Some kids are natural hams, while others are shy in real life and only come into their own on stage. If you’ve got a budding singer, actor or rock star in your house, there is a camp for them. Campers can learn to play an instrument, act in a play, learn theater skills or sing their hearts out to show tunes under the spotlight.
Seattle Children’s Theatre (multiple locations)
Children expand their skills and meet new friends at Seattle Children’s Theatre’s summer camps and performance labs, held at Seattle Center and in many partner locations, including the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), the National Nordic Museum, The Meridian School, Villa Academy, St. Thomas School, MOHAI (Museum of History & Industry), and others in and around the Seattle area.
Ages: 3 and a half–18
Cost: $150–$1,000
Rain City Rock Camp (Seattle)
This one-week camp (July 7–11 for ages 8–12 and July 14–18 for ages 13–17) supports youths of marginalized genders in a safe and empowering environment that fosters leadership and encourages creativity. Campers learn the basics of playing an instrument and collaborate with bandmates to write a song. Other activities include workshops on topics such as identity, activism, body power and creating zines. At camp’s end, campers perform their original songs for friends and family. Tuition is pay what you can.
Ages: 8–17
Cost: $650 (suggested)
Broadway Bound Children’s Theatre (Seattle)
Broadway Bound’s weeklong musical theater day camps introduce kids to a variety of skills, from singing and movement for younger kids to audition tips, script analysis and theater etiquette for tweens and teens. Teens can attend Make Your Own Musical camp. Each camp ends with a 15-minute performance for friends and family that includes three Broadway songs.
Ages: 8–15
Cost: $380–$1,000
Stone Soup Theatre (Seattle)
At this camp, kids can have fun acting and performing outdoors. With options in North Seattle and South Seattle, campers spend one or two weeks preparing their own versions of familiar musicals and stories — like “Frozen” and “The Lion King” — for a final performance for families. Extended day options are available.
Ages: 5–17
Cost: $475–$850
School of Rock (multiple locations)
School of Rock offers a wide variety of music camps for elementary school kids to high school students at its locations ranging from Kent to Lynnwood. Choose from a two-day Rookie Camp for the novice to songwriting and music production for expert-level musicians. With themes running the gamut from The Beatles to heavy metal, there is something for every music-minded kid. Most camps include a performance by campers.
Ages: 5–18
Cost: $225–$1,095
Summer String Academy (Ellensburg)
String Academy’s summer camp (July 27–Aug. 1) connects middle schoolers with professional musicians. This program combines traditional camp activities with music education. Campers rehearse in both full orchestra and smaller ensembles, as well as learn music theory, rehearsal etiquette and more at the Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center.
Grades: 6–9
Cost: $745
Youth Theatre Northwest (Mercer Island)
Taught by professional teaching artists, these camps explore creative problem-solving, character creation, musical theater training, imaginative play, scene study and performance training. Youth Theatre Northwest camps culminate in a sharing of work on the last day so that families can get a glimpse of the students’ week.
Ages: Pre-K–12
Cost: $80–$675
Mode Music and Performing Arts (Seattle)
Located in West Seattle, Mode offers weeklong camps in half-day sessions, during which kids learn from local working artists about how to play an instrument, do improv, write songs and more. All camps are pay what you can.
Grades: K–8
Cost: $325 (suggested)
Village Theatre’s KidStage (Issaquah, Everett)
Guided by theater professionals, your camper will explore acting, musical theater, writing and design in these day camps of various lengths. Whether it’s speaking in front of a crowd, nailing an audition or just feeling more confident, KidStage will help your little star shine. Discount for multiple camps; financial assistance is available.
Grades: K–12
Cost: $275–$900
