Attention all dancers, designers, singers, actors and artisans- summer is your chance to shine. We love these specialty programs perfect for those looking to hone their craft over summer break.
Bergen PAC Summer Arts Program: The brand new summer program will take advantage of Bergen PAC’s new education facility, located right outside the theater. Now with soundproofed music rooms and dance spaces available under one roof, the school will offer programs in Performing Arts, Summer Musical, Dance Intensive, JCC Summer Performance Intensive, and Open Dance Classes. (1 Depot Sq. Englewood, (201) 482-8373, July and August Session, 9am to 4pm, ages 5 -12)
One River School: It’s like walking into a Soho gallery at this loft-like space in Englewood which plays host to a full roster of art and digital design classes for kids as young as kindergarten and as old as 12th grade. Experienced artists, designers and craftsmen gather here to work with kids for half and full day sessions in everything from drawing, painting and sculpture (their popular Art Rocks program) to web design, digital animation and fashion design. Mini Picassos gain additional inspiration from the lobby gallery which showcases up and coming artists’ works. (49 N. Dean St. Englewood, (201) 266-5244, Camp runs from 6/16 to 8/29, half and full day sessions available, $325/ weekly half-day session)
NJ PAC Young Artist Summer Intensive and other Expert Workshops Wannabe performers and musicians ages 10 and up can choose from their general YASI program or choose expert courses like the Hip Hop Institute and Singer/Songwriter Workshop. Many courses are taught by top talent “names” in the fields of music and dance which gets campers excited to learn. NJPAC also offers their Second City program which trains students in Improv and Comedy and also hosts an additional class catering to kids with special needs. (1 Center St. Newark, 888-466-5722, programs run on specific dates, prices vary)
Cresskill Performing Arts: Perfect for the kid in the house who won’t stop singing “Let it Go” (still) to the little one who spends hours a day building lego towers. With their April Break Performing Arts Mini Camp, to their more intensive Summer Programs, to their Lego Workshop and Fencing Camp, you’ll find the perfect program for every body in the fam. (300 Knickerbocker Road, Suite 1100 Cresskill, 201-390-7513, sign up for a camp program, mention Bergen Mama, receive a 10% discount (value up to $42.50))
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades has stepped up their Dance and Drama Camps for kids looking to get some real on stage performance or dance experience. Broadway bound kids can choose from the Center Stage Musical Theater Camp (kids ages 4-9) which provides young actors a high level experience that culminates in a Broadway style musical or the BergenPAC-JCC Summer Performance Intensive (kids ages 9-17) directed by Joseph A. Baker who coaches and accompanies Broadway stars. Campers in this program will hone their skills at Bergen PAC’s theater, learn from experienced Broadway star guest teachers and finish off their day swimming at the JCC outdoor pool. The program will culminate with cabaret-style show at a NYC Theater. (interview/audition required). Attn: Dancers young and older, kids ages 3-5 can point their toes at Little Dancers’ Camp! which includes a fun filled day of dance and camp activities while more experienced dancers ages 6-16 can enjoy the Summer Dance Intensive which teaches dance technique in all dance types by experienced dancers and choreographers and culminates in a live performance at summers end. (Mon-Thurs, Aug 17-27, 10:30 am-3 pm)
Studio L Dance: Studio L’s summer program includes 2-3 hour session classes like Pirouette Camp for little twirlers and Hip Hop, Acro/Tumble and Performing Arts Camp for more experienced dancers through age 18. (4 North St #400, Waldwick, (201) 444-3205, June 23rd to Aug 15th, prices start at $250 per class for a summer session, check schedule for times)
School of Rock: Kids will literally rock out when they attend one of School of Rock’s week long camp sessions which include daily rehearsals, logo and poster design, and intensive songwriting and performances. (Tenafly or Waldwick locations, July 7th through August 29th, prices start at $550 for a one week session, 9:30 to 3pm, all ages and skill levels)
Stage Left Theater: If your kid gets their kicks from being on stage- they’ll love Stage Left’s summer programs. Choose one or all of the four summer productions- including some classics and watch your budding actor come to life on stage. (production camps run from June 29th through July, starting at $700/production, 131 N. Midland Ave, Nyack, NY, (845) 365-9000)
