Summer Theatre Camp and Performance Academy

Summer Theatre Camp and Performance Academy includes activities in musical theatre, stage combat, writing, acting, rehearsal, performance, improvisation and storytelling techniques. Campers take part in one-week theatre camps, one-week performance showcases, two-week Performance Academies, 4-day camps during the week of June 15 and 9-day Performance Academies over two weeks during the week of June 15. One-week theatre camps end with an informal Shareformance, one-week performance showcases conclude with a showcase without sets, props or costumes, and Performance Academies conclude with a final performance that includes limited sets and costumes.

• Ages: 6–17 years old
• Schedule: Summer camp programs run June 1–July 31, 2026, with options for one-week camps and showcases, two-week Performance Academies, 4-day camps during the week of June 15 and 9-day Performance Academies over two weeks during the week of June 15.
• Price: Save $45 on all camps at the Playhouse through Feb. 28, 2026; prices increase on March 1. Early Bird tuition is $350 for one-week camps and performance showcases, $320 for 4-day camps during the week of June 15, $750 for two-week Performance Academies at the Playhouse and $720 for 9-day Performance Academies during the week of June 15. Before Care at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is $45 per week and After Care is $70 per week; Mason Community Center Before and After Care rates are set and sold by Mason Community Center.

The program’s stated mission is to encourage creativity through awesome stories. Guided by passionate camp staff, campers work together to make connections with audiences, each other and themselves, while learning skills that show up onstage and in real life. In the inclusive and artistic environment, campers gain confidence, get moving, form new friendships and tap into their creativity while belting out showtunes and bringing stories to life.

Before Care and After Care are available for purchase at both locations and can be added to camp registration, with Before Care at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park running 8–9 a.m. per week and After Care running 4–5:30 p.m. per week, and Before Care at Mason Community Center running 7:30–9 a.m. and After Care running 4–5:30 p.m. If campers are picked up late from After Care at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, there is a charge of $5 for every 10-minute increment past closing time.

Full and partial-tuition scholarships are available to campers who demonstrate financial need, and scholarships are limited and determined based on need and space available. The deadline to apply for scholarships online is Friday, May 1, and applicants are notified of scholarship awards during the week of May 11, 2026. Launch Pad-specific scholarships are also available.

Launch Pad is a program that helps campers with developmental disabilities, neurodivergence and sensory challenges to participate in camp and be a part of the camp community while having their unique needs met. Launch Pad is described as a program that helps these campers participate in camp and be part of the camp community while having their unique needs met.

Everyone who registers for Performance Academies receives a role, and prior theatre experience is not required. Roles in Performance Academies are cast in the first few days of camp, and some roles may be double-cast. Younger campers in Performance Academies focus on growing basic theatrical skills, while older campers dive deeper into the source material with a longer final production.

Registration for camps at Mason Community Center begins Feb. 3, 2026, for Premiere Members and Feb. 5 for the general public.

Last updated July 2, 2026.