Create and perform with Porchlight all summer long! 

Chicago’s favorite music theatre summer camp is back!

Our offerings for actors aged 4 – 17 include skill-based classes to stretch their creative muscles and grow in their music theatre goals in acting, dancing and singing! All Porchlight classes are taught by theatre professionals who have appeared on stages throughout Chicagoland.
EXPLORE ALL OFFERINGS IN THE MENU TO THE LEFT.

Our Foundation Classes – Mini Musicals for ages 4 – 6, Broadway Basics for ages 7 – 10 and Intermediate Ensemble for ages 11 – 13 – introduce music theater skills in a  fun and welcoming atmosphere.

Campers grow from exploring environments in Mini Musicals to creating characters through play and improvisation in Broadway Basics, to more challenging technique and group work in Intermediate Ensemble. Campers will spend their day singing, dancing and creating an original musical performance to share on the last day. 

Actors aged 7 – 13 years are invited to join us in applying their skills as they rehearse and perform a full licensed script in an extended camp in Porchlight Youth Presents. This summer our campers cook up Willy Wonka, JR and enjoy a summer of enchanting songs from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of new songs. Join us for a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth. 

This summer we’re excited to bring back PMTeens – a one of a kind opportunity for the next generation of Chicago music theatre talent. This elite group of 16 actors aged 14 – 17 will receive professional theatre training, exclusive masterclasses and leave more confident and prepared for music theatre auditions. 

 

Aftercare is offered each camp day at Lincoln Elementary from 3:30 – 5:30 PM and families are welcome to pickup anytime in this window. Aftercare is available to add on to each camp session at an additional fee and daily rates may become available depending on aftercare enrollment.

Summer Camp Locations:
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
615 W. Kemper Pl.
Chicago, IL 60614

(This location is for all camps EXCEPT PMTeens)

Accessible by CTA Red, Brown and Purple line trains at the Fullerton CTA Stop, as well as the Fullerton and Halsted buses. 

Porchlight Music Theatre Studios
4200 W. Diversey Ave
Chicago, IL 60639

(This location is for PMTeens only)

Accessible by Diversey bus.

Porchlight believes that arts education is essential for all students, so no child will be turned away for their inability to pay. Scholarships and financial aid are awarded on a need and interest basis determined through this application and additional supports (travel and meal support) may be available as well. Payment plans are always available.

Need Early Morning Care? We’ve Got You!

Before care is offered on site through Jen’s Camp starting at 7:30 AM until July 31 (no beforecare the week of Aug 3-7). Drop off as early as 7:30 am they will keep your kids entertained and safe before getting them Porchlight drop off by 9:00 am. No extra logistics to worry about, promise!

Here’s How It Works:

  • Head to our half-day registration link
  • Register by the week
  • Use code porchlightmornings for special pricing just for this program
  • $160/week

Sample Camp Day

Every day we’ll have time to learn music/acting technique, work on our final presentation, and get to know each other as an ensemble. A typical day at camp will look something like this:

  • 9 – 10 AM – Welcome and Warm-Ups (Voice, Body, Ensemble)
  • 10 – 11 AM – Learn Group Songs / Choreography for final show
  • 11 AM – 12 PM – Drama Games / Whole Cast Work
  • 12PM – Lunch & Free Time at Oz Park
  • 1 – 2 PM – Prop and Individual Final Show Work / Rehearsal
  • 2 – 3 PM – Drama Games and Review, Sign Out

Payment plans are available for all youth programming by emailing rebeccah@porchlightmusictheatre.org. Scholarships and financial aid available by filling out this application.

Scholarships Provided due to generous donations from:

                                                                  

CAMP REGISTRATION AND SAFETY POLICIES

Porchlight Music Theatre has the right to cancel a class up to one week prior to the start date. Refunds will be processed if a class or camp is canceled. No refunds available if a purchaser drops a class or camp unless the spot can be filled from a waitlist. If a spot can be filled, a refund will be given.

Porchlight Music Theatre has the right to determine minimum enrollment. A refund will not be processed if a purchaser believes the enrollment to be too low.

Transfers towards a different camp or class session may not be possible.

Porchlight Music Theatre classes and camps are mask encouraged for all campers and Teaching Artists. Guidelines and recommendations were created following advice from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Illinois Department of Health and Chicago Public Schools. Policies may update based on expert recommendations.

Full policies and FAQ here. 

Pronoun Key: + (he/him/his); * (she/her/hers); ^ (they, them, theirs);  = (any with respect)

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