Theatre Camp in Lawrence

Theatre Is For Everyone

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

Fairytale Adventures[25FA]
09/6/25 - 09/27/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Jillian Grieve | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | FTYM26
Members $70 | Non-Members $70
We will explore classic fairytales, with new stories every week! We will play with the stories and add our own spin to them!
Kinder Theatre A[25FA]
10/4/25 - 10/25/25, 9:00AM - 9:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Jillian Grieve | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | FTYM16a
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
Start exploring theatre with your favorite stories and characters! We will use books, props, and our imaginations to create worlds and stories together!
Kinder Theatre B[25FA]
11/1/25 - 11/22/25, 9:00AM - 9:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Jillian Grieve | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | FTYM16b
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
Start exploring theatre with your favorite stories and characters! We will use books, props, and our imaginations to create worlds and stories together!
Imagine Together[25FA]
11/1/25 - 11/22/25, 10:00AM - 10:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Leah Towle | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FTYM156
Members $70 | Non-Members $70
Imagine a character, a place, and an adventure! And then imagine more! Develop beginning collaboration, improvisation, and acting skills through imaginative dramatic play and movement.

Summer Youth Theatre

Technical Theatre

Stage Makeup for Theatre[25FA]
09/3/25 - 09/24/25, 5:00PM - 6:25PM | WE
Ages 14 to 120 | Knox McClendon | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FYTM13
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Learn how to create makeup looks for all kinds of theatre! This class will cover basic stage makeup and special effects makeup such as old age, animals, and wounds. No prior knowlege needed, will need to come with basic makeup supplies. A list of supplies will be provided.
Stitch & Sketch: Cosplay Creation & Figure Drawing[25FA]
10/1/25 - 11/19/25, 5:00PM - 6:25PM | WE
Ages 12 to 18 | Knox McClendon | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FYTM43
Members $265 | Non-Members $265
In this special crossover class with Youth Visual Arts, students must bring their own base costume, and we will design and create cosplay accessories and embellishments for 5 weeks followed by 3 weeks of Life Drawing. Learn poses and draw each other.
Nutcrackin'! The Technical Boogaloo Holiday Special[25FA]
11/1/25 - 12/6/25, 1:30PM - 4:30PM | SA
Ages 12 to 18 | Lexey Jost | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CRACKIN
Members $200 | Non-Members $200
Technical Theatre is BACK in this holiday extravaganza! Students of the LAC Tech program are invited to the shop as we unpack our yearly production: A Kansas Nutcracker. They'll learn the ins and outs of a "show-in-a-box:" matching paint styles and colors, building replacement mechanical parts, rehabilitating electrical components, and developing a love-hate relationship with Tchaikovsky. Prerequisite: Completion of a previous LAC tech class. No class Nov. 29.

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

Samaria Zambrana

Technical Director, Production Manager

Lexey Jost

Assistant Technical Director, Shop Manager

Becky O’Keefe

Theater Instructor

Maya Sabatini

School of Theatre and Music, Assistant Costume Designer

Elliot Yochim

Technical Crew

Ivy Bitters

2024 SYT Intern

Katie Parsons

2024 SYT Intern

Keats Johnson

2024 SYT Intern - Build Crew

Stevie Roman

2024 SYT Intern

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.

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