4-Week Activities
Daily Activities
Ages 8-12
Fantasy Writing – Brandon
Words have the power to build new worlds. Do you have ideas for magical or strange lands in your head? Put them on paper in this Daily designed with creative writers in mind.
Stepping – Sabina
Stepping is percussive dance in which your entire body is an instrument. Its complex sounds and rhythms draw from many dance styles and began in African-American fraternities and sororities. Join the fine tradition of this precise, energetic and stunning dance form. All levels welcome. Dance/movement clothes should be worn.
Pick-Up Sports – Kerry
Get outside, run around and play some sports! Be part of a team, playing games like soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, wiffle ball, volleyball, kickball and Capture the Flag. The focus here is teamwork, not competition. All are welcome.
Music Video – Smeeta
Audio and visual go hand in hand when it comes to making a music video. We will explore the art of marrying the two. We’ll create videos for songs with the possibility of collaborating with other Camp Arena Stage music makers.
Drawing – Emily
Observe the world and learn to draw what you see, experimenting with a variety of media and approaches to drawing.
Mini Masterpieces – Jamila
Welcome to the world of arts and crafts! This Daily is all about making small projects of all kinds. Get ready to experiment with many different materials and bring lots of art home.
CAS Classics: Shakespeare – Rachel
Comedy! Tragedy! History! The Plays No One Does Often! William Shakespeare wrote many different types of plays, and people still love them centuries later. We’ll explore the many sides of Shakespeare and explore his plays through performance.
Ages 8-15
Ukulele and Singing – Dominic
Are you a singer who wants an easy way to accompany yourself? Do you love the music in shows like Steven Universe or movies like Lilo and Stitch? Good news! CAS can teach you how to play this Polynesian instrument. No ukulele needed! We'll provide it! This relaxing and fun class will focus on learning basic chords that you can use to accompany yourself on your favorite songs. Come sing and strum along with us!
Ages 12-15
Songwriters Studio – Anise
Are you a songwriter or musician? Ready to record your first (or next!) album? Work on your craft and learn how to record and produce your own music.
Improvisation – Alex
Learn the basics of creating theater in the moment and explore a world of unscripted playtime. Try out characters, imagine environments and work with fellow campers to improvise scenes!
To Be Continued… – Morgan
Cliffhangers! Suspense! What makes people want to binge-watch a show? We will create an original, multi-part film that we will show in installments at the Noontime Show, leaving our audiences hungry for the final episode in the last days of camp.
DesignTM – Liz
Ever wondered how logos for brands like Coco-Cola, Apple or Nike were made? In this digital art daily, we’ll dive into the world of brand design by creating our very own logos, tag lines, imagery and more. Learn the basics of programs in the Adobe Creative Suite to design a brand identity that’s unique to you!
Identity Art – Lauren
Make art that reflects who you are. Bring your crafting skills to a whole new level that is smokin' hot. Learn how to wood burn and stamp designs into various different materials such as wood and cork. We’ll also make other forms of personalized art like shadow boxes.
Musical Theater Scenes – Emily
Musical theater artists are triple threats, so they should be prepared for singing, dancing and acting at their auditions. Explore the stories leading up to the big number and create a showstopping performance.
Choreography – Kevin
By manipulating the elements of time, space and energy and combining these elements with musicality and form, learn how to turn personal expression into a moving work of art. We will choreograph solos and group pieces on ourselves and each other.
Ages 8-12
Solo Voice – Pamela
Ever want to be on Broadway? Do you picture yourself on The Voice? Come discover the music most suitable for your voice or singing style and learn important singing techniques. At the end, you’ll have a performance-ready solo piece that is all you.
Modern Dance – Sabina
Once, ballet ruled the Western dance world. Then dancers, like Martha Graham (the author of our camp quote!) came and broke the rules. Learn this expressive style of dance that takes the audience into a new reality.
Musical Theater – Emily
Having dreams of the Great White Way? Get a taste of becoming that “triple threat” as we explore what it takes to become a musical theater performer and how we all have something to offer for a really great production. Together, we’ll defy gravity!
Improvisation – Alex
Learn the basics of creating theater in the moment and explore a world of unscripted playtime. Try out characters, imagine environments and work with fellow campers to improvise scenes!
Painting – Emily
Why do we paint? What do we hope to capture? Learn how to use your imagination and observation skills to capture the world in paint. We’ll experiment with how different paints, colors and techniques help us express ourselves.
Stage Combat – Mallory
Ages 10-12 only. Learn the basics of unarmed combat with a certified combatant. This class requires responsibility, the ability to follow the directions and work safely with a partner. We’ll discover how to create stage movement and where it fits in telling a story on stage.
Ages 8-15
Surprise Squad! – Rachel
Their work is shrouded in mystery and cloaked in awesomeness. In this favorite Daily take part in one of the greatest arts: planning and practicing random acts of kindness.
Ages 12-15
Devised Theater – Mauricio & Ashley
Instead of starting with a script, devised theater starts with the actors in the room and their ideas. Learn how to create evocative, ensemble performance pieces using movement, poetry and personal writing. Arena Stage is nationally and internationally renowned for its devised work with middle and high school artists.
A Cappella – Anise
Who needs instruments when you’ve got a “pitch perfect” ensemble of singers? Learn to harmonize, provide percussion, hold your own part and work as a tight ensemble as you sing a cappella arrangements of songs.
Contemporary Dance – Kevin
The leaps, extension and emotion of contemporary dance makes it a crowd favorite. With this combination of modern dance and lyrical jazz, we will start with a full-body warm up, execute dynamic sequences across the floor and learn varied pieces of choreography to different styles of music. Learn to fly, to fall and to dance between the edges!
CAS Classics: Dracula – Kerry
Take apart a classic piece of literature and put it back together again. We'll play with creative staging, adapting a script from page to stage, sound-scaping and embodying characters.
Typography – Liz
—it’s everywhere! On street signs, posters, in books, magazines and more. In this visual art Daily, explore the art of typefaces, font and text through both print and digital mediums using the Adobe Creative Suite. Learn how artists such as David Carson, Milton Glaser and Barbara Kruger use letters, numbers and symbols to create their unique works of graphic art.
Sewing – Jamila
Ever want to learn how to sew and have some fun along the way? This Daily is for you! We will make things for you to wear and decorate your room…all after learning how to sew in a straight line.
Ages 8-12
Show Choir – Pamela
Get ready to sing and dance your face off in this high-energy show choir! The group will perform show-stopping acts and learn how to shine as a group and individuals. Hone your skills as singers and dancers and learn how to connect them in performance. No previous experience required.
Vaudeville – Kerry
Calling all jugglers, acrobats, comedians, singers, dancers, musicians, ventriloquists, magicians and anyone with a talent they'd like to hone for the stage. We'll explore the early 20th century art of vaudeville performance. Bring your skills and we'll turn it into an act!
Super Heroes! – Mauricio
Create larger than life characters and epic stories and discover how you can save the world! In this acting and design class, we will play with costume design, play making, characters and sound design.
Genre Palooza – Morgan
With so many different movie genres, why just pick one? That’s why each week ‘Genre Palooza’ will learn about and recreate a specific movie genre voted on by the class!
Tiny Universes – Lauren
Get ready to put your love for tiny objects to use in this fun and engaging class. We will be making a wide variety of small art projects that are travel-friendly and too cute to handle.
Mythological Art – Jana
If you love mythology, this Daily is for you! We will read different myths – full of creatures, heroic feats, magical transformations and explanations – and make works of visual art inspired by them. We’ll also explore the power that visual art has to tell and preserve stories.
Contemporary Dance – Kevin
The leaps, extension and emotion of contemporary dance make it a crowd favorite. With this combination of modern dance and lyrical jazz, we will start with a full-body warm up, execute dynamic sequences across the floor and learn varied pieces of choreography to different styles of music. Learn to fly, to fall and to dance between the edges!
Ages 12-15
Dystopian/Utopian Writing – Brandon
Are you a fan of The Hunger Games, Divergent or The Lunar Chronicles? Possible futures have long been a source of inspiration for writers. In this Daily, we will build worlds and write stories that explore the idea of “what if…”
Adv. Musical Theater – Emily
Attention triple threats: it’s time to hone your tools and create a polished performance. Learn how to take on songs and scenes and give a professional-level performance. Dance/movement clothes should be worn.
Stage Combat – Mallory
Learn the basics of unarmed combat with a certified combatant. This class requires responsibility, the ability to follow the directions and work safely with a partner. We’ll discover how to create stage movement and where it fits in telling a story on stage.
Experimental Film – Smeeta
Experimental filmmakers are willing to learn new techniques and break the rules. The result? Something entirely out of the box. Learn how to tell a story and achieve unique effects using mixed media and non-traditional techniques. This Daily will also focus on editing to structure our films in surprising ways.
Photoshop – Liz
Layer masks, clone stamps, magic wands and more! In this visual art Daily, learn the fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop – a software program that lets you transform photos into unique works of art. Stretch beyond your imagination as you discover and play with the tools and techniques inside this digital platform.
Rock Band – Dominic
Experience the creative rush when musicians get together to play. Campers will jam, learn new songs, develop stage presence and rock out as a band. This Daily is for instrumentalists with some experience. All instruments and voices welcome.
Ages 8-12
Hip-Hop Dance – Sabina
Learn the latest moves from this cutting edge hip-hop class that will work your body from head to toe. Each class consists of three sections: a warm-up, an across the floor combination and a dance routine. Learn about hip-hop culture, feel the beat and, most importantly, have fun!
Auditioning – Sean-Maurice
In this Daily, we’re going to hone in on what makes you a great performer. Through monologues, songs and scene work, you’ll walk out of this Daily ready to book any role. Confidence is key and together we can find what’s best about your unique talent.
Scene Study – Edmeé
You’ve got the part! Work with your fellow actors to play a variety of dramatic and comic parts in scenes from famous plays. Learn about teamwork and the techniques that top actors use to transform into different characters. Find authenticity and meaningful connections with your scene partners on stage.
Stop-Motion Animation – Morgan
Before CGI animation there was stop-motion animation. Come explore this amazing technique where you can create movement and special effects by taking many images per second. You are invited to stretch your imagination as you use props, toys and clay to create your own, unique animated video.
Fashion Design – Jamila
Style is part of who you are! Enter the world where style, imagination and art meet. There will be an introduction to fabrics, including folds and drapes, as well as textures, colors and patterns. We’ll design and illustrate our own garments and experiment with some basic sewing too.
Paper Perfect – Lauren
Paper surrounds us every single day, so why not make some artwork out of it? From paper beads, origami, to making actual paper, we will unlock the artistic potential of paper in many different creative ways.
Ages 8-15
Newspaper – Brandon
Interview campers! Snap a photo! Doodle a cartoon! Together we’ll come up with a name for the paper, the stories we want to report and the best way to capture all of the things that go on around camp.
Junk Percussion – Dominic
The very first form of human expression was rhythm! In this Daily, explore body percussion and junk yard percussion. Learn how to make cool beats and rhythms using anything around, from paper to pens to your chest and legs. Come and let’s hit it!
Ballroom Dance – Mauricio
Are you a fan of Dancing with the Stars? Do you envision yourself tearing up the dance floor or gliding across it with ease at a party? Explore partner dance footwork and how to do a couple of impressive turns in a variety of dance styles!
Ages 12-15
Solo Voice – Pamela
Ever want to be on Broadway? Do you picture yourself on The Voice? Come discover the music most suitable for your voice or singing style and learn important singing techniques. At the end, you’ll have a performance-ready solo piece that is all you.
Musical Theater Dance – Emily
In musicals, when a character can’t express themselves in words, they sing. When singing isn’t enough, it’s time for a dance break! Explore different styles of musical theater dance and learn show-stopping numbers.
CAS Classics: Rumble – Kerry & Mallory
Do you like Shakespeare? Do you like fight scenes? Do you wish you could speak the speech and fight the good fight at the same time? This daily is for you! Get into the minds of your favorite Shakespeare characters and discover how their personality traits, given circumstances and text influence how they react in a fight.
Movie Trailers – Smeeta
Coming this summer! If you go to the movies and the trailers are your favorite part, this Daily is made for you. Learn the basics of pre-production, production and post-production to produce movie trailers that will be ready to be shown at a Camp Arena Stage near you!
Painting – Emily
Why do we paint? What do we hope to capture? Learn how to use your imagination and observation skills to capture the world in paint. Develop new skills for observation and application, develop a studio practice and work toward creating portfolio pieces.
Ages 13-15
The Play – Alex
An ensemble of actors will work together to perform a one-act play. This double-period Daily will culminate in a full performance on the last Wednesday of camp. This summer, we will be heading Through the Looking Glass or Down a Rabbit Hole with Wonderland.
Ages 8-12
Disney Favorites – Pamela
Is Disney music a Part of Your World? Is singing important in your Circle of Life? Be Our Guest and join this Daily in which you learn more about singing the music you know and love! We’ll work in groups small and large on songs from Disney musicals past and present, and bring Honor To Us All!
Jazz Dance – Kevin
Discover your own response to rhythm and surprise yourself with all the ways your body can move! A jazz dance always has flare. We will explore the many styles of jazz, including street jazz and musical theater jazz. Wear bare feet and comfortable clothing.
Acting – Mauricio
Have you ever wanted to go on a legendary adventure and bring epic characters to life? This is the class for you! We will learn performance techniques and acting tools while investigating myths and legends. We will use our imaginations, play fun games, and create authentic performances of epic proportions!
Movie Trailers – Smeeta
Coming this summer! If you go to the movies and the trailers are your favorite part, this Daily is made for you. Learn the basics of pre-production, production and post-production to produce movie trailers that will be ready to be shown at a Camp Arena Stage near you!
Feeling Crafty – Lauren
Ever want to just pour your creative energy into a project? Join us in this fun arts class where we will learn how to create art out of different mediums and materials.
Stage Combat – Mallory
Ages 10-12 only. Learn the basics of unarmed combat with a certified combatant. This class requires responsibility, the ability to follow the directions and work safely with a partner. We’ll discover how to create stage movement and where it fits in telling a story on stage.
Pop Band – Dominic
Experience the creative rush when musicians get together to play. Campers will jam, learn new songs, develop stage presence and rock out as a band. This Daily is for instrumentalists with some experience. All instruments and voices welcome.
Ages 12-15
Hip-Hop Dance – Sabina
Learn the latest moves from this cutting edge hip-hop class that will work your body from head to toe. Each class consists of three sections: a warm-up, an across the floor combination and a dance routine. Learn about hip-hop culture, feel the beat and, most importantly, have fun!
Acting Technique – Sean-Maurice
Want to be considered a serious actor? Then come learn how to become a truthful in-the-moment actor with objectives, obstacles, tactics and operative words. This Daily will guide you through the famous Meisner acting technique, helping you to bring honest and believable characters from the page onto the stage.
Film Production – Morgan
Lights, camera, short films! Filmmakers can make comedies, documentaries, dramas and other varieties of film. Through plotting, challenges and teamwork, we’ll focus on crafting strong stories and the shots needed to make audiences ask for more.
Sculpture – Emily
Design and build work in three dimensions. In this Daily, we will explore more advanced sculpture media to plan and create 3D works of art.
Fashion Design – Jamila
Style is part of who you are! Enter the world where style, imagination and art meet. There will be an introduction to fabrics, including folds and drapes, as well as textures, colors and patterns. We’ll design and illustrate our own garments and experiment with some basic sewing too.
Creative Writing – Brandon
Writers are perceptive. They see detail, find humor, spot connections and plumb emotions. In this Daily, we will explore the world through a variety of creative writing forms, including narrative and poetry.
Ages 13-15
The Play – Alex
An ensemble of actors will work together to perform a one-act play. This double-period Daily will culminate in a full performance on the last Wednesday of camp. This summer, we will be heading Through the Looking Glass or Down a Rabbit Hole with Wonderland.