Youth Camps

Summer 2026

So Many Ways to Be Wicked: A Descendants Dance Camp!

Where: Civic Theatre
When: June 1-5, 9a-3p (optional 3p-5p after care add-on option available)
Who: Ages 8-18
Teachers: Benji Braswell, Paul Harrison & Katie Pittoukas
Tuition: $325

Get ready to rock the Isle of the Lost! This high-energy, electrifying week of dance is inspired by the hit movies, The Descendants. Perfect for young dancers who want to learn the slick, dramatic moves of Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos. Master exciting choreography set to the infectious Descendants soundtrack, build performance skills through jazz, hip-hop, and theatrical movement, and develop confidence and character work. The week culminates in a thrilling, costumed performance for friends and family. It’s time to find your wicked side, practice your best smolder, and dance like royalty!

Nevermore Academy: Immersive Summer Mysteries & Mayhem

Where: Civic Theatre
When: June 8-12, 9a-3p (optional 3p-5p after care add-on option available)
Who: Ages 8-18
Teachers: Benji Braswell, Frank Allen & Greyson Villinski
Tuition: $325

Ready to choose your fate? Nevermore Academy invites aspiring outcasts to attend a deeply immersive, fun-filled week inspired by the world of Wednesday Addams! We’re transforming Civic Theatre into the gothic halls of Nevermore Academy, and students won’t just watch the mystery unfold—they’ll BECOME the classic characters and eccentric students who solve it! Choose your clique (Werewolves, Sirens, Gorgons, and more!) based on the unique powers you want to roleplay. Develop your character, use your theatrical skills to solve brand-new mysteries, and participate in daily acting, improv, and character workshops designed to keep you fully in character all week long. This isn’t just camp—it’s an experience!

Defying Gravity Returns! Wicked Musical Theatre Camp

Where: Civic Theatre
When: June 15-19, Morning Session: 9a-12p
Who: Ages 5-10
Teachers: Abby Allen and Heather Hensley
Tuition: $150

By popular demand, our most beloved camp is flying back to the stage! Last summer’s Wicked camp was a smash, and this year we’re bringing even more thrills, more music, and more magic all for the good of aspiring young theatre makers. Journey to the land of Oz and explore the thrilling world of Glinda and Elphaba through singing, dancing, acting, and creative play. Young performers will discover what it means to defy gravity as they learn songs, create characters, and celebrate the magic of musical theatre.

Defying Gravity Returns AGAIN! Wicked Musical Theatre Camp

Where: Civic Theatre
When: June 22-26, Morning Session: 9a-12p
Who: Ages 5-10
Teachers: Abby Allen and Heather Hensley
Tuition: $150

Circle of Life: A Lion King Musical Adventure

Where: Thomas Duncan Hall
When: June 22-26, 1p-4p (Optional Aftercare 4p-5p)
Who: Ages 5-10
Teachers: Benji Braswell and Abby Allen
Tuition: $150

Can you feel the love tonight? Journey to the Pride Lands for an unforgettable week of music, movement, and majesty! Young performers will transform into their favorite Lion King characters through epic animal movements, creative play, and theatrical exploration. Roar like Simba, prowl like Nala, soar like Zazu, and laugh like the hyenas as you learn iconic songs you know and love. From the savanna to Pride Rock, students will develop performance skills, explore character creation, and discover what it means to find your place in the Circle of Life. Hakuna Matata—it’s going to be an amazing adventure!

Out Of The Box!

Where: Grant’s House (M-W); Civic Theatre (R-F)
When: June 22-26, 4:30-6p
Who: Ages 15-22
Teachers: Rachel Wallace, Kyle Brown and Greyson Villinski
Tuition: Free Programming (but registration required)

Out of the Box Theatre” camp features creative performance opportunities to students with diverse learning needs (including, but not limited to autism). “Out of the Box” offers instruction in a broad range of theatre knowledge, including stage position, characterization, teambuilding, and improvisation. Peer student mentors engage participants in various games, exercises, and scene work that is structured around the group’s unique attributes and strengths and culminates in a performance of favorite games and scenes learned at the end of the final day of camp. This program is available to students ages 15-22 (please inquire if interested but outside of this age range!)

Curtain's Up!

CURTAIN’S UP CAMP:
Willy Wonka Jr!

Pure Imagination 4-Week Intensive Camp
Where: Lafayette Jefferson High School
When: June 29 – July 25, 9a-3p (optional 3p-5p after care add-on option available)
Performances: July 24 & 25
Who: Ages 8-18
Teachers: Benji Braswell, Paul Harrison, Katie Pittoukas, Frank Allen, Greyson Villinski
Tuition: $1,000

Step inside a world of pure imagination! This July, young performers are invited to join our intensive four-week production camp to bring the fantastical story of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr. to life on stage! This is our BIGGEST production of the summer, offering students an unparalleled experience in every aspect of musical theatre. Daily rehearsals focus on acting, vocal technique, choreography, and stage presence. Students also get behind-the-scenes skills with opportunities to assist with set painting, prop creation, and costuming. The camp culminates in multiple fully staged, costumed, and technically supported performances that will leave audiences amazed! Don’t miss the magic this summer, it’s time to grab your golden ticket!

PLUS! Oompa Loompa Camp for Little Performers

4-Week Half-Day Camp
Where: Lafayette Jefferson High SChool
When: June 29 – July 25, Morning Session: 9a-12p
Performances: July 24 & 25
Who: Ages 5-7
Teachers: Abby Allen
Tuition: $500

Oompa Loompa doopity doo! Our youngest performers get their own magical camp experience! Join us for half-day sessions throughout the four-week Wonka production where you’ll learn the iconic Oompa Loompa songs and dances, create your own Oompa Loompa character, and join the big kids on stage for the final performances! This camp is perfect for our littlest theatre lovers who want to be part of the show while enjoying a schedule designed just for them. You’ll sing, dance, play theatre games, and steal the show as the beloved Oompa Loompas!

The Call to Adventure: Treasure Island on the Wabash

A Site-Specific Youth Theatre & Wilderness Intensive
Are you ready to trade the spotlight for the sunset?

Where: Civic Theatre and Tapawingo Park
When: July 27-September 6
Performances: September 4-6
Who: Ages 13-18
Teachers: Benji Braswell and Amy Krzton-Presson, Watershed Coordinator of Wabash River Enhancement
Tuition: $375 (Includes professional PFD safety gear, canoe rentals, cast shirt, and 50+ hours of elite training.)

This summer and fall, Civic and Wabash River Enhancement Corporation are joining forces for a theatrical expedition like no other. We aren’t just putting on a play; we are conquering the river. We are looking for a crew of 15 bold young performers to bring Ken Ludwig’s Treasure Island to life—not on a stage, but on the moving waters of the Wabash.

THE EXPERIENCE:

- Master the Water: Go beyond the script. Students will learn the fundamentals of canoeing and water safety on the Wabash, discovering the rhythm of the river before they ever step foot on stage.
- The Floating Stage: Rehearse and perform on a custom floating platform, learning to find your “sea legs” and adapt your acting to the living, breathing environment of the river.
- Cinematic Staging: Master the art of the canoe entrance. From sneaking onto the “Hispaniola” by boat to fleeing mutineers across the water, the river is your set.
- Nature Meets Magic: Perform for a live audience gathered on the beach at sunset. Learn to project your voice over the wind and use the natural landscape of Indiana to tell a story of gold, greed, and guts.

PRODUCTION TIMELINE:

July 27–31 | THE “LAUNCH” WEEK:

Monday, July 27: Parent orientation and auditions

Friday, July 31: The “Wabash Orientation” and initial Canoe Safety Training & Canoe lessons at Tapawingo Park!

AUGUST 3–21 | LAND & WATER REHEARSALS:
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM daily. * Moving from Civic Theatre to the riverbank at Tapawingo Park as students build their “sea legs.”

AUGUST 24–28 | THE EMBARKATION:
Full rehearsals on the floating platform and canoe integration.

AUGUST 31 – SEPT 3 | TECH & DRESS WEEK:
Final sunset rehearsals with full costumes and safety gear.

SEPTEMBER 4–6 | THE PERFORMANCES:
Opening Night: Friday, Sept 4. A Labor Day weekend spectacular for the Lafayette community! All performances begin at 6:30 and are free for the public! Audience seating is on the shore so they can enjoy a sunset view of the play on the water.

Thank you to our Education Sponsors!