Summer Performing Arts Intensives
Young Artists of America, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD 20852
About
Summer Performing Arts Intensives focuses on musical theatre skills in voice, acting, and dance. The program includes intensive dance instruction, intensive acting instruction, and classes for actors, singers, and dancers, along with immersive musical theatre instruction. It is part of orchestral and musical theater training programs offered by Young Artists of America.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: Overnight Intensives run June 27–July 2, 2026 (six days); Daytime Programs run July 4–July 16, 2026 (two weeks); Overnight Conservatories run July 18–31, 2026 (two weeks) and July 19–30, 2026 (two weeks)
Since 2011, Young Artists of America has reimagined the landscape of performing arts training. The organization offers orchestral and musical theater training programs for elementary through high school aged students throughout the year. Its Summer Performing Arts Intensives are described as award-winning summer camps that create a rigorous and inspirational environment for elementary school, middle school, high school, and rising college students, with overnight programs welcoming campers from around the globe. Overnight Intensives for dancers and actors include room and board plus a Final Showcase, Daytime Programs include classes plus a full stage production or final shareformance, and Overnight Conservatories include immersive musical theatre instruction, room and board, and a full stage production. Productions are critically acclaimed and have been performed at professional venues like Strathmore as fully staged, symphonic performances on a professional stage.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Lisa Larragoite, Producing Artistic Director Rolando Sanz, Music Director Kristofer Sanz, Production Manager Jackie Muska (née Bautista), Development Manager Miriam Zarin, Summer Intensives Director Terry Eberhardt, Lead Camp Parent Karen Blake, YAAJunior Director Paul Heinemann, Company Manager Randee Hahn, Operations Manager Jessica Heinemann, YAAKids Director Joanna Hughes, and YAAOrchestra Manager Paco Cosio-Marron. Young Artists of America is a 501(c)3 non-profit with a stated mission to nurture an inclusive community of storytellers, provide a brave space for young artists at all skill levels and various ages to experiment and take risks, and emphasize individualized relationships between students, top-level teaching artists, and professional mentors. The organization states that it is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive community where all young performers committed to honing their craft are welcome regardless of experience, finances, race, gender, or creed, with tuition subsidized to keep costs as low as possible and scholarships made available as needed.
Young Artists of America has been voted as one of the best summer camps by the Washington City Paper Reader's Poll multiple times, has won awards including a Regional Emmy, and has been selected as a trusted and critical small nonprofit in the Greater Washington region by Spur Local, formerly the Catalogue for Philanthropy. One daytime camper said, “I not only learned how to improve as a performer and person but I was given a family of friends to share the experience with.” An overnight camper said, “I've grown and flourished as a young artist and learned to be OK with myself. I will carry these lessons with me forever!” A dance camper described it as “such a welcoming environment for all levels of dancers, but still pushed everyone to reach their full potential,” and another dance camper said, “The quality of the training you get at YAA and the people you have the opportunity to work with are unlike anything, anywhere else.” Another daytime camper said, “One of the best experiences of my life! All the staff and students are so supportive but challenge me when I need it.”
Last updated January 24, 2026.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: Overnight Intensives run June 27–July 2, 2026 (six days); Daytime Programs run July 4–July 16, 2026 (two weeks); Overnight Conservatories run July 18–31, 2026 (two weeks) and July 19–30, 2026 (two weeks)
Since 2011, Young Artists of America has reimagined the landscape of performing arts training. The organization offers orchestral and musical theater training programs for elementary through high school aged students throughout the year. Its Summer Performing Arts Intensives are described as award-winning summer camps that create a rigorous and inspirational environment for elementary school, middle school, high school, and rising college students, with overnight programs welcoming campers from around the globe. Overnight Intensives for dancers and actors include room and board plus a Final Showcase, Daytime Programs include classes plus a full stage production or final shareformance, and Overnight Conservatories include immersive musical theatre instruction, room and board, and a full stage production. Productions are critically acclaimed and have been performed at professional venues like Strathmore as fully staged, symphonic performances on a professional stage.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Lisa Larragoite, Producing Artistic Director Rolando Sanz, Music Director Kristofer Sanz, Production Manager Jackie Muska (née Bautista), Development Manager Miriam Zarin, Summer Intensives Director Terry Eberhardt, Lead Camp Parent Karen Blake, YAAJunior Director Paul Heinemann, Company Manager Randee Hahn, Operations Manager Jessica Heinemann, YAAKids Director Joanna Hughes, and YAAOrchestra Manager Paco Cosio-Marron. Young Artists of America is a 501(c)3 non-profit with a stated mission to nurture an inclusive community of storytellers, provide a brave space for young artists at all skill levels and various ages to experiment and take risks, and emphasize individualized relationships between students, top-level teaching artists, and professional mentors. The organization states that it is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive community where all young performers committed to honing their craft are welcome regardless of experience, finances, race, gender, or creed, with tuition subsidized to keep costs as low as possible and scholarships made available as needed.
Young Artists of America has been voted as one of the best summer camps by the Washington City Paper Reader's Poll multiple times, has won awards including a Regional Emmy, and has been selected as a trusted and critical small nonprofit in the Greater Washington region by Spur Local, formerly the Catalogue for Philanthropy. One daytime camper said, “I not only learned how to improve as a performer and person but I was given a family of friends to share the experience with.” An overnight camper said, “I've grown and flourished as a young artist and learned to be OK with myself. I will carry these lessons with me forever!” A dance camper described it as “such a welcoming environment for all levels of dancers, but still pushed everyone to reach their full potential,” and another dance camper said, “The quality of the training you get at YAA and the people you have the opportunity to work with are unlike anything, anywhere else.” Another daytime camper said, “One of the best experiences of my life! All the staff and students are so supportive but challenge me when I need it.”
Last updated January 24, 2026.
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