Near West Theatre Summer Camp

Under the leadership of trained teaching artists, students will work collaboratively to learn theatrical skills, build confidence, and find their voice! Campers will explore storytelling through acting, singing, and dancing, while developing and rehearsing an original performance piece. This intensive arts program will culminate in a final showcase for family and friends.

Near West Theatre 2026 Summer Camp

Ages: 8–13
Program Type: Fee-based (scholarships available)

2026 Summer Camp Sessions
Summer camp runs Monday through Friday, with a final showcase on the last Friday. Due to the collaborative nature of working as an ensemble to develop and rehearse an original piece, campers are expected to attend the full two-week session. Each camp will have a new theme and content. Campers are encouraged to sign up for more than one session if they wish!

SUMMER CAMP DETAILS

Summer Camp Sessions

Session 1: June 15–26, 2026
Session 2: July 20–31, 2026
Session 3: August 3–14, 2026

Daily Camp Schedule: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

8:00am - 8:45am – Optional Before-care ($30/week)
8:45am - 9:00am – Drop off
9:00am - 3:00pm – Camp Programming
3:00pm - 3:15pm – Pick up
3:15pm - 4:00pm – Optional After-care ($30/week)

Daily Camp Activities

Acting, singing, and dancing rotations
Group exercises and ensemble-building
Rehearsals for the final showcase
Snack and lunch breaks

Camp Tuition

$250 per week
$500 total per two-week session
Tuition includes a camp t-shirt
Limited scholarships are available, please see below for application information

Extended Care

Drop off starts at 8am and pick up ends at 4pm
$30/week for before-care
$30/week for after-care
Families may opt into one or both weeks
Before and/or after care must be purchased at the time of registration. If a student is onsite outside of designated drop-off or pick-up times, families may be charged $30 for that week’s before and/or after care.

Deposit & Payment Policy

Families may choose to place a $50 deposit to temporarily reserve a camper’s spot
The remaining $450 balance must be paid by March 31, 2026.
Beginning April 1, 2026, families with unpaid balances may lose their spot to those on the waitlist.

Refund Policy

Full refund if requested by April 30
50% refund for cancellations made between May 1 and May 31
No refunds will be issued on or after June 1

Scholarships

Scholarships for Summer 2026 are available on a first-come, first-served basis for qualifying families.
Families that fall below Federal Poverty Guidelines or are eligible for free lunch qualify for full tuition scholarships
Families eligible for reduced-price meals qualify for a 50% tuition scholarship
Scholarships apply to camp tuition only (not before or after-care)

To apply, families must email proof of household income documentation to Dani Schmaltz at dschmaltz@nearwesttheatre.org. Families will be notified once applications are reviewed.

FAQ

Is there a waitlist?
Yes. Registration is processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with capacity for up to 60 campers per week. Families will receive a confirmation email once their spot is secured. After capacity is reached, additional families will have the option of being added to a waitlist. Waitlist outreach begins April 1, 2026 as spots become available.

Does camp provide lunch?
Students are responsible for bringing their lunch and beverages each day. We do not have a refrigerator/microwave available for use, so please be mindful of the items and storage of your camper’s lunch. Near West Theatre will provide daily snacks for all students, and campers are welcome to pack a preferred or supplemental snack. Students are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle to refill using our on-site water fountain.

I have more questions, who can I talk to?
More information will be sent to registered families as we get closer to the summer. Contact Dani Schmaltz at dschmaltz@nearwesttheatre.org with any immediate questions or concerns.

NWT Summer Camp