New York has more performing arts camps than any other state.
There are many performing arts camps for kids in New York. Some of these camps are geared toward children who are hobbyists, other camps are intended as preparatory programs for children who will be applying to post-secondary performing arts programs or pursuing a career in the arts. Performing arts camps may offer instruction in dance, music (either instrumental or vocal), acting or a combination of several disciplines. Some camps also offer a strong performing arts program in conjunction with other traditional summer camp activities, which is especially appropriate for children who enjoy the performing arts but would benefit from a program that offers other enrichment opportunities as well.
New York City
New York City has more performing arts summer programs than any other area of New York. Most of these programs offer music, dance and drama, such as CAP 21, a division of the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. This summer program accepts high school students interested in pursuing a career in the theater. Another option is the School of Cinema and Performing Arts located in Greenwich Village, which is geared for students ages 13 to 19. The Theater Arts Center of New York at Queensborough Community College offers diverse theater training for students ages 7 to 19.
The Catskills
The Catskills is home to a variety of summer camps, including the famed Stage Door Manor. Stage Door Manor is a performing arts camp for children ages 10 to 18. It offers a diverse program of music, jazz, tap, directing, lighting design, choreography, acting for television and film, set decoration and costume design. French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts is located in the Catskills as well, and offers training in traditional performing arts subjects. In addition to those subjects, French Woods also runs magic, circus skills and rock and roll camps.
Long Island
Just a short train ride from Manhattan, Long Island boasts a variety of theater programs for children. Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts is located in Wheatley Heights and offers a full theater program, as well as daily swimming. Hofstra University theater camp of Hempstead is designed for children as young as second grade and is a complete musical theater immersion program. Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts in Merrick welcomes children from ages 6 to 17 and performs a full-scale production each summer.
Upstate New York
Ithaca College offers a summer program that includes theater training as well as academic subjects. Syracuse University runs a four-week theater-intensive camp, which includes music, dance and drama. Brant Lake Dance Camp and Long Lake Camp are both located in the Adirondack region of upstate New York. Brant Lake is a girls-only camp that focuses on many dance styles, and does not require an audition to attend. Long Lake is a diverse theater program which combines traditional focuses with subjects such as circus performing and rock music.
