Institute of Theatre Arts (ITA) of San Clemente

The Institute of Theatre Arts (ITA) of San Clemente offers theatre camps that build confidence, creativity, and stage skills in one week. Its listed productions and camps include Willy Wonka!, Bye Bye Birdie, Peter Pan Jr., Hadestown, K Pop Demon Hunters, WICKED!, NEWSIES, FROZEN, Percy Jackson, Descendants, and High School Musical.

Programs

• Theatre Camps That Build Confidence, Creativity, and Stage Skills in One Week
• Willy Wonka! — Shown under Fall 2025 Shows and Fall 2026 Shows; described as for elementary and middle school / minis, elem., and middle school.
• Bye Bye Birdie — Shown under Fall 2025 Shows and Fall 2026 Shows; described as high school.
• Peter Pan Jr. — Auditions announced with performances in Aug/Sept.
• Hadestown — Described as for high school performers with performances in August.
• K Pop Demon Hunters — Listed on the Summer Camps page; sold out for the Week of June 15th 9am-12pm and Week of July 27th 9am-12pm.
• WICKED! — Listed on the Summer Camps page for the Week of June 22nd 9am-12pm.
• NEWSIES — Listed on the Summer Camps page for the Week of June 29th 9am-12pm.
• FROZEN — Listed on the Summer Camps page for the Week of July 13th 9am-12pm; marked SOLD OUT.
• Percy Jackson — Listed on the Summer Camps page for the Week of July 13th 11am-2pm.
• Descendants — Listed on the Summer Camps page for the Week of July 20th 9am-12pm; marked SOLD OUT.
• High School Musical — Listed on the Summer Camps page for the Week of Aug 3rd 9am-12pm; marked SOLD OUT.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old

About the provider

ITA says the family has attended since it opened its doors in 2018. Its leadership team includes Nate and Crystal Pothier, Emily Patterson, Karen Barrus, and Mandy Kuhn. The program says students learn from experienced professionals who are passionate about education and mentorship, and it states that each participant gets a lead role within one cast and an ensemble role in another.

At ITA all students get lead roles. Each participant is given the opportunity to perform in a lead role within one cast and as an ensemble member in another. Summer Camps page says “From First Rehearsal to Final Bow — All in Just Five Days.”

What families say

“ITA is more than a theater program! The kids learn truly important values that will carry them through life including public speaking, team work, improvisation, and supporting each other. The teachers spend time meeting each child where they’re at and moving them forward in a supportive environment. The productions are incredible, and the confidence-building keeps us coming back!” — Cady A.

Last updated September 21, 2026.