Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park's yearly summer theatre camp offerings for campers entering grades one through 12.  Along with programming options at the Playhouse’s theatre complex in Mt. Adams and at Mason Community Center, the Playhouse is excited to return to Ignite Institute in Erlanger, Kentucky, for a second summer of theatrical fun! 

“As part of our educational goals, we aim to remove barriers to participation, including geographic barriers,” says Ariana Moses, the Playhouse’s Education Director. “Last summer, we started our partnership with Ignite Institute to bring Playhouse summer camps to Kentucky, and we are excited to continue this partnership.” 

 At Erlanger, younger campers can enroll in a two-week performance academy that stages a full-length production of Disney’s The Lion King KIDS. With daily rehearsals, they will work together to bring the production to life, culminating in a final performance that includes limited costumes and set pieces. For tweens and teens, the Ignite Institute will host two different one-week performance showcases focusing on the music of the hit Broadway musicals Wicked and Hadestown. These camps emphasize performance and storytelling techniques and conclude with a showcase at the end of the week.  

“Hosting in Northern Kentucky creates an exciting opportunity to expand access to the magic of theatre, inviting students from across the region to discover and share their talents,” says Emily Himonidis of Ignite Institute. “After witnessing the enthusiasm and creativity that filled our halls last summer, we hope families throughout the area will take advantage of this amazing opportunity to be part of the incredible theatrical experiences that Playhouse works so diligently to provide. These camps allow all students the chance to grow in their theatrical talents while working alongside professionals who support and inspire their learning.” 

Campers will not only grow as performers, but as people. In the Playhouse’s inclusive and artistic environment, they will tap into their creativity and build confidence both on and off the stage. “They grow every single week, and we see it. A camper who comes in on the first day of a five-day camp is not the same camper who leaves on Friday,” says Moses. “They’ve made friendships, they’ve formed a community, they’ve learned new skills, and they’ve put together something to show their family and friends.”  

Before and After Care, scholarships and the Playhouse’s Launch Pad Accessibility program are available at all Summer Camp locations. For more information on the Playhouse’s 2025 summer camp offerings, visit cincyplay.com/learn/summer-theatre-camps.