Registration for Virtual Camp Arena for Summer 2021 is now open!

Virtual Camp Arena Stage

June 28 - August 6, 2021

Time
Camp Arena Stage is a half-day program.

Morning Camp:
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT

Afternoon Camp:
1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT
Dates
Session 1
(morning or afternoon):
June 28 – July 9, 2021

Session 2
(morning or afternoon):
July 12 – July 23, 2021

Session 3
(morning only):
July 26 – August 6, 2021
COVID-19 Update
Due to location and building capacity, Camp Arena Stage will be a virtual program in Summer 2021.
Contact
camp@arenastage.org
202-488-3300

"I always feel free to express myself at camp." – CAS Camper

The creativity and community of Camp Arena Stage are coming to your home this summer! In this half-day, multi-arts program, campers choose their own schedules from a list of classes in theater, music, dance, media, visual art and writing.

Learning from an all-star team of professional artists and educators, campers will be immersed in interactive arts activities.

With a daily show and time built in to connect with friends old and new, Virtual Camp Arena Stage will provide campers with an unforgettable summer experience at home.

"The counselors have celebrated each child’s artistic talent ... and provided positive support and encouragement. I am simply in awe that this would be possible virtually."

– CAS Parent

Logistics

Virtual Camp Arena Stage is an online, multi-arts program and community for young people ages 8 to 15. It is a place for young artists to explore, discover and create art while making meaningful connections with other young people.

Camps are half days – morning or afternoon – and run Monday through Friday for two weeks. Campers select their classes upon enrolling. Campers can register for more than one camp.

Tuition is $325 for returning campers, $340 for new campers and $300 for siblings, first responders and military families.

Schedule

Each camper selects two classes from options in theater, music, dance, media, visual art and writing. Maximum class size is 14 campers with an average class size of 8 campers.

Staff

Classes are taught by a special team of professional artists and teachers. This “all-star” group has gathered virtually - from near and far - to plan an unforgettable summer program. Instructors have training and experience teaching online.

KY'LEND J. ADAMS

ROSIE ALGER

NIEW BHARYAGUNTRA

WES BRAVER

NATE DENDY

KELLY DE ANGIOLETTI

TRAVIS-MICHAEL COLEMAN

BRANDON GLASS

NICKI ELLEDGE

ASHLEY FORMAN

OLIVIA JONES

KERRY MCGEE

LASHAWN MELTON

MAURICIO PITA

MALLORY SHEAR

PAMELA T. SIMONSON

NURNEY

Scholarships

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available, including The Tommy Raskin Memorial Scholarships and The Friends of Southwest DC Scholarships. Please complete and return the CAS Scholarship Application and provide proof of need. Applications are accepted and approved on a rolling basis.

Click here to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up for classes?
When registering you will see what classes are available. You sign up right then and there and know your schedule right away! Enrollment in the classes is first come, first served. Class descriptions will be available on March 26.

Can I be in the same classes as my friend?
Since you sign up for classes when you register, you will need to coordinate with your friend to choose the same classes.

My friend is also coming to camp, will I get to spend time with them?
You can request to be in the same small group as your friend when you register.

Can I change my schedule once I start?
A parent/guardian can email a request to change classes at the end of the first day. Schedule changes will be made on a case-by-case basis. After the second day of camp schedules are set.

How big are classes?
Our largest classes have a maximum class size of 14 campers.

Why are the camps half-day?
In surveying camp families, we discovered that there was a strong preference for a half-day program. Families cited sharing devices, screen time and other activities. Of course, campers can sign up for both the morning camp and the afternoon camp if they want to!

How do camps differ?
Morning camp and afternoon camp have the same format, but some different classes and instructors.

When and how do I receive Zoom links?
The week before camp starts, the parent/guardian will receive an email from camp@arenastage with their camper’s Zoom links for the session.

How does camp start?
At the beginning of the camp day campers will log onto Zoom and go to the “All Camp” Zoom link. There will be time to visit with their small “home room” group and their group leader in breakout rooms followed by an all-camp warmup activity. They will then use their “Class #1” Zoom link to begin their first class of the day.

How does the day work online?
After the opening activities with your small group leader and the all-camp warmup, you will Zoom to your first class. At the end of that class there will be a short break time to touch base with friends or get a glass of water or plug in a device before you Zoom on to your next class. You will also have a short break at the end of that class. After that is a period for small group activities—surprise offerings that focus on camp fun. Then on to the daily show to either perform for your friends or watch your friends perform. Farewells follow the show, and goodbye until your next camp day.

Is there time to socialize and make friends at camp?
We understand that having some down time to visit with old friends and make new ones is an important part of creating a camp community. We have built in some breaks and other activity periods for you to be able to enjoy the social side of camp.

Will I have a chance to perform? How does the daily show work?
Any camper can sign up to perform in the daily show. You can sign up through your group leader in the morning for shows later in the week —as long as there is room, of course. If you want to sing with accompaniment let your group leader know, and our accompanist will make you a track to sing to. Sometimes classes will perform, and, if there is room, staff members may perform as well!

Do I have to perform?
There are a lot of ways to be an artist, and not all artists are performing artists. So, no one will make you perform if you don’t want to, but you might want to give it a try even if you feel a little shy. Camp Arena Stage audiences are the most supportive audiences ever!

Will there be a final sharing at the end of the session?
Classes will find ways to share their work. This will be determined by the instructor and what works best for the artform. It might a virtual gallery of artwork, a short film, a Zoom performance or another way. We will be sure to give you plenty of notice. Some classes are process based and may not have a final sharing.

My camper is due to age out this summer —how are you going to make sure that this summer is special for them?
A couple of ways. We will still have virtual special activities for our 15 year olds, but know that is not the same as the in-person activities they may have been expecting. So, we will make a special age exemption next summer and accept returning campers who are 16 if they wish to have the traditional last summer they have been looking forward to.

What about security?
We know that online security is a concern and have put practices in place to address that issue. The week before camp begins, we will send the camper's unique Zoom links and passwords for the session to the parent/guardian's email address.
All sessions will be recorded and saved to the Zoom cloud for safety purposes.
In addition, all our instructors undergo background checks before camp starts.

What kind of parental involvement will there need to be in doing the camp virtually?
We understand that one of the aspects that is missing from a virtual camp is the provision of childcare. A responsible adult needs to be present or within call of the camper participating in Virtual Camp Arena Stage.

Who are the instructors?
Our instructors are professional artists and educators with expertise in their artistic fields and experience working with young people. The CITs (counselors-in-training), who assist the instructors, are rising high school juniors, seniors and college students.
All staff members undergo a careful interview process, including background checks. We have done our utmost to hire accomplished artists who, first and foremost, care about and excel in working with young people.
We’ve gathered a special group this summer, including instructors that have worked at Camp Arena Stage before but have moved to other cities. We are all excited to bring the playfulness and joy of CAS to your home.

How do I get supplies for visual arts classes?
Each family provides their own visual arts supplies. Supply lists are included in the activity descriptions. You may already have some of the supplies at home—scissors and glue, for example. Please email camp@arenastage.org with any supplies questions that arise.

What technology do we need to have at home?
To participate in Virtual Camp Arena Stage, each camper will need a device such as a laptop or a tablet. Minimum bandwidth is 600kbps (upload/download) and recommended is 1.5 Mbps (upload/download). The device must have a camera and mic or an external web cam and mic. The device must be running the latest operating system and all major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and Safari).

What happens if my technology breaks down?
If we can, we will coach the camper through technology issues. A parent/guardian should be nearby to assist the camper with technology issues as well. Email camp@arenastage.org if you need to get a messge to your camper's instructor.

What if the instructor’s technology breaks down?
Some of our classes have a second staff member in the class should this situation arise. For classes without an assistant, the All-Camp Meeting link is always open with a camp staff member for campers to go to with any questions or concerns. Campers or parents/guardians can also email camp@arenastage.org to notify us and we will respond directly.

General Questions: Email camp@arenastage.org. Include your name, phone number and a good time to reach you if you’d prefer a call back. This email is monitored closely throughout the day and is the fastest way to contact the camp admin team and leadership.

Special Needs and Health Questions: Email camp@arenastage.org to set up a time to speak.

Online Registration and Payment Questions: 202-488-3300 or info@arenastage.org. Sales Office hours are Tuesday – Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

What is your refund policy?
In response to the uncertain times, we are extending our refund policy. You may request a full refund until the Friday before your camp is set to start, with no questions asked. After this, cancelations through the first week of camp are eligible for a 50% refund. After the first week, there are no refunds. Please email info@arenastage.org or call 202-488-3300 Tuesday-Saturday 12 p.m.- 6 p.m. to request this option.

Multimedia

Hear from our Camp Arena Stage co-directors about Virtual Camp Arena Stage

Virtual Camp Arena Stage - Half-day sessions with your favorite teachers