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!

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Current Classes

Imagination & Adventure

Summer Youth Theatre
SYT Senior: ALICE BY HEART[25SU]
06/30/25 - 07/25/25, 4:00PM - 9:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 14 to 18 | Justin Harbaugh | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | BYHEART
Members $335 | Non-Members $335
AUDITIONS HELD ON APRIL 27th: From the Tony® and Grammy® award-winning creators of Spring Awakening, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, and co-written by Jessie Nelson (Waitress). In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland. This musical encourages us all to celebrate the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times. Rehearsals: 4 weeks, June 30-July 24. No rehearsal July 4. M-Th | 4-9:30PM & F | 4-7PM. Performances: July 25 | 7PM, July 26 | 2PM & 7PM. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child. Please note that students in this production will have an independent dinner break during rehearsal that is not overseen by LAC staff members.
Fairytaletopia[25SU]
05/27/25 - 05/30/25, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | MK Shultz | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | ROOKIESA
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
All the classic fairytale characters live together in fairytaletopia. What legendary story will be told next?
Magic Wands[25SU]
06/2/25 - 06/6/25, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | ROOKIESB
Members $125 | Non-Members $125
Calling all aspiring witches and wizards! Create your magic wand and let’s go on an adventure! Complete with dynamic original characters, action-packed sets, and costumes that showcase their newfound powers. What spells will you cast?
Journey Quest: Stage & Screen[25SU]
06/9/25 - 06/13/25, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | ROOKIESC
Members $125 | Non-Members $125
Join the quest in this fun and adventurous theatre camp for young performers. This experience is designed to inspire kids to use their imagination, build confidence, and explore the magical world of theatre. Campers will embark on a whimsical journey as they create and perform in an original play filled with brave heroes, and courageous adventures.
The Inventor's Lab[25SU]
06/16/25 - 06/20/25, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Elizabeth Sullivan | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | ROOKIESD
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Welcome to the Inventors Lab, where each experiment holds a quirky surprise! We will embark on a whimsical journey to create a story. From crafting peculiar characters to designing wacky-themed sets and costumes, campers will transform this unique world into a stage filled with laughter and surprises.
Mythical Creatures[25SU]
06/30/25 - 07/3/25, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH
Ages 6 to 10 | Gwentessa Alfie | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | ROOKIESE
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Join the quest to collect Mythical Creatures Use your imagination, build confidence, and explore the magical world of theatre. Campers will embark on a mystical journey as they create and perform in an original play filled with fantastical creatures and exciting adventures.
Dino Detectives[25SU]
07/7/25 - 07/11/25, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Gwentessa Alfie | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | ROOKIESF
Members $125 | Non-Members $125
Join us for a thrilling, action-packed adventure as we dive into the world of mystery and suspense! Campers will work together to solve the baffling disappearance of a beloved dino, all while uncovering secrets, clues, and hidden surprises along the way. Through engaging acting exercises, improvisation, and character development, young performers will bring this whodunit to life!
Adventures Through Time[25SU]
07/14/25 - 07/18/25, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Gwentessa Alfie | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | ROOKIESG
Members $125 | Non-Members $125
Students will dive into the world of improvisation, acting, and storytelling as they work together to pull off a series of “time heists” in our zany, action-packed camp. Think you can pull off the perfect caper without getting caught?
A Gaggle of Greek Gods[25SU]
07/21/25 - 07/25/25, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | MK Shultz | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | ROOKIESH
Members $125 | Non-Members $125
Up on Mount Olympus, what adventures will the greek gods and goddesses get up to? What will save the day? Athena’s smarts, Zeus’s lightning, Apollo’s arrows… or something else entirely?
SYT Internship Program[25SU]
05/30/25 - 07/25/25, 12:30PM - 1:30PM | TH
Ages 15 to 21 | Justin Harbaugh | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | INTERNS
Members $0 | Non-Members $0
SYT's Internship Program is open to high school and college students who want to explore a hands-on theatre work study experience. Each student will be assigned a role for a specific show and will be required to attend weekly meetings over the course of eight weeks. We will be taking a total of twelve to fourteen participants this summer. All positions will be paid by stipend. Our goal is to provide specialized job training and real work experience to make students more competitive in the professional world. To apply, email a resume and letter of interest to Elizabeth Sullivan at elizabeth@lawrenceartscenter.org by Saturday, April 27th. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
SYT Novice/Junior: Shrek the Musical, Jr.[25SU]
05/27/25 - 06/12/25, 1:00PM - 5:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 10 to 14 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | SHREKJ
Members $285 | Non-Members $285
AUDITIONS HELD ON APRIL 27th Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. It's a "big bright beautiful world" as everyone's favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child. Rehearsals: 3 weeks, May 27-June 12. M-F | 1-5PM. Performances: June 13 | 7PM, June 14 | 2PM & 7PM.
SYT Senior: The (T-)Re(x)formation[25SU]
05/27/25 - 06/18/25, 4:00PM - 9:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 14 to 18 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | TREX
Members $335 | Non-Members $335
AUDITIONS HELD ON APRIL 27th From our very own, SYT alum, MK Shultz. A gaggle of teens reunite at Catholic summer camp after their freshman year of high school. Amidst the rising complications of adolescence, identity, and religious belief, another mystery unfolds: the spirit of a vengeful dinosaur haunting the camp. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child. Rehearsals: 4 weeks, May 27 - June 18. No rehearsal June 19. M-Th | 4-9:30PM & F | 4-7PM. Performances: June 20 | 7PM, June 21 | 2PM & 7PM Please note that students in this production will have an independent dinner break during rehearsal that is not overseen by LAC staff members. No class on June 19th in observation of Juneteenth.
SYT Novice/Junior: Escape from the Labyrinth[25SU]
06/30/25 - 07/17/25, 1:00PM - 5:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 10 to 14 | Elizabeth Sullivan | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | ESCAPEL
Members $285 | Non-Members $285
AUDITIONS HELD ON APRIL 27th. In a world ruled by fickle Gods and dangerous beasts, heroes are made—or lost forever. Theseus and Icarus are no strangers to danger. Born to flawed parents and thrown into a world full of impossible challenges, they must fight to survive. From treacherous journeys to Athens to the deadly labyrinth of the Minotaur, their fates are tangled in romance, trickery, . the ever-meddling hands of the Gods. But in a land where monsters lurk in the shadows and escape is never certain, who will rise, and who will fall? Told in a thrilling open theatre style, Escape from the Labyrinth is a bold reimagining of Greek mythology, where the world itself comes to life—heroes, villains, creatures, and even the very land they walk on. Dare to step inside? SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child. Rehearsals: 3 weeks, June 30 - July 17. No rehearsal July 4. M-F | 1-5PM. Performances: July 18 | 7PM, July 19 | 2PM & 7PM.
Creative Play: July Session 1[25SU]
07/7/25 - 07/11/25, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 3 to 6 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | PLAY1
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
Join us for a Summer Youth Theatre experience for our youngest performers. Using their wildest imaginations, students will engage with each other through play and dramatic exploration. This course takes place at 10th & Mass Studios. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Creative Play: July Session 2[25SU]
07/21/25 - 07/25/25, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 3 to 6 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | PLAY2
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
Join us for a Summer Youth Theatre experience for our youngest performers. Using their wildest imaginations, students will engage with each other through play and dramatic exploration. This course takes place at 10th & Mass Studios. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.

Technical Theatre
SYT Costumes: June Session[25SU]
05/27/25 - 06/20/25, 9:30AM - 12:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 18 | Maya Sabatini | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | SUTMCOST1
Members $250 | Non-Members $250
Guided by industry professionals, students will learn the basics of costume design and use their skills to bring costumes to life for our exciting summer season! As part of this course, participation in June SYT performances is optional. No class on June 19th in observation of Juneteenth. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
SYT Tech: June Session[25SU]
05/27/25 - 06/20/25, 9:00AM - 12:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 18 | Lexey Jost | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | SUTMTECH1
Members $275 | Non-Members $275
Guided by industry professionals, tech theatre students will learn "behind the scenes" basics, specializing in the area that interests them the most: lighting, painting, carpentry, sound, property, and rigging. As part of this course, each student will work as a crew member on one of our June SYT performances. No class on June 19th in observation of Juneteenth. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
SYT Tech: July Session[25SU]
06/30/25 - 07/25/25, 9:00AM - 12:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 18 | Lexey Jost | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | SUTMTECH2
Members $275 | Non-Members $275
Guided by industry professionals, tech theatre students will learn "behind the scenes" basics, specializing in the area that interests them the most: lighting, painting, carpentry, sound, property, and rigging. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child. As part of this course, each student will work as a crew member on one of our July SYT performances. No class July 4 & 5 in observation of Independence Day.
SYT Costumes: July Session[25SU]
06/30/25 - 07/25/25, 9:30AM - 12:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 18 | Knox McClendon | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | SUTMCOST2
Members $250 | Non-Members $250
Guided by industry professionals, students will learn the basics of costume design and use their skills to bring costumes to life for our exciting summer season! As part of this course, participation in July SYT performances is optional. No class July 4 & 5 in observation of Independence Day. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.

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 Zambrana

Technical Director, Production Manager

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Lexey Jost

Assistant Technical Director, Shop Manager

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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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Auditions | Summer Youth Theatre 2025

Calling all singers, dancers, and actors in grades 4-12! IN-PERSON AUDITIONS Sunday, April 27 | 1 pm–6 pm Callbacks: Monday, April 28 & Tuesday, April 29 Audition for all June & July shows. Please Register by April 27! AUDITION REGISTRATION  What should I prepare for auditions? Please prepare 16 bars of a Broadway or pop […]Read More

April 27

1:00PM

Register Now

Shrek The Musical Jr.

A Summer Youth Theatre Production Book & Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire Music by Jeanine Tesori Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical Jr., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale […]Read More

June 13

7:00PM

June 14

2:00PM

June 14

7:00PM

The (T-)Re(x)formation

A Summer Youth Theatre Production Written by our very own, Summer Youth Theatre alum, MK Shultz! A gaggle of teens reunite at Catholic summer camp after their freshman year of high school. Amidst the rising complications of adolescence, identity, and religious belief, another mystery unfolds: the spirit of a vengeful dinosaur haunting the camp.Read More

June 20

7:00PM

June 21

2:00PM

June 21

7:00PM

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