Theater summer camps in Greater Milwaukee for 2026

Your young performer has star potential, and Milwaukee's vibrant theater scene offers an exceptional array of summer programs to help them shine. From professional theater academies at Tony Award-winning First Stage to community playhouses and free youth theater opportunities, over 20 theater and performing arts camps serve the Greater Milwaukee area—with options for every age, budget, and experience level.

Registration for most programs opens between January and April 2026, with popular camps filling within days. Here's everything you need to know to find the perfect fit for your aspiring actor, singer, or backstage technician.

First Stage locations

First Stage Theater Academy operates the nation's largest and most comprehensive youth theater training program, and their Summer Academy 2026 offers unprecedented reach with a new Carroll University location in Waukesha.

Milwaukee Youth Arts Center | 325 W. Walnut St., Milwaukee

• Dates: June 15 – August 14, 2026

• Next Steps Program (for neurodivergent students): August 17–28, 2026

Concordia University Wisconsin | Mequon

• Dates: July 13–24, 2026

Carroll University | Waukesha (NEW for 2026!)

• dDates: July 27 – August 7, 2026

Ages: Grades K4–12, divided by grade level Session lengths: One, two, three, and four-week options Hours: Half-day (K4–2) and full-day sessions available

What they'll learn: Professional teaching artists lead classes in musical theater, scene study, Shakespeare, improvisation, acting theory, and voice & movement. The curriculum follows First Stage's "Life Skills Through Stage Skills" philosophy, building confidence and collaboration alongside theatrical technique.

Special features:

• Final presentations at end of each session—grades 5–12 perform at Marcus Center's Todd Wehr Theater

• Company Classes (audition required) produce full shows with professional directors

• Internship program for 8th grade+ students earns tuition credit

• Extended care available at Milwaukee location only ($50/week, 3:00–4:30 PM)

Registration: Opens January 6, 2026 at 8:00 AM—mark your calendar, as popular sessions fill fast

Pricing tiers (2026):

Period Discount Early Bird (until March 2) $50 OFF Regular Bird (March 2–April 19) Standard pricing Late Bird (after April 19) $50 INCREASE

Tuition ranges approximately $175–$750 depending on session length. A $75 deposit per class is required at registration, with balance due end of May. New students pay a one-time $20 application fee.

Financial aid: The "Access for All" scholarship program covers up to 85% of tuition for qualifying families.

New Student Orientations (Required):

• Milwaukee: Monday, June 1, 5:00–6:00 PM

• Concordia: Tuesday, June 2, 5:00–6:00 PM

• Carroll: Wednesday, June 3, 5:00–6:00 PM

Contact: (414) 267-2970 | firststage.org/Summer-Academy

Milwaukee Rep expands

Milwaukee Repertory Theater launched their MKE Rep Arts Camp in 2025 and is significantly expanding for 2026 with two distinct program tracks that go beyond traditional theater training.

Explorers Camp (Ages 7–15)

Location: St. Augustine Preparatory Academy: North Campus

Design your own artistic adventure by choosing five unique classes from options including acting, sewing, improvisation, writing, dance, painting, production design, film, Shakespeare, musical theater, and makeup.

Session Dates Cost Session 1 June 29 – July 10, 2026 (no camp July 3) $600 Session 2 July 13–24, 2026 $650

Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Culminating event: Arts Spectacular on final Friday featuring performances and design gallery

Generators Camp (Ages 7–15) — NEW for 2026!

Location: Milwaukee Repertory Theater, 108 East Wells Street, Milwaukee

Master immersive world-building through set design, costume construction, character development, and special effects in themed one- and two-week experiences.

Theme Dates Cost Galactic Frontier June 22–26, 2026 $350 Fantasy Quest August 10–21, 2026 $650 Hall of Horrors August 24–28, 2026 $350

Culminating event: Interactive World Tour on final Friday where families explore the immersive world campers created

Registration: Open now at milwaukeerep.fillout.com/mkerepartscamp2026 Scholarship deadline: March 2, 2026 (notification by March 29) Aftercare: Available until 6:00 PM for $15/day Payment plans: Available upon request

Contact: SummerCamp@Milwaukeerep.com | (414) 224-1761 | milwaukeerep.com/ArtsCamp

Skylight brings Broadway to the Third Ward

Skylight Music Theatre at the Broadway Theatre Center offers an intimate three-week musical theater intensive where every student plays a meaningful role—on or offstage.

Location: Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway, Milwaukee (Historic Third Ward)

2025 program (use as 2026 estimate): July 28 – August 16 Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Ages: Grades 2–8 Cost: $400 per participant

What makes it unique: Students can audition for performance roles (receiving acting and singing coaching) OR work behind-the-scenes learning set preparation, costumes, and stage management. The 2025 production was "The Big Bad Musical"—watch for 2026 show announcements.

Culminating performances: Two shows open to family and friends on the final Friday and Saturday

Contact: (414) 291-7800 | Fred Diggins (Education Manager): fdiggins@skylightmusictheatre.org | skylightmusictheatre.org

Community theaters

Sunset Playhouse School for the Arts 

Sunset Playhouse School for the Arts | Elm Grove

Location: 700 Wall Street, Elm Grove, WI 53122

Sunset Playhouse has served the community since 1960, and their Summer Stars camps offer everything from half-day introductions to full musical productions.

Programs available:

• Half-day camps (1:00–4:00 PM) featuring musical theater, Disney themes, and detective adventures

• Full-day options

• Summer Stars Performance Camps with full productions

• JR and KIDS Musical productions

Ages: Entering grades 1–6 (varies by program) Sample pricing: $140/week for half-day musical theater camp, plus $7 processing fee Showcase: Friday performances at 3:15 PM

Cancellation policy: Full refund minus $7 fee if cancelled 14+ days before camp start

Contact: (262) 782-4430 | Erika Navin (Education Director): enavin@sunsetplayhouse.com, ext. 290 | sunsetplayhouse.com/summer-stars-camp

Waukesha Civic Theatre Academy

Location: 264 W. Main St., Waukesha, WI 53186

WCT Academy offers one of the broadest age ranges in the area, welcoming performers as young as age 4 alongside teens.

Summer 2025 sessions (estimate 2026 similar):

• June Session: June 16–28

• August Session: August 4–16

• Summer Musical Production: June 23 – July 24

Class offerings by age:

Age Group Classes Price Ages 4–5 Musical Madness, Dance Fever $90 Ages 6–8 Create a Play, Musical Madness, Dance Fever, Acting Up $175 Ages 9–12 Dance Fever, Incredible Improv, Musical Madness, Acting Up $175 Ages 13–18 Incredible Improv, additional options $175

Special programs:

• Summer Musical (2025: Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr.)

• Lights! Camera! Action! on-camera acting workshop (ages 9–18): $250

• Downtown Waukesha 4th of July parade participation

Financial aid: $10,000 in scholarship funds available annually

Showcase: Performances on 6/28 and 8/16 at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM

Contact: (262) 547-0708 (Box Office) | waukeshacivictheatre.org

Lake Country Playhouse | Hartland

Location: 221 E. Capitol Drive (theater) and 111 Church St. (academy), Hartland, WI 53029

This gem in Lake Country's historic Masonic Lodge offers an intimate black box theater experience with a decade of arts education experience.

Camp options:

• Mini Musical Camps (no audition): Ages 4–8 and 8–12, week-long with Friday showcase

• Broadway Showstopper Dance Camps: Ages 10–18, learn iconic ensemble numbers

• Summer Tech Workshop: Ages 10+, props, painting & costumes

• Youth Production Workshops (audition required): Aristocats KIDS, The Lion King Jr., Annie Jr.

Sample pricing:

• Mini Musical/Aristocats KIDS: $250

• The Lion King Jr.: $350

Early bird: Save 10% before April 1st Financial aid: Available

Philosophy: Emphasis on the "7 C's of Theatre"—Creativity, Confidence, Communication, Compassion, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Challenge

Contact: education@lakecountryplayhousewi.org | lakecountryplayhousewi.org/camps

South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center Youth Theatre

Location: 901 15th Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI 53172

SMYT offers a full musical theater production experience where all auditionees receive a part—no one is turned away.

Summer 2026 dates:

• Junior Cast (ages 6–11): Performance July 18, 2026

• Senior Cast (ages 12–18): Performances July 31 – August 2, 2026

• Rehearsals run mid-June through show dates (Monday–Thursday evenings)

Cost: $245 general / $215 for South Milwaukee residents Registration opens: April 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM (limited capacity)

Tech Crew Program: Ages 14–18 learn tool use, set building, backdrop painting, props, and basic sound/lighting. Meets weekdays noon–4pm, mid-June through end of July.

Scholarships: Full and partial scholarships available—no child turned away due to inability to pay

Contact: (414) 766-5049 | Rachel Sorce: rsorce@sdsm.k12.wi.us | southmilwaukeepac.org/youth-theatre

Next Act Theatre | Milwaukee

Location: 255 S. Water St., Milwaukee, WI 53204

Program: Next Actors: Summer Theatre for Teens—a 25+ year tradition exclusively for high school students

This intensive program offers two 2-week sessions where teens create a devised performance piece under professional artist instruction. Optional Playwriting and Technical Theatre Intensive available before Session 1.

Features:

• Daily guest artist workshops

• Tour week with combined finale presentation

• Deep connection between artistic work and community

Registration: Check back spring 2026 for registration information

Contact: (414) 278-0765 | info@nextact.org | nextact.org/education/nastt

University-connected programs

UWM College for Kids & Teens

Location: Merrill Hall, 2512 E. Hartford Ave., Milwaukee

UWM's School of Continuing Education offers Creative Arts courses including theatre, taught by Peck School of the Arts alumni and staff.

Ages: K5–12th grade Registration: New catalog available January 2026 Services: Before and after care available, scholarship and tuition assistance programs

Peck School of the Arts also offers summer programs for older students:

• Dance Summer Intensive (ages 14+): July 23–26, 2026

• Film Summer Camp (ages 14–18): Various June/July dates

Contact: (414) 227-3360 | cfkids@uwm.edu | uwm.edu/sce/program_area/college-for-kids-teens

University School of Milwaukee | River Hills

Location: 2100 W. Fairy Chasm Road, River Hills, WI 53217

USM's Theatre Camp (new in 2025) offers students in grades 2–9 hour-long classes in various theatre disciplines culminating in a showcase.

Transportation: Available from Grafton/Cedarburg, Mequon/Thiensville, Shorewood/Whitefish Bay, and downtown Milwaukee

Contact: (414) 540-3350 | usm.org/summer

Multi-arts camps blend theater with dance and music

Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts | Brookfield

Location: 3270 Mitchell Park Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045

The Wilson Center Arts Camp combines visual art, dance, theater, and music with nature programming from Wehr Nature Center. First Stage provides the theater instruction.

Summer 2025 dates (estimate 2026 similar):

• Week 1: June 23–27 — "Singing and Dancing with Nature"

• Week 2: July 21–25 — "Creating and Playing with Nature"

Ages: Entering grades 1–6 Hours: 8:00 AM drop-off to 3:00–3:30 PM pickup; aftercare available until 4:30 PM Capacity: 60 spots per week

First Stage at Wilson Center (grades 5–12): Two-week session typically in July

Contact: (262) 373-5023 | education@wilson-center.com | wilson-center.com/summer-camps

Black Arts MKE — I AM. Youth Performing Arts Summer Camp

Location: Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 North Water Street, Milwaukee

This powerful program infuses African and African American cultural history into performing arts training led entirely by Milwaukee-based Black professional artists.

2025 dates (estimate 2026 similar): July 1–25 Ages: 12–18 years old Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Culminating performance: The "Day of Kuumba" performance at Peck Pavilion, open to the community

Contact: (414) 273-7635 ext. 400 | info@blackartsmke.org | blackartsmke.org

Danceworks | Milwaukee Youth Arts Center & Whitefish Bay

Locations:

• Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut St., Milwaukee

• Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay

Danceworks offers Summer Dance Intensives with a Spotlight Musical Theater Workshop add-on for ages 8–12.

2025 Spotlight Musical Theater dates (estimate 2026 similar): June 23–27, 1:00–4:00 PM

Year-round Theatre Dance classes incorporate acting combined with dance as it pertains to musical theatre.

Financial aid: Shining Light Studio Scholarship available; 15% discount for foster families

Contact: (414) 277-8480 | info@danceworksmke.org | danceworksmke.org

Rec departments options

Wauwatosa Recreation Department

Program: Children's Theatre of Wauwatosa, Youth Drama

2026 registration timeline (estimated):

• Summer Activity Guide posted: ~April 9

• Resident registration: ~April 16 at 10:00 AM

• High-demand registration: ~April 23 at 10:00 AM

• Non-resident registration: ~April 30 at 10:00 AM

Contact: tosarec.com

Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department

Program: Summer Drama Camp Ages: Grades 5–8 Location: Village Park in Thiensville

Registration opens: Early March (March 3 at 9:00 AM in 2025)

Contact: mtsd.k12.wi.us/departments/rec

Wisconsin Youth Company | Hartland

Location: 300 Cottonwood Ave., Suite 6, Hartland, WI 53029

Program: Theater Immersion Camp—a two-week intensive (single weeks not available) Ages: Entering grades 3–9 Hours: Full day, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Students learn acting, stage presence, set design and production, culminating in a full performance on the final day.

2026 information: Available January 2026 Tuition assistance: Available

Contact: (262) 547-8770 | wisconsinyouthcompany.org/summer-camp/theater-immersion-camp

Free and low-cost options

Milwaukee Youth Theatre

Cost: FREE participation in all four annual productions

MYT offers open auditions for students ages 8–18 of any experience level. Beyond performing, students can train in directing, stage management, lighting/sound design, properties, set design, costumes, and marketing.

Contact: milwaukeeyouththeatre.org

Residential camp option brings total immersion

Harand Camp of the Theatre Arts | Kenosha

Location: Carthage College, Kenosha, WI (residential, overlooking Lake Michigan)

Celebrating their 70th anniversary season, Harand combines intensive musical theater training with traditional summer camp fun. This co-ed residential experience includes:

• Daily classes in singing, dancing, and acting

• Three electives per day (arts, sports, general activities)

• Evening activities and off-campus trips

• Full show preparation and performance

• Modern dorm facilities and three catered meals daily

• On-campus security and nurse

Contact: harandcamp.com

Programs that don't offer summer camps (so you don't waste time searching)

• Milwaukee Chamber Theatre: Focuses on school-year programs including the Young Playwrights Festival for high schoolers

• Renaissance Theaterworks: Professional adult theater company without youth programming

• Cardinal Stritch University: Closed in May 2023

• Alverno College: No youth theater summer programs currently offered

• Brew City Academy: No performing arts academy by this name was found in Milwaukee

Your 2026 planning calendar

Date Action January 6, 2026 at 8:00 AM First Stage registration opens (camps fill fast!) January 2026 UWM College for Kids catalog available Early February Wilson Center/Wisconsin Conservatory registration opens March 2, 2026 First Stage early bird pricing ends; Milwaukee Rep scholarship deadline Early March Mequon-Thiensville Rec registration opens Late February Shorewood Rec registration opens April 1 Lake Country Playhouse early bird deadline Mid-April Wauwatosa Rec registration opens April 19 First Stage regular pricing ends April 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM South Milwaukee PAC registration opens Now Milwaukee Rep Arts Camp 2026 registration open

Tips for choosing the right camp

For first-timers: Start with half-day sessions at First Stage, Sunset Playhouse, or Lake Country Playhouse's Mini Musical camps. The welcoming environment builds confidence without overwhelming beginners.

For musical theater enthusiasts: Skylight Music Theatre's intensive and Waukesha Civic Theatre's summer musical offer deep dives into the genre.

For aspiring designers and techies: Milwaukee Rep's new Generators track and South Milwaukee PAC's Tech Crew program focus on the creative work behind the curtain.

For teens seeking pre-professional training: First Stage's Company Classes (audition required) and Next Act's 25-year-old teen program offer intensive experiences with professional artists.

For families on a budget: Milwaukee Youth Theatre is completely free, and nearly every program listed offers scholarships or financial aid—don't let cost stop you from applying.

Break a leg this summer!