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

Beach Party Bring a Friend[24FA]
10/26/24 - 11/2/24, 9:05AM - 9:55AM | SA
Ages 2 to 5 | Jordan Mills | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FTMY146
Members $36 | Non-Members $36
Bust out those beach towels and lets have a party! Come and play, imagine and explore. What sandy adventures await you? This class is a child + caregiver class, and you can bring a friend!
Tea Party: Bring a Friend[24FA]
11/9/24 - 11/16/24, 9:05AM - 9:55AM | SA
Ages 2 to 5 | Jordan Mills | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FTMY186
Members $36 | Non-Members $36
Have a tea party on the moon, or wherever you like! Explore and imagine on the wonderful creatures, people, or animals you may meet. This class is a child + caregiver class, and you can bring a friend!
Fairies and Gnomes in the Magical Garden[24FA]
09/7/24 - 09/28/24, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | FTMY36
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
Come explore the magical garden with us! There might be fairies, gnomes, and other creatures along the way! Join us for an immersive class that will bring imagination to life.
Treasure Trunk[24FA]
10/5/24 - 10/26/24, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | FTMY96
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
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.
Bend and Breathe with Kayla![24FA]
11/2/24 - 11/23/24, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | FTMY176
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
It's never too early to learn mindful practices, but also sometimes you just have to get the wiggles out! Your kids will giggle and grow in this class that explores movement and breathing.
Story Book Worlds: Discovery & Adventure![24FA]
09/7/24 - 10/5/24, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | FTMY16A
Members $90 | Non-Members $90
Discover new worlds and make new friends. Ride in a hot air ballon, or dive deep under the sea. Unlock your child's imagination in our story book worlds series
Story Book Worlds: Halloween Sweets & Treats[24FA]
10/19/24 - 11/16/24, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | FTMY16B
Members $90 | Non-Members $90
Halloween can be fun, exciting, and full of treats and tricks. We are sure to have a good time. Unlock your child's imagination in our story book worlds series

Summer Youth Theatre

Technical Theatre

Cosplay Perfection: Makeup, Wigs and Hand Sewing[24FA]
09/4/24 - 09/25/24, 6:00PM - 6:55PM | WE
Ages 13 to 18 | Devi Arkeketa | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FTMY53
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
Elevate your cosplay skills! Learn how to style your wig, and ways to detail and customize existing items from your closet with basic hand sewing.
Stitch & Sketch: Cosplay Creation and Figure Drawing[24FA]
10/2/24 - 11/20/24, 5:00PM - 6:25PM | WE
Ages 13 to 18 | Kristina Eronat-Davis | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FTMY83
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.
Fall Stage Craft & Crew[24FA]
09/8/24 - 10/6/24, 4:30PM - 7:30PM | SU
Ages 10 to 18 | Lexey Jost | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FTMY17
Members $200 | Non-Members $200
Explore the fundamentals of technical theatre through the Lawrence Arts Center's performance of Don Quixote and Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors. Students will work with professional technicians to build props, paint set pieces, learn sound and lights, and run the performances as crew members.
Scenic Painting[24FA]
10/27/24 - 11/17/24, 4:30PM - 7:30PM | SU
Ages 13 to 18 | Lexey Jost | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FTMY27
Members $160 | Non-Members $160
This studio-style class will cover beginner and intermediate techniques used in scenic painting for the stage. Students will learn how to create stage canvases from start to finish, explore color theory and paint mixing, paint faux finishes like wood, stone, and marble, and create dimension with light and shadow.

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 Fleig

Technical Director, Production Manager

Lexey Jost

Assistant Technical Director, Shop Manager

Kayla Sandusky

School of Theatre & Music

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