How NOT to Run a Theatre Camp
We’ve published a few pieces over the years on why kids should attend theatre camp. It’s a great way to learn theatre as a young kid and be a part of a performance with only 2-3 weeks spent rehearsing (seriously, it is amazing coherent musicals can be pulled off in that timespan).
However, based on our experience and what we hear from parents and kids themselves who attend theatre camp, we need to offer some tips to those who are running a theatre camp, because boy do these camps need help.
Now, we’re not going to weigh in on what plays should be performed, or how to specifically teach kids theatre, or how to run a camp profitably. We’re saving that for the advanced classes. Nope, we’re just going to cover the basics, because theatre camps all over can’t even get the basics right.
You will notice that we framed this article oddly. Most “Tips” articles are framed in a positive light, like “5 Tips on how to run a successful theatre camp”. But in this case, the basics are so basic, all the adults in charge need to do to not screw up theatre camp is to not do some basic wrongs that we were taught at a very young age not to do.
So this article is going to simply list a list of things to NOT do when running theatre camp.
You wouldn’t think this list needs to be published, but, we hear stories from parents and kids who attend theatre camps that do not follow these tips, even in 2024.
Please note: we’re not naming names; however, there’s a form at the bottom of this story to tell us your story about theatre camp, especially if you’re an adult working at one of these camps where these tips are not being followed.
Let’s get right to it.
Tip #1: Do NOT berate elementary school kids for forgetting their lines when they only have had a few days to memorize them
A good rule of thumb is to not berate children, period, especially 12 years or younger. Many kids in any theatre camp are doing this for the first time, and most of them are nervous about getting on stage and performing. Kids this age need encouragement, not a voice inside their head telling them the world is going to end if they mess up a line.
Don’t make kids feel bad about messing up. They’re kids.
Professional Broadway performers forget their lines sometimes. So will kids.
Give them tips on how to remember their lines, don’t make them feel embarrassed.
Tip #2: Do NOT direct a theatre camp performance like you’re trying to impress a Broadway producer
No, you’re not Alexander Hamilton, you are not throwing away your shot, this is not your chance to show the world you belong on Broadway.
You’re running a camp.
Your job is to make sure the kids have fun.
Your secondary job is to have these kids love theatre as much as possible.
You’re not directing professional actors on professional contracts.
You’re directing a bunch of elementary school kids, many of whom have never seen the inside of a theater before.
Direct accordingly.
Tip #3: Do NOT expect elementary school kids to sit perfectly still for hours at a time while they watch others rehearse
If your camp has kids ages 5-8, odds are they have never sat still for more than 40 minutes at a time.
Don’t expect them to start now in your theatre camp just because you think your camp is special.
Keep them engaged, have them run around if you must. Remember, they aren’t used to this. Make watching them play a game, have them wait for certain words in the script, and raise their hands when they hear it.
Don’t expect 7-year-olds to act like 70-year-olds.
Tip #4: Do NOT make the kids work during their lunch break
Kids (and adults for that matter) need time to decompress and act like kids. It is ok for kids to talk about non-theatre stuff; they should get to know each other, and become friends. It is great for castmates to bond over non-theatre things!
Don’t yell at them to rehearse their lines while they are eating their lunch. They have the rest of the day to do that.
Tip #5: Do NOT play favorites with casting
This one may be controversial because there are undoubtedly some sour grapes with some of the complaints we hear. But we can safely say that every kid should be seriously considered for every role in the play based on their talent and maturity.
However, when it comes to kids’ theatre, it is too young to seriously play favorites. It is a theatre camp, often running for only two weeks. The last thing you want to teach kids about theatre is that you’ll only get the good parts if you know the camp director well.
Level the playing field as much as possible at this age.
Tip #6: Do NOT pigeonhole BIPOC kids into only BIPOC roles.
Now, long-time readers of the blog know how much we passionately advocate for BIPOC characters to only be played by BIPOC performers.
However, when it comes to a play performed by elementary school kids with 2-3 weeks to prepare when you only have a select few BIPOC kids in the camp, let’s be honest; does it matter if a BIPOC kid plays a traditionally white role instead of a BIPOC role for a camp musical?
It doesn’t matter.
If a BIPOC kid wants to play a BIPOC role, all the better. But if they want another role instead, which would leave the role to a non-BIPOC kid, it is fine.
It really is.
Don’t pressure a BIPOC kid to play a BIPOC character.
The kids don’t care, the parents won’t care, and neither should you.
Tip #7: Do NOT threaten to throw various objects at the stage if they are messing up in rehearsals
Don’t even say this as a joke, not for elementary school kids. Assume that kids will take any comment in the worst way possible. They’re kids. Treat them like your own.
Tip #8: Do NOT hire instructors who do not like teaching kids
Again, this should be a no-brainer! But too often we hear of theatre camps hiring kids right out of high school who are actively ignoring kids, watching their phones instead, and/or spend their time screaming at kids to behave.
A good rule of thumb: hire the people you would want to watch your own kids to teach your customers’ kids at camp.