Drama and acting camps for 2026

What do students learn at a drama or acting camp?

At a drama camp, students typically learn a combination of performance skills, including improvisation, movement, dance, and singing. Training usually takes place through daily workshops and group activities designed to build confidence, collaboration, and creative expression. Many drama camps conclude with a live performance, allowing campers to apply what they have learned in front of an audience.

For many children, attending a drama or acting camp is one of the clearest ways to discover their level of interest in acting, theatre production, or performance more broadly. When comparing acting camps and drama camps, families should look closely at the type of training offered and whether the program emphasizes technique, rehearsal, improvisation, or a final showcase.

Stage acting vs on-camera acting

In addition to stage performance training, many programs now include on-camera instruction.

Almost all drama camps today will offer TV and film acting lessons as well, as these media dominate kids' imaginations. Lessons in TV acting will focus on how this mode of performance is very different from stage acting. Kids and teens will learn how to present themselves and how to act for the camera. Many acting camps include both stage and on-camera work, depending on the camp's focus.

Lessons beyond just drama

Drama camp has benefits that can extend far beyond acting lessons, of course. Kids learn to overcome stage fright and develop confidence in public speaking and presentation. Although they may not be thinking so far ahead at that age, adults recognize that these skills can be helpful in the workforce or other parts of adult life. Acting lessons can also help kids learn to express emotions healthily. Getting up in front of an audience and succeeding at performing well is an incomparable way of building confidence. Rick Mercer talks about the "danger" of getting his first laugh at a kids' summer camp, how things were never the same for him after that. It's also true that learning limitations and facing failure can be important lessons for some kids.

Kids also learn enunciation, get training in memorization, and in poise and physical attitude ("holding themselves"). While they may be dreaming that their acting lessons will lead to a career in front of the camera, there are many other things being learned.

Kids interested in drama and acting may also want to branch out into summer arts programs, summer dance intensives (if they have any focus on dance), as well as music theater classes and programs. Drama summer camps can also be a good starting point for kids who want to explore performance before specializing.

Drama camps and acting camps: frequently asked questions

How should parents choose between acting camps?

Start by checking whether the program emphasizes stage performance, on-camera skills, improvisation, or musical theatre. Then look at age groupings, the daily schedule (rehearsal vs technique vs games), and whether there is a final showcase or performance.

What should families ask about the final performance or showcase?

Ask how roles are assigned, how much rehearsal time is included, whether parents can attend, and whether the camp focuses on process and confidence-building or on a more formal production. This helps you understand what success looks like for your child.

Do acting summer camps require prior experience or auditions?

Many acting summer camps are beginner-friendly and do not require auditions. If a camp does screen for experience, ask what they look for and whether there are separate groups for new vs experienced performers.

What is the difference between stage acting and TV or film acting at camp?

Stage acting often emphasizes projection, broader physical choices, and playing to an audience, while on-camera training focuses on subtle expression, continuity, and working with framing. If your child is interested in screen acting, ask how much on-camera time is included.

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