Get ready to play, imagine, and perform. Try fun acting games, make up your own short scenes, and explore silly or serious ideas in a safe, happy place. You’ll work with friends, practice thinking fast, and have tons of chances to grow your creativity and confidence while laughing a lot along the way.

Step into the spotlight and explore iconic Broadway musicals—from classics like The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins to modern hits like Matilda, Wicked, and High School Musical. Sing solos, belt out group numbers, learn fun choreography, and create crafts inspired by each show. Get ready for some “wicked” fun as you “step in time” and become “revolting children” in your Broadway debut!

Do you endeavor for the clever, have a knack for wisecracks, or possess a know-how for the lowbrow? Then join us to learn the basics of comedy, craft your own jokes, master storytelling, sharpen your puns, and create hilarious characters. Whether you’re a natural comedian or just love making people laugh, come experiment with your ideas, build your confidence, and develop your own comedy routine. Share your random thoughts and creative quirks in a supportive, inclusive atmosphere where everyone’s brand of comedy is welcome.

Ignite your creativity through singing, acting, and dancing. Explore your favorite musicals by writing reviews, reimagining scenes, and asking “what if?” Warm up your voice, practice projection, and work on choreography. Play fun theater games, create group skits, and step into the spotlight. Every day brings a new way to grow as a performer.

Bring your favorite musicals to life through a mix of dance styles. Learn choreography inspired by Broadway shows and movie musicals from different genres and eras, such as Matilda, Anastasia, and High School Musical. Strengthen your skills with warm-ups focused on foundational ballet and jazz techniques, then explore creative movement and storytelling through improv and choreography games.

Explore the musical journeys and cultural impacts of some of today’s most influential pop princesses, from Taylor Swift’s storytelling prowess to Beyoncé’s powerhouse performances, Olivia Rodrigo’s raw emotional depth, and Sabrina Carpenter’s catchy relatable lyrics. We will also highlight rising stars like Tate McRae and Gracie Abrams. Through engaging discussions, multimedia presentations, plenty of singing and dancing, and creative projects like designing album covers and creating fan art, we’ll shine like pop stars while celebrating the queens of contemporary music.

“You’re gonna be pop-u-lar!” Step into the magical world of Wicked as we listen to the hit Broadway soundtrack, explore the captivating storyline, and debate the ultimate question: Who is truly wicked—Elphaba or Glinda? We’ll talk about our favorite songs, share insights about the characters, and dive into the show’s powerful themes. Projects include designing costume sketches, singing karaoke hits, hosting a Glinda vs. Elphaba debate, and making friendship bracelets. Get ready for a musical adventure that will “defy gravity!”

Dive into the history of rock music, explore iconic bands and legendary songs, and discover what makes music so powerful. You’ll form a band with your classmates and use the Wii “Rock Band” equipment to perform some of the greatest hits of all time. Everyone will get a chance to try out guitar, bass, drums, and vocals while developing essential musical skills. Collaboration and teamwork will be key as you work together to tackle challenges, get hands-on performance experience, and expand your appreciation for the true spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.

Step into the world of improv and see what you can create. Jump into high-energy games and collaborative scenes that challenge you to think on your feet, listen closely, and react in the moment. Take risks, make bold choices, and work with your group to build teamwork, creativity, and lots of laughs in a fun, supportive space.

Grades 3-4: Here is an excellent opportunity to continue playing your string instrument during the summer months. Together, we will learn new techniques and perform a variety of fun music. For children who have participated in the first year of the APS string program or who have had at least 10-12 lessons using the first book of Essential Elements for Strings or the Suzuki method. Grades 5-10: We will form small chamber groups as well as play together as an orchestra to explore music from classical, pop, and jazz or create new compositions of our own. For musicians with more than two years of playing experience. Please note: You must bring your own instrument, please let us know if that is a problem!

Explore three styles of dance: jazz, tap, and hip hop. We’ll learn the key steps of each style and then put them together into short combos. Play dancing games and choreograph your own combo to teach to your friends. Discover the unique rhythms and energy of each style while expressing your creativity and having tons of fun. Please note: Wear sneakers for hip hop, socks or jazz shoes for jazz, and tap shoes if you have them.

Jeté your way through this week that’s all about dance. The primary focus will be on ballet, but we will also try modern, contemporary, and jazz, and do yoga stretches. We’ll also get inspired by famous dancers through listening to stories and doing crafts such as wire dancer sculptures and paper dolls with layered tutus. Learn short routines and collaborate with your classmates to choreograph your own.

How would Cinderella go to the ball if the fairy godmother never appeared, and what would her sisters do? We’ll create and collaborate as an ensemble as we reimagine our own versions of classic tale-as-old-as-time stories. Learn what a good story needs, practice creating interesting characters, and play theater games. We’ll make our own costumes, props, and set pieces out of recycled materials we find at home to bring to life our remixed tales.

Discover what it takes to turn a story on the page into a play on the stage. Let’s explore what makes a good story and work together as an ensemble to bring some of our favorite stories to life. We’ll practice writing dialogue, create interesting characters with our bodies and voices, and play theater games. Then we’ll set the scene by making our own costumes, props, and set pieces.

Rehearse and present a fully staged theater production in just two weeks! This full-day program for acting and singing enthusiasts will be led by the Ottoson Middle School drama team. Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in The Little Mermaid JR., adapted from Disney’s Broadway production and the motion picture, and based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories. Get a taste of performing or grow your talent and confidence in a supportive and creative environment. This program will culminate with an evening performance that will be open to the public on August 14. Info Session/Audition Workshop: Find out more about this program and learn how to put your best foot forward in an audition. Parents may join the information session at 7:15 pm. Info Session: Tuesday, June 2, 6:00-7:30 pm Auditions: Acting and singing auditions will be held in June for those who want to be considered for a speaking or featured role. This is a no-cuts program. If you choose not to audition, you will be placed in the ensemble. Auditions: Monday, June 2 or Tuesday, June 3