Tell us a bit about Play On! Studios’ Summer Camps. What do your programs offer and what does a typical session look like?
We offer programs tailored to two age groups. They all last for one week, Monday to Friday.
For our kindergarten to 4th grade campers, we offer Creative Drama Camp. The kids use theater games, movement, music, and vocal exercises to explore self-expression and to gain confidence. Each week ends with a final showcase (Fridays at 4pm) in front of family and friends, creating a comfortable and exciting opportunity to experience another important aspect of theater: Performance!
For grades 4 through 9, we offer two musical theater programs: Musical Theater Performance and Musical Theater Revue.
Musical Theater Performance gives kids the opportunity to put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater. Campers stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, building sets and costumes, and field trips—including taking in a Broadway show! Depending on the teacher or session, there are also opportunities to explore scene-writing, film-making, Shakespeare, choreography, and more. At the end of the week the campers and teaching artists come together to put on a show for family and friends.
Musical Theater Revue gives campers the opportunity to explore solos, monologues, scenes, and musical numbers. Each session uses a different Broadway theme as the jumping-off point for the kids’ own creativity. It’s a very flexible format that allows us to make the experience personal for each child, helping them to grow and take on specific challenges. For example, campers looking to audition for middle school, high school, or professional work will have opportunities to choose and rehearse appropriate monologues and solo songs. The campers finish the week by showing off their new skills at a final Friday performance.
In all these programs, we work to build an inclusive, non-competitive environment, where kids can really build an ensemble. And, of course, where they can have a great summer filled with drama, music, and fun!
Who are your teachers? What’s their background?
We work with a wide variety of great teachers every year. We look for people who are not just actors or performers, but who have a genuine passion for teaching and working with children--people who are dedicated to the kids.
What kind of camper would most enjoy Play On!’s summer programs?
For Creative Drama Camp, any kid who is interested in drama! It’s perfect for both beginners looking for a fun and imaginative summer activity and for kids with more experience looking to build their skills.
The Musical Theater Camps are perfect for kids who are more serious about theater, whether they’re looking to become professionals or want to act for fun.
We like to say we’re “seriously serious, seriously fun.”
What is your goal for each camper—what do you hope they get out of their camp experience?
We want to help them develop practical skills that will benefit their lives, whether they end up doing theater professionally or not. We strive to deepen their love of theater. And we really want them to make great friends!
What’s this year’s camp schedule?
We run all summer, so check the website for specifics, but the basic schedule for each is:
Creative Drama Camp at Ballet Hispanico (167 West 89th Street):
July 10 to September 1
Creative Drama Camp at Pine St School (25 Pine Street):
July 10 to 28
[Hours: 9-3pm, and 4pm on Fridays, for performances]
Musical Theater Performance at The Church of St Paul and St Andrew (263 West 86th Street):
July 5 to 28
Musical Theater Revue at The Church of St Paul and St Andrew (263 West 86th Street):
July 31 to August 11, and August 14 to 25
[Hours: 9:30-4pm]
All programs have flexible pick-up and drop-off times for an additional fee—check out the website for details.
What’s the cost of the program?
Creative Drama Camp at Ballet Hispanico: $525 per session
Creative Drama Camp at Pine St. School: $600 per session
Musical Theater Performance: $2500 per session
Musical Theater Revue: $1200 per session
We offer discounts for siblings and kids who sign up for multiple camps. We also offer scholarships for in-need campers.
What else should parents know about registering?
These camps tend to sell out, especially in August. But we do have a wait list and have been able to move people from that list into the program, so let us know if you’re interested.
Any Play On! grads currently starring on Broadway?
No, but our teachers perform on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in national tours.
Wanna learn more about Play On!? Click here!
ALSO: Check out our ever-expanding guide to theater camps in the NYC area, and read all our theater camp reports.