Summer Camps

ABOUT OUR CAMPS

Our summer camps are designed to be an introduction to various theatrical talents including acting, musical theater, technical theater, playwriting, improvisation, dance, film, and more! We offer camps to BARNIE BUDDIES (for 6-8 year olds) and MAIN STREET PLAYERS (9-11 year olds). Each day starts at 9:00am and ends at 4:00pm, and the two age groups will come together for a 30–minute showcase on the last day of each week. Camps are taught by Barn staff and professional guest artists. We look forward to having your family join us this summer!

Theater is about collaboration, but it's also about cultivating skills that we can use on and off the stage. We can most certainly hone those skills – or tools, as we like to call them – to create a unique Actor’s Toolbox.

This summer’s camps will be located at the New London Historical Society.


NLBP Education presents:

2025 SUMMER CAMPS

DANCING WITH THE STARS

June 23–27

“Dancing with the Stars: Theatre Camp Edition” brings Broadway flair to dance techniques, building students’ confidence, teamwork, and stage presence. Inspired by the iconic TV competition show, students will learn from seasoned professionals in a variety of dance styles. Singing and dancing will also be incorporated into their performances to create a complete storytelling experience.

9:00am–4:00pm
Tuition: $350
Camp location: New London Historical Society
Showcase location: Barn Playhouse Stage


WORLD BUILDING

June 30–July 3

Bring your favorite virtual worlds to life onstage! From designing interactive environments to crafting dynamic soundscapes and designing vibrant costumes, students will learn to create elements of their favorite video games onstage! Combining technical skills with creativity, this camp empowers young artists to draw from inspirations like Minecraft, Roblox, and LEGO worlds to build new storytelling universes.

*Note: This is a shortened week because of July 4th.

9:00am–4:00pm
Tuition: $280
Camp location: New London Historical Society
Showcase location: New London Historical Society


WITCHES & WIZARDS

July 7–11

Through acting, singing, and spellbinding stagecraft, students will conjure their own characters and dive into their favorite mystical tales. From Wicked to Harry Potter, The Magic Treehouse, and Lord of the Rings, there are plenty of magical adventures to explore and new ones to create! Let your creativity soar in this whimsical world of wizardry!

9:00am–4:00pm
Tuition: $350
Camp location: New London Historical Society
Showcase location: Barn Playhouse stage


TIME TRAVEL

July 14–18

From ancient amphitheaters and Shakespearean stages to movie musicals and modern theatrical hits, campers will learn about theatre styles through the ages! With hands-on workshops from different eras and a time-traveling showcase, this camp celebrates the journey of global theatre trends throughout history.

9:00am–4:00pm
Tuition: $350
Camp location: New London Historical Society
Showcase location: Barn Playhouse Stage


TV & FILM

July 21–25

Gain hands-on experience behind and in front of the camera! In our TV and film production week, students will perform scenes from movies and TV shows of their choice and explore on-camera acting techniques, as well as voiceovers, videography, and video editing. Learn about different styles of film and television, discuss your favorite shows, and create new content of your own!

9:00am–4:00pm
Tuition: $350
Camp location: New London Historical Society
Showcase location: Whipple Hall


ANIMAL PLANET

July 28–August 1

Creativity and nature come together through imaginative performances influenced by jungles, oceans, and savannas! Campers will spend time outside listening to nature soundscapes, observing animal behavior, and taking nature photography to inspire their stories. When the weather is too hot or rainy for outdoor play, students will explore musicals and stories about animals and create costumes and makeup for their creature characters.

9:00am–4:00pm
Tuition: $350
Camp location: New London Historical Society
Showcase location: Barn Playhouse Stage


GRIMM’S FAIRY TALES

August 4–8

Whether you’re into the traditional princess stories or the weirder tales of Hansel & Gretel and Rumplestiltskin, this camp has dramatic scenes for everyone! Step into the classic, spooky, mystical worlds of the Brothers Grimm, and develop playwriting skills to reimagine your own versions of these timeless tales.

9:00am–4:00pm
Tuition: $350
Camp location: New London Historical Society
Showcase location: Barn Playhouse Stage


BARN ACADEMY: PETER PAN

August 11–15

The Barn Academy week is the most formal performance of the camp season. Students will audition on day one, get cast in a role, receive a script, and rehearse their 30-minute musical all week until the final show, which will have more production elements than the other showcases. This year’s musical is Peter Pan, the magical adventure about a mischievous boy who refuses to grow up, leading the Darling children to Neverland, where they confront pirates, fairies, and the meaning of childhood. This adaptation was created by Junior Intern Hannah Popchuk.

This is a great preparatory camp before auditioning/applying for the Junior Intern Company.

9:00am–4:00pm
Tuition: $380
Camp location: New London Historical Society
Showcase location: Whipple Hall

*Note: This camp will not be split into separate age groups. Performers and designers ages 6–11 are encouraged to work together in this fun week, putting on a show from start to finish!


SUMMER CAMPS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

RELEASE FORM
In order to participate in NLBP Camps, campers must have an annual release form on file. Download the 2025 Camps Release Form here.

The release form can be emailed to camps@nlbarn.org or brought to the first day of camp. We will also have copies available on the first day.

2025 HEALTH & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Because of our classification as an official summer camp recognized by the state of New Hampshire, we are required to collect a few health and safety documents from camp families. In addition to the release form, each camper must submit certification that a physical examination has been completed in the past 2 years, as well as documentation of immunizations (or exemptions). We will provide a secure folder where you can submit these documents in our welcome email.

WHAT TO BRING / WEAR
Campers should come to camp dressed in “play clothes” and closed-toe shoes.​ All campers should bring a water-bottle, sack lunch, and a snack (nut-free only).


SUMMER CAMPS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What time does registration close?
A:
Registration closes 24 hours prior to the first day of camp (Sunday at 9:00 AM). If registration has closed, you can register in person on Monday morning or email camps@nlbarn.org to secure your spot.

Q: My child is a little bit younger/older than the camp ages that are recommended. Is it okay for me to register my child anyway?
A:
If your child is under 6 or over 11 years old, please send a quick email to our Camps Director (camps@nlbarn.org). You’ll be asked a few questions about your child to see whether or not camps would be a good fit at their current age.

Q: What is the refund policy?
A:
We understand plans change. All refunds must be requested two weeks prior to the first day of camp. In case of emergency or COVID-19 exposure of symptoms, partial or full refunds may be offered. Email camps@nlbarn.org to discuss your family’s situation.

Q: Do you offer discounts?
A: Yes – we have a family discount! This is for multiple family members who are taking camps in the same week. We also have a full-camper discount for students who are attending every week of summer camp. For more information, email our Camps Director at camps@nlbarn.org.

Q: What is the policy on getting tuition assistance?
A:
We believe an education in the performing arts is for everyone. To apply for full or partial tuition assistance, please fill out a Tuition Assistance Form (available to download here) and email a completed copy to Camps Director (camps@nlbarn.org) before registering.

​Q: The camp I want is full. What do I do?
A:
We have several camps that we know your child will love! Many of the morning camps have a similar structure, so we encourage you to sign up for another available camp! If you still prefer your first choice, you can email our Camps Director (camps@nlbarn.org) to be put on the waiting list.

​Q: How does the waiting list work?
A:
Waiting lists for camps operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If a cancellation occurs in a camp, the first camper listed on the waiting list will fill the spot, and so on. We cannot guarantee that campers on a waiting list will be able to attend that camp.

Q: Can I fill out one release form for multiple children?
A:
Absolutely – we love less paperwork! If multiple campers are siblings, just include the names/ages of all campers on the form.

Q: I’m having trouble signing the release form. Can you help me?
A: Absolutely! Please contact our Camps Director (camps@nlbarn.org) and they’ll be happy to walk you through the process.

Q: How do lunch breaks work?
A:
We ask that all campers bring their own lunch (no nuts, please), and we have a relaxed, supervised lunch-hour from 12:30–1:30 PM.

Q: How do showcases work?
A:
Each camp has one performance on the last day of the camp week. Families and friends will be invited to attend these showcases for free. Our Camps Director will send final information about each showcase on the Wednesday of each camp week.

Q: I'm not sure of my plans yet. Is it possible to reserve a spot?
A:
Subject to availability, it may sometimes be possible to temporarily hold a spot in a camp; email camps@nlbarn.org to inquire about that possibility.


Questions?

For questions regarding NLBP Summer Camps,
please email our Camps Director at
camps@nlbarn.org



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TUITION ASSISTANCE

We at the Barn believe an education in the performing arts should be available and accessible to everyone. We know many people are currently dealing with loss of income and financial instability in light of COVID-19 and the subsequent economic disruptions. So it is with great pride that we offer Tuition Assistance at any level needed.​

We know how meaningful theater can be, and we understand the impact of that shared experience. Especially in these difficult times, coming together to sing, act, design, and laugh can be transformative.​

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Tuition assistance is available thanks to a generous donation from Bar Harbor Bank and Trust with a shared commitment to make theater education accessible to all. If you are in need of tuition assistance, please CLICK HERE to download our Tuition Assistance Form and email the completed form to education@nlbarn.org before registering for our education programs.

We also offer TRANSPORTATION to students upon request. If students would like a staff member to walk them from KRES-NL, they can mark that option on their registration form for each program. Students who need transportation via car can CLICK HERE to download our Transportation Form, and email the completed form to education@nlbarn.org.