Theatre Camp in Lawrence

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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
Creative Play: July Session 1[24SU]
07/8/24 - 07/12/24, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZPLAY1
Members $72 | 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[24SU]
07/22/24 - 07/26/24, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZPLAY2
Members $72 | 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.

Summer Youth Theatre
SYT Senior: Cabaret[24SU]
07/1/24 - 07/18/24, 4:00PM - 9:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 14 to 18 | Justin Harbaugh | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZCABARET
Members $297 | Non-Members $330
AUDITIONS HELD ON APRIL 28th Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb, Book by Joe Maseroff. Based on the play by John Van Druten & Stories by Christopher Isherwood. Daring, provocative, and exuberantly entertaining, Cabaret explores the dark and heady life of Bohemian Berlin as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Rehearsals: 4 weeks, July 1-July 25. No rehearsal July 4 & 5. M-Th | 4-9:30PM & F | 4-7PM. Performances: July 26 | 7PM, July 27 | 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.
SYT Costumes: July Session[24SU]
07/1/24 - 07/26/24, 9:30AM - 12:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 18 | Maya Sabatini | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CZCOSTUME2
Members $166.5 | Non-Members $185
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.
Pickle Hotel[24SU]
05/28/24 - 05/31/24, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | CZROOKA
Members $90 | Non-Members $100
Welcome to the Pickle Hotel, where every room holds a quirky surprise! We will embark on a whimsical journey to create a story. From crafting peculiar characters to designing pickle-themed sets and costumes, campers will transform this unique lodging into a stage filled with laughter and surprises. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Unicorn Training Hullabaloo Extravaganza[24SU]
06/3/24 - 06/7/24, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZROOKB
Members $112.5 | Non-Members $125
Calling all aspiring Unicorns! Join us for heroic adventures in the Unicorn Training Hullabaloo Camp. Young recruits will develop their own magical story, complete with dynamic original characters, action-packed sets, and costumes that showcase their newfound unicorn powers. Get ready for a hullabaloo of excitement! SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Space is the Place[24SU]
06/10/24 - 06/14/24, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Gwentessa Alfie | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZROOKC
Members $112.5 | Non-Members $125
Let's have a fantastical space adventure! Who will we meet along our journey? What should we pack for our trip? Explore exciting new worlds with new found friends! SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Cat Detectives[24SU]
06/17/24 - 06/21/24, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Becky O’Keefe | 10th & Mass Studios
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | CZROOKD
Members $90 | Non-Members $100
Do you love cats? Do you love mysteries? Purrrfect! Let's create cat characters and use our detective skills. For beginning and experienced cat detectives. No class June 19. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Red, White, Blue & YOU![24SU]
07/1/24 - 07/3/24, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE
Ages 6 to 10 | Becky O’Keefe | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZROOKE
Members $67.5 | Non-Members $75
We will explore the July 4th holiday through movement, drama & song in order to put together a special celebration performance. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Time Travelers Adventure Quest[24SU]
07/8/24 - 07/12/24, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZROOKF
Members $112.5 | Non-Members $125
Step into the world of time travel! In this camp, we will embark on a thrilling journey through different eras of time. Join us in creating a magical time-traveling machine and creating a story that will transcend time. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Super Hero Training Academy[24SU]
07/15/24 - 07/19/24, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZROOKG
Members $112.5 | Non-Members $125
All great superheroes start somewhere! At the Superhero Training Academy, up-and-coming superheroes hone their powers. What shenanigans and adventures might these young superheroes get into at the Superhero Training Academy? SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Bamboozled Pirate Treasure Hunt[24SU]
07/22/24 - 07/26/24, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZROOKH
Members $112.5 | Non-Members $125
Ahoy, mateys! Prepare for a swashbuckling adventure in the Bamboozled Pirate Treasure Hunt! We will set sail on a quest for hidden treasure, creating a pirate-themed play filled with nautical characters, ship sets, and treasure-filled props. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
SYT Internship Program[24SU]
05/30/24 - 07/25/24, 12:30PM - 1:30PM | TH
Ages 15 to 21 | Elizabeth Sullivan | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CSYTINTERN24
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: The Wizard of Oz[24SU]
05/28/24 - 06/13/24, 1:00PM - 5:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 10 to 14 | Kayla Sandusky | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CZWIZARD
Members $252 | Non-Members $280
AUDITIONS HELD ON APRIL 28th Story by L. Frank Baum, Music & Lyrics by Harold Arlen & E.Y. Harburg. We’re off to see the wizard! After a tornado whisks her away to the magical land of Oz, Dorothy teams up with a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman and a Cowardly Lion to find the mighty Wizard of Oz, who can send her home. Along the way, they must avoid the clutches of the Wicked Witch of the West, who is trying to steal the mysterious magic slippers that once belonged to her evil sister... but are now on Dorothy's feet. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child. Rehearsals: 3 weeks, May 28-June 13. M-F | 1-5PM. Performances: June 14 | 7PM, June 15 | 2PM & 7PM.
SYT Senior: Puffs[24SU]
05/28/24 - 06/20/24, 4:00PM - 9:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 14 to 18 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZPUFFS
Members $297 | Non-Members $330
AUDITIONS HELD ON APRIL 28th By Matt Cox. In this hilarious parody of a familiar story, three potential heroes are just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers. Their epic quest takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be. Puffs is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child. Rehearsals: 4 weeks, May 28 - June 20. No rehearsal June 19. M-Th | 4-9:30PM & F | 4-7PM. Performances: June 21 | 7PM, June 22 | 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: Alice in Wonderland[24SU]
07/1/24 - 07/18/24, 1:00PM - 5:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 10 to 14 | Elizabeth Sullivan | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CZALICE
Members $252 | Non-Members $280
AUDITIONS HELD ON APRIL 28th Adapted from Lewis Carroll by Ric Averill. Commissioned for home production and national tour by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. With the help of a Cheshire Cat, an astute Caterpillar, and a righteous Humpty Dumpty, Alice must find her way home and discover who she really is. With original music composed by Ric Averill, this play with music is written specifically for our Summer Youth Theatre 4th-8th graders. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child. Rehearsals: 3 weeks, July 1 - July 18. No rehearsal July 4 & 5. M-F | 1-5PM. Performances: July 19 | 7PM, July 20 | 2PM & 7PM.

Technical Theatre
SYT Costumes: June Session[24SU]
05/28/24 - 06/21/24, 9:30AM - 12:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 18 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CZCOSTUME1
Members $166.5 | Non-Members $185
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[24SU]
05/28/24 - 06/21/24, 9:00AM - 12:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 18 | Lexey Jost | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | CZTECH1
Members $216 | Non-Members $240
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[24SU]
07/1/24 - 07/26/24, 9:00AM - 12:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 18 | Lexey Jost | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | CZTECH2
Members $216 | Non-Members $240
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.

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.

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

View All Events

Averill Award Ceremony

The Averill Award | A Summer Youth Theatre Lifetime Achievement Award Join us as we honor 51 years of Summer Youth Theatre and celebrate 50 years of The Lawrence Arts Center with a lifetime achievement award presented to Kari Paludan-Sorey, spectacular performances to launch the 2024 SYT Season, cupcakes, and champagne!  This 2nd Annual Award […]Read More

May 24

6:30PM

The Wizard of Oz

Summer Youth Theatre Junior Musical We’re off to see the wizard! After a tornado whisks her away to the magical land of Oz, Dorothy and her newfound friends — a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman and a Cowardly Lion — team up to find the mighty Wizard of Oz, her ticket home. Along the way, they […]Read More

June 14

7:00PM

June 15

2:00PM

June 15

7:00PM

In-Person Tickets

Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years At A Certain School of Magic and Magic

Summer Youth Theatre Senior Play In this hilarious parody of a familiar story, three potential heroes try to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers. Their epic quest takes the classic story […]Read More

June 21

7:00PM

June 22

2:00PM

June 22

7:00PM

In-Person Tickets

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