Theatre Camp in Lawrence

Theatre Is For Everyone

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Questions about Summer Youth Theatre? Please call us at 785.843.2787 or contact us.

Let Them Grow With Summer Youth Theatre

When you sign your child up for Summer Youth Theatre, you’re giving them a lot more than an opportunity to perform. We help kids experience a fun and creative environment where they can connect with their peers in a positive way.

Summer Youth Theatre is a series of stage productions and educational classes for students in 4th-12th grade. The focus of the program is to inspire young people to express themselves, explore new talents and communities, and discover the magic of theatre.

Spark Imagination through Play

Join us for an unforgettable journey where young performers (PreK to 4th Grade) delve into the magical world of creative play. Designed especially for our youngest stars, Creative Play and Rookie Camps ignite imaginations and foster expressive exploration through the power of play.

At our camps, children connect, collaborate, and create in an environment filled with laughter and learning. Led by experienced instructors, each session is crafted to nurture budding talents, building confidence and camaraderie along the way. No auditions are necessary!

Create Behind the Scenes

Tech Series students (5th to 12th Grade) dive into the fundamentals of behind-the-scenes technical theatre. Our immersive program empowers participants to unleash their inner artists and technical wizards as they learn essential skills to bring the SYT performances to life.

Led by seasoned theatre professionals, our Tech Series provides hands-on experience and expert guidance, ensuring each student gains confidence and proficiency in the world of theatre production. From crafting captivating costumes to mastering stage lighting and sound, our comprehensive curriculum prepares students to shine behind the scenes.

Perform on Stage

Calling all aspiring young actors: audition to take center stage in SYT’s entertaining and thought-provoking plays. Our program allows young actors who meet the age requirements (4th to 12th Grade) to showcase their talents in front of live audiences.

From classic tales to contemporary dramas, our lineup of performances promises excitement, laughter, and plenty of unforgettable moments. Under the guidance of experienced directors and coaches, young performers will hone their skills, build confidence, and create lasting memories on and off the stage.

Ready to audition? No previous experience or prepared materials are required. We’ll help guide you through the experience, whether this is your first audition or you’re a seasoned pro!

Learn More

Current Classes

Imagination & Adventure
Fairytopia[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 04/19/25, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Jillian Schwartz | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | STMY63
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
We will create and play as fairy characters, make our own world and work together as we go!
Storybook Adventures: The Cat and the Bird: A Children's Book Inspired by Paul K
03/29/25 - 03/29/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | STMY62a
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Storybook Adventures: Spring Bundle[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 04/19/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | STMY62
Members $70 | Non-Members $70
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Storybook Adventures: Buffalo Fluffalo (A Buffalo Fluffalo Story) [25WSP]
04/5/25 - 04/5/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | STMY62b
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Storybook Adventures: Somewhere in the Bayou[25WSP]
04/12/25 - 04/12/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | STMY62c
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Storybook Adventures: The King Penguin[25WSP]
04/19/25 - 04/19/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | STMY62d
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Imagination Land[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 04/19/25, 9:00AM - 9:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 7 | Leah Towle | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | STMY61
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
In this music and drama class we will sing, dance, and act out adventures through Imagination Land. What might we find, hear, and do there? Join us to find out where our imagination takes us!
Musical Play Group[25WSP]
01/25/25 - 03/1/25, 9:00AM - 9:55AM | SA
Ages 2 to 5 | Jordan Mills | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | WTMY62
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
At this musical playgroup we will sing, play, read, and dance! We'll start with a music group including lots of instrument play, movement, and singing, we will read a short book, and have time to play at the end! Tuition includes one child and one caregiver.
Secret Doors & Hidden Worlds: An Imagination Adventure[25WSP]
01/25/25 - 02/8/25, 11:00AM - 11:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | WTMY65
Members $55 | Non-Members $55
Come explore hidden worlds! There might be fairies, gnomes, and other creatures along the way! Join us for an immersive class that will bring imagination to life.
Storybook Adventures: What Feelings Do When No One's Looking[25WSP]
01/25/25 - 01/25/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | WTMY61a
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Yoga Adventure: Stretch, Imagine, Play![25WSP]
01/15/25 - 01/29/25, 10:15AM - 11:00AM | WE
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | WTMY31a
Members $55 | Non-Members $55
This caregiver & child class includes creative movement, storytelling, yoga, imagination, and play. This class is great for the afternoon preschool parent!
Storybook Adventures: Winter Bundle[25WSP]
01/25/25 - 02/22/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | WTMY61
Members $90 | Non-Members $90
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Treasure Trunk[25WSP]
01/25/25 - 02/22/25, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | WTMY63
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Come open our treasure trunk filled with delightful objects, mysteries and surprises. Students will use their voices, bodies and imaginations in a new adventure every week.
Story Book Adventures: Every Little Seed[25WSP]
02/1/25 - 02/1/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | WTMY61b
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Storybook Stretches: Move, Imagine, Breathe[25WSP]
02/5/25 - 02/19/25, 10:15AM - 11:00AM | WE
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | WTMY31b
Members $55 | Non-Members $55
This caregiver & child class includes creative movement, storytelling, yoga, imagination, and play. This class is great for the afternoon preschool parent!
Storybook Adventures: Outside / In[25WSP]
02/8/25 - 02/8/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | WTMY61c
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Storybook Adventures: Yayoi Kusama Covered Everything in Dots and Wasn't Sorry.[
02/15/25 - 02/15/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | WTMY61d
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Unicorns & Rainbows: A Journey to Dream Land[25WSP]
02/15/25 - 03/1/25, 11:00AM - 11:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | WTMY68
Members $55 | Non-Members $55
Come explore the magical lands with us! Follow the unicorns over the rainbow and join us for an immersive class that will bring imagination to life.
Storybook Adventures: I Want My Hat Back[25WSP]
02/22/25 - 02/22/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | WTMY61e
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Creative Creatures: Movement & Mindfulness[25WSP]
02/26/25 - 03/12/25, 10:15AM - 11:00AM | WE
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | WTMY31c
Members $55 | Non-Members $55
This caregiver & child class includes creative movement, storytelling, yoga, imagination, and play. This class is great for the afternoon preschool parent!

Summer Youth Theatre

Technical Theatre
Stage Makeup for Theatre[25WSP]
03/26/25 - 04/23/25, 5:00PM - 6:25PM | WE
Ages 13 to 18 | Knox McClendon | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | STMY32
Members $125 | Non-Members $125
Learn how to create makeup looks for all kinds of theatre! This class will cover basic stage makeup as well as special effects makeup such as animals, old age makeup, and wounds.
Stage Craftin' 2: Technical Boogaloo[25WSP]
03/30/25 - 04/20/25, 4:30PM - 7:30PM | SU
Ages 14 to 18 | Lexey Jost | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | STMY71
Members $160 | Non-Members $160
Deep-dive into the five facets of technical theatre in this class. Subjects include advanced stage carpentry, scenic painting, stage lighting, color theory with light and fabric, theatrical drafting techniques, and scenic model building. SAFETY & CLOTHES: Student workwear may get dirty or torn. Long hair and bangs need to be pulled back. Closed-toe shoes with good traction required (no Crocs, sandals, or similar).
Costumes: Matilda the Musical[25WSP]
01/26/25 - 02/16/25, 10:00AM - 12:30PM | SU
Ages 11 to 18 | Knox McClendon | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | WTMY72
Members $140 | Non-Members $140
Guided by industry professionals, students will learn the basics of costume design and use their skills to bring costumes to life for our exciting Spring Musical!
Stage Craft & Crew: Matilda the Musical[25WSP]
01/26/25 - 02/16/25, 4:30PM - 7:30PM | SU
Ages 11 to 18 | Lexey Jost | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | WTMY71
Members $160 | Non-Members $160
Join us and explore the fundamentals of technical theatre through the Lawrence Arts Center's performance of Matilda the Musical. Students will work with professional technicians to build props, paint set pieces, learn sound and lights, and run the performances as crew members. Weekly Sunday classes: 1/19-2/16. Tech week required rehearsals: 2/17-2/20. Required performances: 2/21-2/23 & 2/28-3/2.

Summer Youth Theatre Gallery

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The Prom

Summer Youth Theatre's 2023 senior play.

Oceans & Potions

2023 Rookie Camp

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Fantasy on the Dancefloor

Summer Youth Theatre's 2023 senior musical.

HONK! Jr.

Summer Youth Theatre's 2023 junior musical.

Cinderella, or How Pipsqueak the Mouse Became a Stallion

Summer Youth Theatre's 2023 junior play.

Costuming

Summer Youth Theatre's 2023 costume crew.

Auditions

Students audition for the 2023 season of Summer Youth Theatre.

SYT Teaching Artists & Interns

Justin Harbaugh

Director of Performing Arts

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Samaria Fleig

Technical Director, Production Manager

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Lexey Jost

Assistant Technical Director, Shop Manager

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Kayla Sandusky

School of Theatre & Music

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Becky O’Keefe

Theater Instructor

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Maya Sabatini

School of Theatre and Music, Assistant Costume Designer

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Elliot Yochim

Technical Crew

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Ivy Bitters

2024 SYT Intern

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Katie Parsons

2024 SYT Intern

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Keats Johnson

2024 SYT Intern - Build Crew

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Stevie Roman

2024 SYT Intern

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The Summer Youth Theatre

We’re committed to providing the Lawrence area with a facility that welcomes them into the world of theatre and music. This includes dedicated spaces on our campus for youth theatre in Lawrence, with a 300-seat theatre, black box theatre and studio space for performances.

Upcoming Performances

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Make Art Part of Their Daily Life

Interested in enrolling in the Lawrence Arts Center School of Theatre & Music? We have financial aid available to those who need it to ensure classes are accessible to everyone.

Take The Stage

Learn more about audition opportunities for our upcoming performances!

Auditions

Art is for Everyone

Making Art Accessible to All

Lawrence Arts Center is here to ensure anyone—of any age and any background—can connect with a supportive community and flex their creative muscles. With contemporary exhibitions, performances, and an array of music education classes for adults and kids, everyone will find something that’s right for them.

Our primary state-of-the-art facility at 940 New Hampshire St. features classrooms, studios, theatres, and more. To further support the community, we also have a space for classes and rehearsal at 10th & Mass Studios.

The Joy of Summer Youth Theatre