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Drama camps near you

Acting schools and summer acting programs offer an oft-intensive, structured environment where kids bitten by the acting bug a get a deep glimpse into the world of theatre production, film production (including special effects), and related environments. Many of Canada’s largest cities are home to superior theatre arts and acting camps. Find your city below and find (at the top of the linked list) a list of dedicated acting camps near you or (further down the list) camps that offer some acting activities peppered in amongst other curriculum.

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Other ways to appease your acting bug

Camps come in a variety of forms and formats, and there are different ways to develop drama skills or otherwise immerse yourself in acting instruction.

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Related camps

It’s admirably bold to venture into the world of acting. For kids and teens passionate about performance excellence, camps focused on related interests can further develop your acting skills while also encouraging personal development in other areas. Arts camps and other types below encourage creativity and growth in closely-related interests. 

Music camps for kids let you explore your interest in music training and the discipline that goes with this. It’s artistically healthy to explore and expand your creative repertoire at kids and teens music camps. Our Kids also lists many after school music programs.  

Kids’ dance classes and camps improve your physical discipline, help you acquire experience in choreography, and expand your artistic awareness. This disciplined art form often paired with acting in fields like musical theatre, or in film musicals. You may also be interested in distinct forms of dance taught in ballet camps and classes, and even more specialized forms in Hip hop classes  or jazz dance programs.

Performing arts camps combine acting with similar forms of expression like those listed above. 

Visual arts kids’ camps tap deeper into the creative side of your brain. 

Filmmaking camps offer instruction in film direction, production, and cinematography, among other things.

Songwriting camps offer instruction in musical theory, software notation, lyrics, composition, and more.

Benefits of acting classes and camps, and implications for career development

It’s wonderful to encourage kids to pursue their passions. It’s also helpful to note that things kids learn in acting camps will affect their personal development and be useful in pursuits aside from acting. Here’s a look at some noteworthy benefits of drama camp and skills developed there: 

Empathy development. Kids at drama camp are given instruction in creation and development. They step into another person’s mind, with implications for improving their understanding of both others and themselves. Drama programs are among camps that promote emotional intelligence. 

Presentation skills and confidence. Performing in front of others gives kids courage and self-confidence. They learn how to hold an audience’s attention, and speak clearly and passionately. 

Collaboration and teamwork. Theater and other forms of acting require kids and teens to work together with others, choreograph moves, encourage each other and play off each other. It’s a natural way to develop and deepen many social skills including cooperation and respect for others. They develop generosity, patience, and so much more. The experience may be every bit as helpful for kids’ leadership development as leadership camps or social justice camps. 

Creative thinking. Acting encourages you to look at the world from different perspectives. After a week at drama camp, kids will certainly be more inclined to think outside the box.

Personal and academic discipline. The discipline instilled by drama camps is multifold. Camps follow a structured workday, for starters. Students must listen to directors and follow stage blocking instructions. Memorization skills are tested. Rehearsals require preparation and students learn how others rely on them.

Professional training. Of course, a number of acting camps listed at ourkids.net feature professional stage and screen actors as instructors. Kids and teens here learn camera presentation, staging and blocking. A number of professionally run kids' acting camps also instruct in ancillary matters like auditioning techniques and professional decorum.

Culmination in competitive fun. As part of the overall theatre experience, campers are often involved in a live stage performance or the creation of a film production, as part of the acting camp's programming.

There are many general benefits of time kids spend at any camp. 

Find the right drama camp for your child

Not all drama camps are the same. It’s a good idea to explore a variety of options around you, and try out different camps from the list above.

When choosing a drama camp, consider your child’s other interests and any particular needs, plus factors such as location and cost. Would your child prefer a day or overnight camp? What other activities are they interested in that the camp can help expose them to?

More specific questions for parents can include:

• What sort of facilities and equipment are available for campers to use?
• How does the venue and setting compare to other drama camps near you?
• How does this drama program compare to others like it?
• What particular sessions or workshops are offered to help children develop aspects of acting such as blocking, stage acting, voice performance, etc.?
• What are the qualifications and professional experience of instructors, acting coaches, vocal coaches and others?
• What sort of professional actors visit the camp and how long do they visit with the campers?
• Is any school credit offered?
• What are the expectations and goals of the camp session? Are there any measurable outcomes? 

Sources and further reading

14 Ways Acting Is Beneficial for Kids and Teens

11 Important Benefits of Drama

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Acting & drama camps are there?
There are 18 programs specializing in Performing Arts (multi). In addition, there are 12 programs offering performing arts (multi) as an activity. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.

What are the fees to attend Acting & drama camps?
Fees for Acting & drama camps range from $31 to $2,250 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Acting & drama camps start at?
There are programs available for children aged 4 through 19.

Where can parents meet with Acting & drama camps?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.