What is a typical day at camp?
Students entering 3rd through 12th grade are with us Monday through Friday, four hours a day, for two weeks. Each day they take one acting class and two other classes in an acting-related area (circus, TV acting, musical theatre, Shakespeare, puppetry, improvisation or movement). Each class is taught by a different teacher who specializes in that area. The content varies by session. Students work towards a culminating demonstration that takes place on the last day of camp. Students entering 1st and 2nd grades spend two hours a day with us for one week. They work with one teacher on acting, social and developmental skills through drama games, improvisation exercises and imaginative play. On the final day of camp the last 30 minutes of class is open to family and friends.
How big is each class?
The average camp class is between 12 and 20 kids. Each class has at least one teacher and one camp counselor.
How are the camps organized?
Camps are organized by the grade levels that children are entering in the fall:
- Creative Dramatics is for students entering 1st and 2nd grade.
- Children’s Acting is for students entering 3rd and 4th grades.
- Lower Juniors’ Acting is for students entering 5th and 6th grades.
- Upper Juniors’ Acting is for students entering 7th and 8th grades.
- Teen Acting is for students entering 9th through 12th grade.
My child has previous acting experience. Should I put her in a camp for older children?
No. Regardless of previous acting experience, we keep students with their age/grade level. Each instructor knows to adjust his or her teaching to the level of all the children in class; however, they cannot adjust for different social and developmental levels. Therefore, we keep children with their peers. In special cases such as children who are home schooled or involved with other non-traditional education, please contact the Education Department. We are happy to work with you on finding the best placement for your child.
Are children required to have theatre experience in order to in camp?
Camps are open to all levels of experience. Teachers adjust their classes according to the students’ levels so everyone will feel both challenged and able.
Who teaches the summer camps?
Our instructors are theatre professionals with extensive experience in their subject areas. All of our instructors have a bachelor’s degree or higher, mostly in theatre and have extensive training and experience working with a wide variety of children. Bios and headshots of instructors are listed online.
Do you have scholarships available for summer camps?
We offer a limited number of need-based scholarships. Both an application as well as income tax information are required. Once need is determined, they are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email the Education Department at education@cincyplay.com for scholarship applications and deadlines.
Will I receive a confirmation after registering?
Confirmations are sent through email usually within 72 hours of registration. A second email with logistical details and a medical form will be sent out a week or so before the camp starts. These are manually sent by the Education Department so they may be delayed if the staff is out of the office.
Do Playhouse subscribers get a discount?
Yes, Playhouse season subscribers get $5 off per camp registration.
What is the deadline for registering?
The deadline is one week before the start of camp. Many camps fill quickly so it is recommended that you register as early as possible.
What is the refund policy for camp?
Cancellations within two weeks of the start of a camp incur a $20 fee. No refunds are given once a camp has begun.
Can I register without payment?
Payment must be received at the time of registration.
Do parents have to stay during camp? Can parents watch the classes?
Parents are not permitted in the classroom. Parents are welcome to wait in the lobby, but are not required to stay in the building. Parents will have the opportunity to see what their child has learned during the culminating demonstration on the last day of camp.
Is there a performance at the end of camp? What is the difference between a culminating demonstration and a “play”?
Each camp puts together a “culminating demonstration” at the end of camp for family and friends to demonstrate what they have been learning. Campers in the half-day camp show their work in either the Marx Theatre or the Shelterhouse Theatre. For Creative Dramatics, this is held in one of the rehearsal halls. Because the campers spending time working in three different subject areas (grades 3 - 12), we want to be able to showcase their skills from each area. These demonstrations are a look into the camper’s experience here at the Playhouse. We believe this structure allows the students to build a strong basis in theatre as well as their confidence and self-esteem.
How do I register?
Registration can be completed online or by calling the box office at 513/421-3888.
If you have any addition questions, please contact the Education Department at summercamp@cincyplay.com or 513/345-2242, ext. 2031.
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