Summer Theater Camps & Events

• Grades are based on the grade student will enter in the fall.
• Camps can fill very quickly. Class size is limited to keep the classes enjoyable for each child and maintain a proper teacher/student ratio.
• Payment must be completed at the time of registration to reserve your spot.
• We want theater opportunities to be accessible to all. Partial-scholarship assistance is available for those who may need help covering the participation fee. Contact education@storytheatercompany.org for details and to request a scholarship form.
• Review STC’s Cancellation & Refund Policy
• Review STC’s Summer Camp Registration FAQ

Questions? Contact STC’s Education Director: education@storytheatercompany.org

Drama Exploration: Session A
With a focus on creative exploration, we’ll play with theater, music, and crafts in the spirit of the story A Squash and a Squeeze by Julia Donaldson.

This camp includes a brief sharing time for parents at 11:30 am on Friday.

*This curriculum is identical to Drama Exploration: Session B, so we recommend only registering for one or the other.

Drama Exploration: Session B
With a focus on creative exploration, we’ll play with theater, music, and crafts in the spirit of the story A Squash and a Squeeze by Julia Donaldson.

This camp includes a brief sharing time for parents at 3:30 pm on Friday.

*This curriculum is identical to Drama Exploration: Session A, so we recommend only registering for one or the other.

Playful Performers: Session A
Let’s put on a play! Using the book Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins, we will create our characters and act out a story. We will also explore costumes, props, and set in preparation for our family showcase at the end.

This camp includes a short performance time for parents at 10:30am on Wednesday.

*This curriculum is identical to Playful Performers: Session B (the storybook being the only difference), so we recommend only registering for one or the other.

Story Creation Experience
In this half-day camp, we will explore topics like improv, plot building, and character work to create stories from scratch. We’ll write down ideas, act things out, and perform a series of original short works at the end of Friday’s session. This session is a unique outlet for your theatrical creativity!

This camp includes a brief sharing time for parents at 4:30 pm on Friday.

Dreams: Intro to Musical Theater
In this camp, students will learn the beginnings of musical theater acting, dancing, and singing. Exploring songs based around the theme of Dreams, students will work together to rehearse and perform exciting ensemble pieces. No previous experience necessary!

This camp includes a showcase for family at 3:30pm on Friday.

Sticks & Stories: Playful Poetry
Get ready to flex your imagination! In this camp, we will explore basic acting and staging techniques while working together to produce a play out of poems from Marilyn Singer’s A Stick is an Excellent Thing.

This camp includes a performance of Descendants Jr. on the 26th and sharing time for parents and friends at 3:30 pm on Friday.

Playful Performers: Session B
Let’s put on a play! Using the book The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle , we will create our characters and act out a story. We will also explore costumes, props, and set in preparation for our family showcase at the end.

This camp includes a short performance time for parents at 10:30am on Wednesday.

*This curriculum is identical to Playful Performers: Session A (the storybook being the only difference), so we recommend only registering for one or the other.

Behind the Curtain: Design & Create
Step into the world of theater design! In this hands-on workshop, students will explore the exciting behind-the-scenes process of bringing a play to life. Each day, they will work in groups to design and create different elements of a production, including costumes, props, and set design. From sketching ideas to building and assembling, kids will unleash their creativity and teamwork skills! At the end of the workshop, the students will showcase their designs and projects!

Sharing Time is on Wednesday at 4:30pm.

Make a Scene!
Join us in telling The Real Deal by Cathleen Freedman! In this camp, we’ll build our creative performance skills while learning about plot, character, theme, and staging.

This camp includes a brief sharing time for parents at 3:30 on Friday.

*This play is from Drama Notebook’s script library.

One-Act Wonder
Put your skills to the test (or come to learn some new ones!). Everyone works together to produce one play in only one week! The week will begin with a vote on which of two scripts to produce, and from there we move rapid-fire through blocking, lights, sound, costumes, props, etc.

This camp includes a performance for families at 5:00pm on Saturday.

Whodunit?
“The detectives may not know who the killer is but the audience knows. An announcer gives them the real facts. Following that, there’s the fun of watching the experts—and the amateur—as they struggle to solve the dire murder. Is it the butler? Is it Grandma? It just couldn’t be sweet Alice! The wind howls, lights flicker and bloodcurdling screams are heard … some shore done it!”

Designed for middle schoolers of every experience level, this camp will dive into topics like acting techniques, script analysis and character development. The week will culminate with a performance of Whodunit? by Anne Coulter Martens.

This camp includes a showcase for parents and friends at 5:30 on Friday.

Musical Theater Mashup
Acting and singing skills go hand-in-hand on this musical journey! Each student will get to participate in ensemble and solo pieces, and we will work together to combine them into a single story.

This camp includes a showcase at Harvest Vineyard at 5:30pm on Friday.

Winnie the Pooh KIDS: Session A

“Welcome to the Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh is once again in search of honey. Along the way, he meets his pals, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit and Owl, but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by the mysterious Backson! As they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship and, of course… sharing snacks.”

This week will provide a fast-paced, fun education in musical theater (singing, dancing, and acting) while we work to stage this 30-minute musical.

This camp includes a Saturday (August 2) rehearsal session at the Ames Public Library with a performance at 2:00 PM.

Winnie the Pooh KIDS: Session B

“Welcome to the Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh is once again in search of honey. Along the way, he meets his pals, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit and Owl, but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by the mysterious Backson! As they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship and, of course… sharing snacks.”

This week will provide a fast-paced, fun education in musical theater (singing, dancing, and acting) while we work to stage this 30-minute musical.

This camp includes a Saturday (August 9) rehearsal session at the Ames Public Library with a performance at 2:00 PM.

Skit Extravaganza: Session A
This camp will explore basic acting and staging techniques along with games and crafts. At the end, we’ll perform a play composed of several silly skits!

Family Showcase on Friday at 11:30am.

*This curriculum is identical to Skit Extravaganza: Session B, so we recommend only registering for one or the other.

Skit Extravaganza: Session B
This camp will explore basic acting and staging techniques along with games and crafts. At the end, we’ll perform a play composed of several silly skits!

Family Showcase on Friday at 3:30pm.

*This curriculum is identical to Skit Extravaganza: Session A, so we recommend only registering for one or the other.

TRAPPED! at STC
Do you wish you never had to leave STC? Well now you won’t be able to… until Midnight.
But don’t worry! We’ll keep you busy with an escape room, games, karaoke, choreography, and more! We know you may miss your friends during the summer, so let’s get together and have a good time!

Group activities will be mandatory with some individual choice activities available later in the evening.

This will include snacks.

Tween Mystery Party: Wizard of Oz Murder
“When the tornado dropped Dorothy and Toto in the Wonderful Land of Oz, no one stopped to question how the house landed right on top of the Wicked Witch of the East! After Dorothy returned to Oz however, an inquiry was launched, and it was determined that the East Witch’s death was PREMEDITATED! The suspects have been identified and, with varying degrees of magic, returned to the Land of Oz for the investigation to take place. Who orchestrated the death of the East Witch under Dorothy’s house that fateful day? All your favorite characters from the classic book have returned, and it’s up to the suspects and investigators to determine who had the motive, means and opportunity to commit murder in the Land of Oz!”

Teen Mystery Party: Wizard of Oz Murder
“When the tornado dropped Dorothy and Toto in the Wonderful Land of Oz, no one stopped to question how the house landed right on top of the Wicked Witch of the East! After Dorothy returned to Oz however, an inquiry was launched, and it was determined that the East Witch’s death was PREMEDITATED! The suspects have been identified and, with varying degrees of magic, returned to the Land of Oz for the investigation to take place. Who orchestrated the death of the East Witch under Dorothy’s house that fateful day? All your favorite characters from the classic book have returned, and it’s up to the suspects and investigators to determine who had the motive, means and opportunity to commit murder in the Land of Oz!”

STC Variety Show
Are you a young artist with a passion for performing? Whether you sing, dance, act, or have a unique talent to showcase, STC’s Variety Show is your opportunity to shine!

Join us on June 24th for auditions, where talented individuals aged 7-18 can present their act of choice. After auditions, selected performers will be invited to join our official lineup for the Variety Show. Each participant will receive a special practice lesson with a skilled instructor to fine-tune and elevate their act, ensuring they’re ready for the performance!

The spotlight will be on you on August 16th at 7:00pm, as we host an exciting outdoor performance.

*We’re looking for a range of family-friendly acts: solo and group acts! Acts should be between 1 and 5 minutes long. For auditions, the acts don’t need to be completely polished, but you should be able to share a clear idea of your act- whether that’s performing a short section, explaining your concept, or showing key parts of it.