WISCONSIN ACTING CAMPS & CLASSES
Camps and classes for Wisconsin kids, teens, and adults that have a special focus on acting in the theatre. Many of these Wisconsin acting education programs also focus on singing, dancing and music. Most programs present a performance on the last day of classes. Most of the camps are day camps, but some are residential.
Contact each individual organization via their website for updated program date, place, and registration information.
First Stage
Milwaukee, WI area
For over 3 decades First Stage has been the nations largest high-impact theater training program for young people. We offer classes emphasizing the process of becoming strong performers, creative thinkers, and confident young people. We have programs for students as young as age 4, up through high-school seniors. Professional theater artists share their expertise with students, fostering life skills through stage skills.
First Stage Theater Academy is the nations leading theater training program for young people. Students in grades K4-12 will develop skills in musical theater, scene study, Shakespeare, improvisation, and much more, while simultaneously building life skills, such as confidence, focus, and teamwork, learning from the areas leading theater artists. One, two, three, and four-week sessions are available at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.
Website: https://www.firststage.org/theater-academy/
Sunset Playhouse
Milwaukee/Elm Grove, WI area
Sunset Playhouse has been educating, entertaining, and inspiring children and adults since 1960! We offer a wide variety of performing arts classes for all ages and all interest levels taught by the areas top professional teaching artists. Your only requirement is an openness to learning and having fun!
Respect, cooperation and commitment are the foundations for the experience we cherish at The Sunset Playhouse. We nurture self-confidence, encourage collaboration, and value each student who participates in our programs as a unique individual. Did we also mention that we like to laugh? Because we do!
We offer weekly sessions throughout the year for children ages 2+ : fall and winter. We also offer JR/KIDS Musical opportunities for students enrolled in grades 2 5 and 6 10 during our Fall and Winter Sessions. Our summer JR Musical audition series started in the summer of 2022 and we love providing this summer full performance opportunity. Speaking of summer, our robust summer camps programming offers half day camps, full day camps and full performance camps. We can also provide classes and workshops at your school, community group, or other off-site location throughout the year.
Website: https://sunsetplayhouse.com
Harand Camp of the Theatre Arts
Kenosha, WI/Northern IL area
Where "No Man is an Island" and EVERYONE is a STAR!
Established in 1955, Harand Camp was one of the nation's first co-ed, residential camps to combine SINGING, DANCING and ACTING with the FUN of traditional camp activities. Located on the campus of Carthage College in Kenosha, WI, Harand offers quality non-competitive musical theater training for campers ages 7 to 18.
"Haranders" also enjoy sports & elective activities, off-campus trips and all-camp events. Campers attend for 1, 3 or 6 weeks, residing in modern dorms overlooking Lake Michigan. All sessions culminate with amazing musical performances in our beautiful, 400-seat state-of-the-art theater.
Website: http://www.harandcamp.com
First Act Children's Theatre
Madison, WI area
First Act Childrens Theatre, LLC is dedicated to encouraging the discovery and development of creativity, imagination, self-esteem, and leadership through the process of theatre.
First Act Childrens Theatre, LLC has offered outstanding childrens theatre to youth, grades 1-12, in the Madison area since 2000. Our camps and classes emphasize the process of theatre, with performance as the outcome! Our focus is on the positive development of imagination and self-esteem for each student.
- Positive learning environment
- Fully staged and costumed productions
- Trained Theatre Artist Staff
First Act Childrens Theatre offers unlimited opportunities for children to expand their creative awareness while increasing self-esteem and imagination. First Act was begun with a goal of creating a space where all children could enjoy the process of theatre that leads to performance as an outcome, free from the stress of perfection.
Website: http://www.firstactchildrenstheatre.com
Wisconsin Youth Theater Immersion Camp
Madison, WI area
Theater Immersion Camp is the perfect place for your camper(s) to refine their interest in all aspects of a theater performance. From preparation to the performance itself, youth will be involved in every step along the way. Theater camp is a great place for campers to learn and explore the theater arts in a comfortable, inclusive, and encouraging environment.
Campers will work together over the two-week course to put on a performance for family and friends. Tuition assistance is available to families for all programs.
Wisconsin Youth Company puts the health and safety of campers and staff first. All programs follow CDC, and public health guidelines.
Website: https://www.wisconsinyouthcompany.org/summer-camp/theater-immersion-camp/
Children's Theatre of Madison
Madison, WI area
Creative Drama, Acting, Musical Theater, & Comedy! From beginners to seasoned performers, we welcome ALL students to bring their creativity, build their confidence, and join our community of theater students.
Note: We offer payment plans and financial assistance on a sliding scale!
The Education Department at CTM is dedicated to:
- Encouraging exploration, expression, creativity and artistic growth through the art of theater rooted in the interest and ability of each student.
- Fostering the development of social skills, self-confidence, and the courage to take risks in a process-based, fun, and brave environment.
- Welcoming all students, from those who are having a first time theater experience to advanced students.
- Engendering an inclusive and collaborative community.
- Creating a lasting sense of pride and accomplishment through culminating sharings and performances.
What We Offer
Academic Year Classes: During CTMs Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions, students can take 8 to 10 weeks of classes. Each class curriculum explores a specific theatrical style, technique, or theme. Some classes are offered in all three sessions (such as Beginning Acting) while others are only offered once a year (such as Comedy Camp).
Spring Break Classes: When school is out of session, CTM is a place for exploring stories! In our Spring Break program, students enjoy playing theater games, creating characters, and story building based on a theme over the course of 2-4 days.
Advanced Acting Company: CTMs Advanced Acting Company (AAC) is a concentrated, year-long training program for passionate and dedicated actors in grades 8-12. There are two cornerstone programs in the AAC: Actors Studio and Actors Academy.
Summer Stage: Over nine weeks, Summer Stage offers one, two, and three week sessions in a variety of theater topics including creative drama, musical theater, acting, improv, performance, and more!
Website: https://ctmtheater.org
Camp Nicolet for Girls
Eagle River/Rhinelander, WI area
Its true: some of todays television and Broadway stars got their start on the stage at Camp Nicolets Little Theatre. Located in Forest Lodge, the Little Theatre is home to all-camp talent shows each session, the staff talent show, and the annual production at the conclusion of every summer.
Talent Shows are a time when you can get together with your friends and come up with skits of any kind. If you have a special talent like juggling, singing, or playing an instrument you can show off your skills to the entire camp. Does anyone do a little hip-hop?
Website: http://campnicolet.com/theatre-arts
APT's A.C.T. Camp (Acting for Classical Theater)
Spring Green/Dodgeville, WI area
APTs educational programming inspires students to revel in words. We serve over 10,000 students annually with a variety of programs, both on the APT campus and in the classroom. Our programs support educators with tools and techniques to foster students' exploration of - and delight in - language.
For young people interested in classical acting, APT's ACT (Acting for Classical Theater) Camp is an unique opportunity to work with professional teaching artists in the beautiful Driftless Area, culminating in a performance on an APT stage.
ACT Camp is open to teens who will be entering 9th through 12th grades in the fall. APT will accept up to 35 participants. Campers must submit an application to be accepted. ACT Camp strives to create an inclusive and positive learning environment. Campers are expected to work together and participate fully in all activities.
Camp workshop sessions, housing and meals for the week will be at Bethel Horizons Camp and Retreat Center, located 15 minutes away from APT. Facilities include dorm style accommodations, and a large common room for programs. APT staff counselors are onsite throughout the week. Bus transportation is provided between Bethel Horizons and APT daily for performances and other onsite activities.
Website: https://americanplayers.org/programs/education
Lake Country Playhouse
Hartland, WI area
The Playhouse Performing Arts Academy has been providing year-round arts education to the Lake Country community and beyond for almost 10 years! We have made it our mission to foster a culture of positivity, inclusivity, and respect, in which our students are inspired to embrace our 7 Cs of Theatre: Creativity, Confidence, Communication, Compassion, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Challenge! Our programming offers a theatrical home for our student students where all are welcome, supported, and will grow in character both on and off the stage!
PPAA's Production Workshops offer young performers the opportunity to hone their crafts with workshops in acting, singing and dance, while also putting up a full scale musical production or play in an exciting intensive setting.
Website: https://www.lakecountryplayhousewi.org/education
Shell Lake Arts Center
Shell Lake/Spooner, WI area
Located in beautiful northwestern Wisconsin, only a short hour and fifteen minutes northwest of Eau Claire or two hours northeast of Minneapolis, the Shell Lake Arts Center in Shell Lake provides a premium arts camp and workshop learning experience for all students. Our programs and staff are well-respected nationally with some of the longest-running programs of their kind in the United States. With over 50 years of experience, the Arts Center provides a positive, safe and secure learning environment for students to further develop and explore their talents.
Website: https://www.shelllakeartscenter.org
Waukesha Civic Ttheatre
Waukesha, WI area
Waukesha Civic Theatre Academy offers year-round theatre education programs ages 4 and up, focused on improvisation, comedy, character development, dance, and acting. Classes are held after school, on weekends, and over the summer. We are building a community of theatre lovers and a community of theatre-goers.
Website: https://www.waukeshacivictheatre.org
RESOURCES
Of course a website cannot tell you all the information you need to know about preparing yourself to be an actor: unions, contracts, agents, casting, auditions, and the myriads of other things actors should learn about the acting business.
Below are a number of resources that will help you learn about such things to get you on the right road to becoming a successful actor.
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