For young children, theatre camp is more than just a place to play—it’s an opportunity to build confidence, make friends, and explore creativity in a nurturing environment. Our ETC Beginnings Preschool Theatre Camp (half-day) and Creative Drama Acting Camp for Young Children (Grades K-2, full-day) introduce kids to the joy of storytelling, movement, and performance in a way that is fun, structured, and developmentally appropriate.
What's a day like at these camps and is it right for your young one? Glad you asked... Welcome to a Magical Day at ETC Summer Camp!
Arrival & Warm-ups: A Warm and Playful Start
The morning portion of camp for ETC Beginnings (ETCB) sessions and Creative Drama (K-2) sessions are similar. Each morning begins with free play as campers arrive and get comfortable. This time is essential for children to ease into the day, connect with new friends, and settle into a routine. Activities might include simple games, imaginative play, or movement-based activities.
Once everyone is settled, we kick off the day with Actor’s Tools Warm-Ups—a fun and engaging way to introduce children to the building blocks of theatre:
Voice: Practicing projection, articulation, and storytelling through silly sounds and songs.
Body: Learning how movement helps tell a story. Our movement games get kids comfortable expressing themselves physically while reinforcing our theme for the week.
Imagination: Creative exercises that encourage kids to think outside the box, such as pretending to be explorers in a jungle or acting like robots in a futuristic world.
After warm-ups, campers are primed for other camp activities.
Camp Activities: Acting, Crafting, and Playing
Storytelling & Improv
In some sessions, campers participate in an interactive storytelling session, where they act out characters from a beloved book. The instructor narrates while the kids embody different roles, helping them understand emotions, plot structure, and how to work as an ensemble.
Arts & Crafts: Bringing Stories to Life
Campers create simple crafts that tie into the weekly theme. Whether it’s making pirate hats for Pirate Pals, fairy wands for Rotten to the Core, or animal masks for Creatures and Critters, these projects give children a tangible connection to their performances. Some crafts may even become part of their end-of-week performance!
Outdoor Play & Snack Time
Children need time to recharge, so we make sure to include outdoor playtime and snack breaks. Whether it’s running around, playing with friends, or participating in guided outdoor games, this time allows kids to refresh before heading into afternoon activities.
ETCB vs Creative Drama
ETC Beginnings (ETCB) is a half day program best suited for children who have not yet experienced a full day of school. The camp helps preschoolers develop motor skills, sensory awareness, and social confidence via theatre and movement. After the morning activities, ETCB campers head home to enjoy the rest of their afternoon.
Creative Drama is a full day camp for kids in K-2nd grade. While the mornings are full of activities similar to ETCB, the afternoon focuses on bringing their performance to life. Over the course of the week, campers work together to create a group story—developing characters, choosing plot points, and rehearsing simple lines. By the end of the week, their story takes shape into a play where every child has a role.
Creative Drama Afternoons
Rehearsals & Performance Prep
Throughout the process, our camp instructors guide the campers while allowing them the freedom to make creative choices, ensuring that even the shyest child feels comfortable participating. They hold guided rehearsals in the afternoon.
In these guided rehearsals, campers:
Practice using their voice, body, and imagination to bring their characters to life
Learn where they move on stage and when
.
Final Sharing
On the last day of both ETCB and Creative Drama camp sessions, family and friends are invited to a casual sharing where campers demonstrate what they’ve learned throughout the week. Unlike a formal stage performance, this is an informal way for children to show off their creativity while feeling supported by their teachers and peers.
For both ETCB preschool theatre camp and Creative Drama participants, the Teaching Artist narrates while they act out parts as a group. For K-2 campers, they may also have simple one-liners, allowing them to shine at their own comfort level. Every camper is included and celebrated, whether they are excited to perform or prefer to participate in a smaller way.
Join Us for a Summer of Creativity & Fun!
Our ETCB Preschool Theatre Camp & Creative Drama Acting Camp for Young Children are the perfect place for young kids to build confidence, make friends, and discover the joy of theatre. Whether they’re acting out a story, creating imaginative crafts, or just having fun with new friends, each day is filled with adventure.
Camp Dates: June 23–August 22
Location: Arlington, VA
Programs Include: ETCB Preschool Theatre Camp (PreK half-day) & Creative Drama (K-2 full-day)
Learn More & Register: ETC Beginnings Camps (PreK) | Creative Drama Camps (K-2)
We can’t wait to welcome your child to camp this summer.
FAQs: Answering Parents’ Top Questions
Does every child get a part in the show?
Yes! Every camper has an opportunity to be part of the final sharing, and every camper chooses their own role so they make choices based on their own comfort level.
Is theatre camp right for children who have never acted before?
What if my child is shy?
How do I know if my kindergartener should be in the PreK-K half-day camp or K-2 full-day camp?
Contact Us
If you have any other questions, check out our full Camp FAQ page, or feel free to email us at Info@EducationalTheatreCompany.org
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