Summer Camp
McCarter’s Summer Theater Camp: Where Creativity Takes Center Stage!
In each exciting camp session, campers at McCarter’s Summer Camp will embark on an unforgettable journey of creating and performing an original play—completely from scratch! With the guidance of experienced teaching artists, students will work together with their campmates to bring their ideas to life—creating a story, developing original characters and dialogue, and rehearsing it all for an exciting final performance.
Each week, campers will be inspired by a brand-new theme that sparks their creativity and drives the collaborative process. They’ll collectively interpret the theme, explore storytelling, and work together to produce a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. Whether developing scenes, brainstorming characters, or rehearsing, students will experience the excitement of teamwork, imagination, and performance.
Beyond the stage, campers will gain valuable life skills:
Confidence Building: Watch their original ideas come to life and be celebrated by peers and audiences.
Public Speaking: Learn to speak clearly, passionately, and confidently in front of others.
Creative Problem-Solving: Trust their instincts and contribute meaningful ideas to a group project.
Friendship & Fun: Build lasting friendships and share unforgettable memories.
Every two-week session is unique, so students can join for one session—or all of them—for an entirely new experience every time. McCarter’s Summer Camp isn’t just a theater intensive; it’s so much fun and the perfect opportunity for kids to explore their creativity, find their voice, and shine!
Come watch your child take center stage!
Players - Ages 6-7
Company - Ages 8-9
Troupe - Ages 10-11
Performers - Ages 12-15
Ensemble - Ages 13-17
FAQs
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Online registration will begin on January 16th for all 2025 Summer Camp programs.
Registration is online only—no phone, email, or mail applications are accepted.
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Camp runs Monday – Friday in five sessions:
Session 1: June 23-27 (One-Week Intensive)
Session 2: July 7 – 18
Session 3: July 21 – August 1
Session 4: August 4 - 15
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Each camp generally serves between 10-17 children, with two primary teaching artists overseeing the camps.
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Camp will take place at the McCarter Theatre Center and on Princeton University’s campus.
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Need-based scholarships and financial assistance are available to qualifying families. Click here and complete the application. Please email your materials to classes@mccarter.org. A McCarter representative will reach out to you with the following steps once we've received your materials.
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Yes. All camps will culminate in a final informal sharing for invited guests.
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To receive a full refund, you must notify us by email (classes@mccarter.org) at least two weeks before the start of the camp session. Refunds will not be issued past that deadline.
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Payment is due at the time of registration. We are unable to offer payment plans at this time, but information about scholarships and financial assistance is listed below.
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The lunch break will take place from 12-1 p.m. each day. Campers should bring a bagged lunch and a snack that does not require refrigeration or heating.
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Camps will take place indoors in large rehearsal rooms. A layering sweatshirt is encouraged as the room temperature varies throughout the day. Sunscreen and bug spray should be applied before arriving at camp, as lunch/snack will generally take place outdoors when the weather permits. If your child needs to bring medication, please contact classes@mccarter.org to discuss the details.
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Drop-off and pick-up for camp takes place at 8:50-9:00 am and 3:00-3:10 pm.
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No, we are not offerings these services this summer.
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A Lead Teaching Artist and an Assistant Teaching Artist will teach each camp. All Teaching Artists have experience working with young students and are exceptional artists and educators. Additionally, all summer camp staff has successfully completed a criminal background check.