Is your child creative and loves anything theater-related? Then, check out these summer theater camps in Chicagoland where they can learn new performance techniques and what goes on behind the scenes.
These summer camps fill up fast. Be sure to register ahead of time. Prices and locations are subject to change. Many camps offer early-bird and sibling discounts; make sure to inquire when booking.
Looking for more summer camps? Check out our ultimate guide to find the best summer camps for Chicagoland kids.
Featured summer theater camps in Chicagoland
In this section, Chicago Parent’s advertising partners share their top summer camp offerings.
Bennett Day Camp
June 23-Aug. 15, 2025
- Address: 955 W. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Phone: 312-236-6388
- Cost: $535-$650 ages 4-10; $150- $725 rising 5th-9th graders
- Best for ages: 4-14
Calling all happy campers! Bennett Day Camp offers an enriching summer experience for kids ages 4-14, fostering self-identity, leadership, and adventure. Campers ages 4-10 start their day with enrichment classes led by Bennett faculty and local experts, featuring activities like Jewelry Making, Basketball Basics, Creative Writing and Slimy Science. The fun continues with music, crafts, games, and outdoor play.
Rising 5th-9th graders can join their Counselor in Training (CIT) Program or explore sports and specialty camps, building leadership skills and learning from experienced mentors. Learn more in their Summer 2025 Camp Guide.
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
Two-week sessions from June 25-Aug. 17, 2025
- Address: 300 E. Crystal Lake Road, Twin Lake, Mich.
- Phone: 800-221-3796
- Cost: $1,780 – $1880 (varies depending on major; significant scholarships available for motivated students; discounts for siblings, Session 4, and those enrolling in more than one session)
- Best for ages: 11-18
Celebrating 60 years, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp offers immersive two-week summer programs for Grades 5-12 in music, art, theater, dance and writing. Located in West Michigan, Blue Lake provides an inspiring environment where students of all skill levels grow artistically and personally. Days include expert instruction, recreation and evening performances. Campers stay in rustic cabins, forming lasting friendships.
With a dedicated faculty of arts professionals and no audition requirements, Blue Lake ensures accessibility through scholarships based on merit and financial need. Join 4,000 young artists each summer for a transformative experience filled with creativity, achievement and traditional camp fun.
Merit School of Music Summer Camps
1-week and 2-week camps throughout June and July, see website for details
- Address: 38 S. Peoria St., Chicago
- Phone: 312-786-9428
- Cost: Cost varies, see website for details
- Best for ages: 6-18
Turn up the music this summer with Merit School of Music’s line-up of camps and classes! With options for all ages, instruments and experience levels (including absolute beginners!), summer at Merit is a great way for kids and teens to stay social and creative while school is out.
Your child will have the chance to study with some of the best music educators in the region while having fun and making friends with young music lovers from across Chicagoland. Merit’s summer 2025 music camps include Music Discovery Camp (6-8 years, July 21-25) and Camp Merit (8-16 years, July 14-25), as well as one-week instrument-specific camps.
Merry Music Makers Summer Camps: It’s Showtime!
June 23-27, July 14-18, July 28-Aug. 1, Aug. 11-15, 2025
- Address: LYRIQ Music School, 1909 W. Byron Ave., Chicago
- Phone:773-270-8284
- Cost: $475
- Best for ages: 10-14
Unleash your talent, learn from the pros and shine on the stage, all at It’s Showtime camp. This full-day camp, held at LYRIQ Music School, 1909 W. Byron Ave. location, combines the best parts of theater and musicals into a week jam-packed with fun. Led by industry professionals, campers work on scenes, vocal technique and choreography culminating in an end of camp performance for friends and family.
CircEsteem Circus Camp
June 16-Aug. 22, 2025
- Address: 4730 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago
- Phone: 773-732-4564
- Cost: Varies, see website for details
- Best for ages: 6-16
CircEsteem Summer Circus Camp is a fun, supportive space where kids build confidence, teamwork and physical skills through the Circus Arts. Campers explore aerial silks, trapeze, tightwire, tumbling, clowning, juggling, stilts and more, with a unique theme each week.
Days include games, songs, arts and crafts, and outdoor play (weather permitting). At week’s end, campers showcase their newfound talents in a Show Off performance for family and friends. No need to run away—join the circus for a summer of adventure, creativity and self-discovery at CircEsteem!
FACETS Film Camps
June-August 2025
- Address: 1517 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago
- Phone: 773-281-9075
- Cost: $275-$800, including 15% off for FACETS Members
- Best for ages: 5-17
Get creative this summer with Film Camps for all ages and skill levels! Chicago’s legendary film forum and education center, FACETS, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, offers 5+ films camps. With Film Camps for all ages, FACETS has hands-on filmmaking opportunities for all ages and skill sets.
Start your journey with My First Film Camp (ages 5-7), build foundational skills with Film 101 (ages 8-10 and 11-13), and top it off with more advanced work in Film 102 (ages 11-13 and 14-17). FACETS also offers specialty camps in film editing, animation, and acting. Sharpen your visual storytelling skills and media literacy at our unique Film Camps this summer.
Porchlight Music Theatre
June 16-Aug. 8, 2025
- Address: Holtschneider Performance Center at the DePaul University School of Music, 2330 N. Halsted St., Chicago
- Phone: 773-777-9884
- Cost: Varies, see website for details
- Best for ages: 4-17
Chicago’s favorite musical theater camps are back! Foundation Classes introduce theater skills in a fun, welcoming setting for ages 4-13. Porchlight Youth Presents: Seussical, JR. (ages 7-13) lets young actors rehearse and perform a full show. Broadway Dance & Singing Intensives (ages 14-17) focus on advanced skills.
New this summer, PMTeens (ages 14-17) offers professional training and the chance to perform in the Broadway in Your Backyard concert series. Scholarships, financial aid and payment plans available. Aftercare offered (ages 4-13) from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Stages Chicago
June 16-Aug. 22, 2025
- Address: The Drucker Center, 1535 N. Dayton St., Chicago; Soul City Church, 1150 W. Adams St., Chicago; Fame Center, 1319 S. State St., Chicago
- Phone: 773-812-3039
- Cost: Varies, see website for details
- Best for ages: 2-15
What do you get when you combine the magic of Broadway with the fun and freedom of summer? Summer at Stages!
Whether your child has taken performing arts classes in the past or you’re simply looking for something new to try this summer, Stages is for you! 2025 Camp Themes include Wicked, Frozen, Hamilton, Six, Descendants, Encanto, Moana, Legally Blonde, Eras Pop Star Camp, Disney Channel Throwback and more.
More summer theater camps in Chicagoland
American Eagle Productions
Various dates in June through August. Check their website as they update for 2025.
- Address: 5437 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: $275-$500
- Best for ages: 4-13
Led by professional artists, kids engage in drama, music, and dance. Each week, campers craft an original show, from script to performance, building confidence and teamwork. Choose from musical themes like “Wonka” and “Shrek” for a summer of theatrical magic.
Chicago Children’s Theater
Various dates in June through August
- Address: 100 S. Racine, Chicago
- Cost: $220-$1,100
- Best for ages: 6-15
Choose from drama-themed camps, including acting and prop design. With varying age ranges and costs, there’s something for everyone, from Musical Theatre Adventures to The Flower Power Parade. Explore Story Explorers, a half-day drama camp for ages 8-12.
Chicago Academy for the Arts
June 16-27, 2025
- Address: 1010 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $895-995
- Best for ages: 12-14
Explore dance, media storytelling, music for social change, and theatre in dynamic programs for ages 12-14. Unleash creativity, build skills and express artistry through intensive experiences in dance, media, music and visual arts.
CYT Musical Theater Summer Camp
Various dates in June through August.
- Address: 18 camp locations in the Chicago suburbs, Rockford and southeast Wisconsin throughout the summer
- Cost: Various cost
- Best for ages: 5-12
Camps focus on theater, building performance skills, self-confidence and teamwork through drama, dance and music rotations. Camp concludes with a showcase for family and friends.
Lifeline Theatre
Multiple one-week sessions in July through August.
- Address: 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $250-$450
- Best for ages: 3-13
Kids explore imagination and performance through theater games and storytelling, with half-day sessions for little ones and full-day intensives for older kids—fun for all ages!
Music Theater Works YouthREACH Kids Company
Various dates from July to August.
- Address: Weekly rehearsals at Music Theater Works’ Joyce Saxon Rehearsal Hall, Wilmette; Dress Rehearsal and performance at Community House Winnetka, 620 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka
- Cost: $430
- Best for ages: 8-13
Every child shines in Music Theater Works YouthREACH! Kids build confidence through acting, singing, and dancing, culminating in a performance after six days of fun rehearsals.
Skyline Children’s Theater Summer Camps
Various dates in June through August. Check their website as they update for 2025.
- Address: 3827 N. Southport Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $475
- Best for ages: 5-9
The Revival – Improv Summer Camp
Various one-week sessions in June through August. Check their website as they update for 2025.
- Address: 906 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60605
- Cost: $450/week
- Best for ages: 6-12
The Revival’s improv camp for kids ages 6-12 in the South Loop fosters creativity, confidence and fun through engaging, on-your-feet activities in a supportive environment.
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