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Summer Theatre Camp and Performance Academy

CALLING ALL YOUNG PERFORMERS!

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Join us for a summer of theatrical learning and creative fun with loads of performance opportunities!

Summer camp programs take place at the Playhouse’s mainstage theatre complex in Eden Park/Mt. Adams and Mason Community Center.

Camper in yellow costume

OUR MISSION: To encourage creativity through awesome stories.

We believe theatre can be created by any person at any age. That’s what makes camp so exciting! Guided by passionate camp staff, our campers work together to make connections with audiences, each other and themselves, while learning skills that show up onstage and in real life. They learn performance techniques including musical theatre, stage combat, writing, acting, rehearsal and performance — while at the same time exploring their individuality. In our inclusive and artistic environment, campers gain confidence, get moving, form new friendships and tap into their creativity while belting out showtunes and bringing awesome stories to life.

 

Purchase early and save

Save $45 on all camps at the Playhouse through Feb. 28, 2026. Prices increase on March 1. Discount not available at Mason location.

  • Early Bird tuition for one-week camps and performance showcases is $350
  • Early Bird tuition for 4-day camps (one week, running during the week of June 15) is $320
  • Early Bird tuition for two-week Performance Academies at the Playhouse is $750.
  • Early Bird tuition for 9-day Performance Academies (two weeks, running during the week of June 15) is $720.

See individual listings for details, including pricing for Mason camps.

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This year’s camps include:

Acting Excersize

THEATRE CAMPS

One Week
Campers Entering Grades 1-6 or 1-10

During each week, campers focus on the fundamentals of creating theatre.

Each camp has a unique theme which focuses on specific theatrical skills, like stage combat, musical theatre, writing, acting, improvisation and more.

One-week theatre camps end with an informal Shareformance to share a snapshot of what campers have learned with family and friends.

 

rehearsal

PERFORMANCE SHOWCASES

One Week
Campers Entering Grades 6-12

Campers explore theatrical skills with an emphasis on performance and storytelling techniques.

More time is dedicated to rehearsing their showcase, and skills learned are applied through the lens of a single story, musical or performance style.

One-week performance showcases conclude with a showcase (without sets, props or costumes) to show family and friends a selection of work campers focused on.

Performance

PERFORMANCE ACADEMIES

Two Weeks
Campers Entering Grades 1-6 or 6 -12

Campers work together to produce a single play or musical from start to finish, while focusing on theatrical skills and rehearsing daily. They conclude with a final performance that includes limited sets and costumes.

Everyone who registers receives a role, and prior experience in theatre is not required. Roles are cast in the first few days of camp, and some roles may be double-cast.

Younger campers focus on growing basic theatrical skills. Older campers dive deeper into the source material with a longer final production.

Before Care and After Care

Before Care and After Care are available for purchase for both locations and can be added to your camp registration. Prices listed cover a full week and cannot be prorated.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

  • Before Care: 8 – 9 a.m. ($45 per week)
  • After Care: 4 – 5:30 p.m. ($70 per week)
Please note: After Care ends at 5:30. If campers are picked up late, there is a charge of $5 for every 10-minute increment past closing time.

Mason Community Center

  • Before Care Mason: 7:30 – 9 a.m.
  • After Care Mason: 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Mason Before Care and After Care is run by and sold through Mason Community Center. Rates are determined by Mason Community Center and can be found while registering for Mason Camps. Registration for camps at Mason Community Center begins Feb. 3, 2026, for Premiere Members and Feb. 5 for the general public.
Musical

Scholarships

Full and partial-tuition scholarships are available to campers who demonstrate financial need. Scholarships are limited, and awards are determined based on need and space available. The link to the 2026 scholarship application will be available beginning Monday, March 16, and the deadline to apply for scholarships online is Friday, May 1. Applicants will be notified of awards during the week of May 11, 2026. Please contact us atβ€―summercamp@cincyplay.com with any questions.

performing on stage

Launch Pad Accessibility Program

The Playhouse is committed to increasing accessibility to all its programs. To further this commitment, we created Launch Pad. Launch Pad is a program that helps campers with developmental disabilities, neurodivergence and sensory challenges to participate in camp and be a part of the camp community while having their unique needs met. Space is limited and Launch Pad-specific scholarships are available. Please visit the Launch Pad page for more information. 

ABOUT LAUNCH PAD

Hand Movements

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Purchase summer camps held at the Playhouse by February 28 for early bird pricing!

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