  Governor’s Island (212-274-0986, cmany.org).  Children meet the staff at the Battery Maritime Building for the eight-minute ferry ride. Camp runs Jun 15–Sept 4, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. One-week session $850, two-week session $1700.  Ages 7 to 14. 

Summer Arts Day Camp
Got a serious culture hound on your hand? He might like this camp; every day features a field trip to one NYC’s educational, artsy hot spots, including MoMA, the Botanical Gardens and the New York Hall of Science. Campers also participate in daily craft projects and visit the city's best playgrounds. 210 E 77th St between Second and Third Aves (917-494-4300, summerartscamp.net). Camp runs Jul 6–31, Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm. One-week session $550. Ages 8 to 15. 

SUMMER STOCK FOR CITY KIDS/TWEENS/TEENS THEATER WORKSHOP 
Through a series of theater workshops for kids of varying ages, this camp offers classes in creative movement for beginners, and ballet "scenes" for more experienced performers. Campers can steal the show in a fully choreographed number from an original musical based on the E. Nesbit novel, The Railway Children. Improv workshops shake the shyness out of little ones, while budding tween-teen stars shine during an end-of-camp showcase consisting of Shakespearean comedy scenes as well as scenes written by the campers themselves. Sunnyside Reformed Church, 4803 Skillman Ave at 48th St, Sunnyside, Queens (917-548-1086). Kids Theater Camp runs Jul 13–23, Mon–Thu 9am–1pm. $210. Ages 5 to 11. Tweens/Teens Theater Camp runs Aug 3–13, Mon–Thu 11am–3pm. $210. Ages 11 to 15.

Summer Weaving Camp 
Children will learn several basic weaving techniques: table loom, floor loom, lap loom and backstrap loom. Each child will make pot-holders, bags, scarves, wall tapestries  and a stuffed animal. Sound like enough to give your tot arthritis? Don't worry: Little ones will also learn about the history and practical uses of weaving. 320 2nd St between Fourth and Fifth Aves, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-369-0222, weavinghand.com). Camp runs Jul 6—Aug 28, Mon–Fri 10am–4pm. Supervised playtime from 9–10am, and 4–5pm available for $15 extra. One-week session $350. Ages 6 to 12. 

SWEET SOUL SUMMER ARTS WORKSHOP 
Modeled after Rosie Lanziero's popular dance program, this camp uses creative movement to inspire kids to explore their artistic side while building confidence and improving motor skills. Rotating classes in ballet, yoga, hip-hop and acting will get little ones grooving. There are also applied arts activities including mask and costume making, poetry and classical piano. 440 Studios, 440 Lafayette St between Astor Pl and E 4th St (212-254-0454, sweetsoulmovement.com). Camp runs Jun 29–Aug 8, Mon–Fri 9am–noon (ages 3–4); 9am–3pm (ages 4–8). Aftercare offered from 3 to 6pm for an additional fee. Two-week session $600 (full day), $350 (half day). Six-week session $1,700 (full day), $1,000 (half day). Ages 3 to 8. 

Theatre Arts Center's Musical Theater and Dance Camp 
Each day, little scene stealers tackle an array of performance classes, including acting, dance (tap, jazz and hip-hop), singing, on-camera and improv, led by professionals from Broadway, regional theater, film and television. The four-week camp culminates in a fully staged two-act musical revue. Campers ages 8 to 11 who register by June 1 can receive a 10% discount by mentioning Time Out Kids. Admission based on audition and restrictions may apply. Professional Performing Arts Center at the Queensborough Community College, 222-05 56th Ave between Springfield and Cloverdale Blvds, Bayside, Queens (718-595-2905, theatreartscenter.com). Camp runs July 6–Aug 2, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. $1,600. Audition required. Ages 7 to 19.

Vital Children’s Theatre
Kids who are equally happy indoors and out, who thrive on silliness and being in the spotlight, or who just need a little encouragement to come out of their shell are all well suited to this intimate theater camp. Youngsters get involved in every aspect of production—from learning musical numbers and designing sets and programs to making costumes and applying their own stage makeup. A camper-to-counselor ratio of five to one ensures that every little star gets attention. 2162 Broadway at 76th St, fourth floor (212-579-0528, vitaltheatre.org). Camp runs Jul 20–24, Aug 17–21. Through Jun 20: One-week session $300. After Jun 20: One-week session $350. Ages 4–6 (9am–noon); ages 7–12 (2–5pm). Ages 4 to 12.

Wingspan arts summer conservatory
In each three-week session, children collaborate to create an original musical-theater piece. In the mornings campers play storytelling games, brainstorm ideas, and participate in singing and dance workshops. In the afternoon they build sets, climb around an outdoor playground and finish up perfecting the musical numbers in their production. Free teen programs available by audition. Eleanor Roosevelt High School, 411 E 76th St between First and York Aves (212-586-2330, wingspanarts.org). Camp runs Jul 6–Aug 14; Mon–Thu 9am–5pm, Fri 9am–1pm. Three-week session $1,500; six-week session $2,500. Ages 6 to 11.

YOUNG DANCER SUMMER WORKSHOP
Geared toward serious ballet dancers only, this intensive camp features workshops in nutrition, ballet terminology, dance history, classroom and rehearsal etiquette, and even injury prevention. On a daily basis, campers take part in a ballet technique class, and then practice either pointe or pre-pointe poses. American Ballet Theatre, 890 Broadway at 19th St (212-477-3030, ext 3146; abt.org). Single session runs Jul 27–Aug 7, Mon–Fri 9:30am–3:30pm. $1,150. Video-auditions must be submitted by Feb 2. Ages 8 to 11.

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