If you have a creative child who loves dramatic play and is going into grades 1st–8th, The Alley Theatre’s Pop-Up Summer Camps at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is such an exciting summer option to look into!
The program is through Alley Theatre’s Play Makers Lab, and it’s less like a traditional camp and more like an invitation for kids to step into a world of storytelling and creativity for the day. Campers will spend time acting, moving, inventing characters, participating in theatre games, and collaborating with other children in ways that naturally build confidence and connection.
When I read the description, I immediately signed up my daughter! It seems like a refreshing alternative to screen time this summer, allowing her to use her imagination alongside other kids for a few hours.
The camps are guided by professional Alley Theatre Teaching Artists, and each camp day introduces themes inspired by books, stories, and imaginative source material. Kids explore those ideas through movement, visual arts, acting activities, and hands-on theatre experiences designed specifically for their age group.
I also love that this isn’t just for “theater kids.” You don’t have to have a child who dreams of Broadway for this to be meaningful. Some children simply need opportunities to practice speaking up, collaborating, expressing emotions, making new friends, or feeling comfortable being a little silly and creative in a supportive environment.
The camps are available for both rising 1st–4th graders and rising 5th–8th graders, and they run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Pavilion on June 25 and July 14. Both days will cover similar activities, but each day will be anchored to a different book, so (from what I can tell) families could sign up for both days if you choose!
What I love MOST about this opportunity? The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion has subsidized the program, and the one-day camp is ONLY $25, which feels incredibly affordable for a full-day arts experience led by professional teaching artists
Children simply need to bring two snacks, a lunch, and a reusable water bottle.
You can browse the details here (just scroll down to the Pavilion camp options):
https://www.alleytheatre.org/education/program-registration/
