Beware of Ogres and Pirates!! MASCOTarts Summer Camps 2026 Registering Now!
Contributed by Elizabeth Stout
Last summer was a big milestone for us at MASCOTarts. For the first time, we held our summer camp production at the Glenn Massay Theater, bringing You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown to the big stage. What happened next honestly blew us away: the performance sold out, the audience packed the theatre, and our campers walked away with new confidence, new friendships, and a real sense of belonging.
More than anything, we watched kids find their people and their space. And that’s exactly the experience we want to grow this summer.
In June, we’re heading back to the Massay Theater with Shrek Jr., our musical theatre and technical theatre camp for students ages 11–18. Camp runs the second and third weeks of June, with performances June 19 and 20, all held at the Glenn Massay Theatre.
Every acting camper will be cast in the show, so everyone gets a chance to shine onstage. To help things run smoothly, we’ll hold auditions for lead roles before camp starts so those performers can begin memorizing lines and music early. That way, once camp begins, we can spend our time building characters, strengthening the ensemble, and making the show the best it can be.
But theatre magic doesn’t only happen onstage. This year we’re expanding opportunities behind the scenes with two technical theatre camps happening alongside Shrek Jr. Tech one is perfect for students who want to learn the basics of backstage production, from sets and props to how a show runs during performance. This year, we are adding tech two, which gives more experienced students the chance to take on bigger responsibilities and dig deeper into production skills.
Later in the summer, younger performers will get their own adventure with How I Became a Pirate Younger Part, our camp for kids ages 6–13. Running for two weeks in mid-July, this fun, high-energy show introduces younger students to theatre through storytelling, teamwork, music, and movement. Final dates and location will be announced soon.
What really makes MASCOTarts camps different, though, is how we approach the experience. This camp isn’t just a fun time culminating in a performance. We take time to teach. Campers learn acting skills, teamwork, responsibility, and how a production comes together. They learn how to support each other and work toward something bigger than themselves. And sometimes, that becomes something transformative. For many kids, theatre becomes the place where they feel like they truly belong.
Last year showed us what’s possible. This summer, with a bigger cast and expanded technical opportunities, we’re excited to welcome even more campers into that experience.
Whether a student wants to be onstage, backstage, or is just curious about trying something new, there’s a place for them here. And we can’t wait to see what we create together this summer.
Registration is open now at MASCOTarts.org.