BROADWAY SUMMER CAMP
Sing, dance, act, and have fun in the sun with Skyline all summer long!
In Skyline’s Broadway Summer Camps, rising young stars ages 5-14 will discover the magic of musical theater and fall in love with the performing arts, all while building self-confidence, making new friends, and having fun.
With the guidance of Skyline’s fabulous Teaching Artists, actors will each memorize a named role in the show, learn fully-staged songs and dances, and work together as a team to create an incredible performance for friends and family on the final day of each camp.
2024 Broadway Camps run June 10th-August 23rd. Summer Titles include Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, High School Musical 2, Shrek the Musical, and Matilda.
The stage is set. The spotlight awaits. It’s time to shine at Broadway Summer Camp!
LINCOLN PARK + LAKEVIEW
CAMP OFFERINGS
Broadway Juniors Summer Camp for ages 5-7 offers exciting opportunities where every actor can shine. All actors are assigned a named individual role in the show and together create a full musical ensemble for spectacular musical numbers in Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, High School Musical 2, Shrek the Musical, and Matilda.
In the course of one week, Broadway Juniors will build confidence and develop performing skills by learning lines (an opportunity to enhance early reading abilities), and singing and dancing together in front of a supportive audience. Days will be packed with show rehearsals, playing acting games, doing themed crafts, making friends, and visiting the famous Oz Park for outdoor lunch and recess.
Every actor will feel the glow of lighting up the stage and pride in their hard work coming together as they present a dress rehearsal for other Broadway campers and then perform for friends and family. The stage is set. The spotlight awaits. Discover the magic of theater with Skyline, where imaginations soar and young actors build confidence and develop a passion for the performing arts.
JUNIORS CAMP (AGE 5-7)
Broadway Performers Summer Camp for ages 10-14 offers amazing opportunities where every actor can shine. All actors are assigned a named individual role in the show and together create a full musical ensemble for spectacular musical numbers in Mary Poppins.
Over the course of four weeks, Broadway Performers will build confidence and develop advanced vocal, acting, and dance performance skills as they focus their talent and teamwork into a stunning final performance. Days will be packed as actors learn how to approach auditioning, master complex scenework, develop advanced musical skills such as holding harmonies, become supportive castmates onstage and off, design and create set backdrops and props, and visit the famous Oz Park for outdoor lunch and recess.
Every actor will feel the glow of lighting up the stage and pride in their hard work coming together as they present a dress rehearsal for other Broadway campers and then perform for friends and family. The stage is set. The spotlight awaits. Discover the magic of theater with Skyline, where imaginations soar and young actors build confidence and develop a passion for the performing arts.
PERFORMERS CAMP (AGE 10-14)
Broadway Stars Summer Camp for ages 9-13 offers incredible opportunities where every actor can shine. All actors are assigned a named individual role in the show and together create a full musical ensemble for spectacular musical numbers in Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, High School Musical 2, Shrek the Musical, and Matilda.
Over the course of two weeks, Broadway Stars will build confidence and develop performance skills as they are challenged and motivated to work together with their castmates to create a polished and professional final show. Days will be packed with developing characters, rehearsing musical numbers, staging intricate scenes, becoming backstage leaders, making show backdrops, and visiting the famous Oz park for outdoor lunch and recess.
Every actor will feel the glow of lighting up the stage and pride in their hard work coming together as they present a dress rehearsal for other Broadway campers and then perform for friends and family. The stage is set. The spotlight awaits. Discover the magic of theater with Skyline, where imaginations soar and young actors build confidence and develop a passion for the performing arts.
STARS CAMP
(AGE 9-13)
Broadway Highlights Summer Camp for ages 8-12 offers enchanting opportunities where every actor can shine. All actors are assigned a named individual role in the show and together create a full musical ensemble for spectacular musical numbers in Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, High School Musical 2, Shrek the Musical, and Matilda.
In the course of one week, Broadway Highlights will build confidence and develop performance skills as they showcase individual talents while working as an ensemble to bring a story to life onstage. Days will be packed with rehearsing fully-staged musical numbers, memorizing lines and solos, playing drama games, crafting set elements, and visiting the famous Oz Park for outdoor lunch and recess.
Every actor will feel the glow of lighting up the stage and pride in their hard work coming together as they present a dress rehearsal for other Broadway campers and then perform for friends and family. The stage is set. The spotlight awaits. Discover the magic of theater with Skyline, where imaginations soar and young actors build confidence and develop a passion for the performing arts.
HIGHLIGHTS CAMP (AGE 8-12)
RAVENSWOOD
CAMP OFFERINGS
Skyline’s Broadway Stars Summer Camp for ages 7-13 at Dovetail Studios in Ravenswood provides young actors with a comprehensive musical theatre experience.
Guided by a professional teaching artist, Stars level up by singing solos, developing character, and learning fundamental musical theatre choreography. From the moment auditions kick off on the first day, Stars feel the rush of anticipation as they showcase their talents.
Every child will be assigned a named role and have a chance to shine in Mary Poppins Jr., The Little Mermaid Jr., Shrek Jr., Matilda Jr., and High School Musical 2 Jr.
Days will be packed as actors memorize lines and solos, dance in an ensemble, play acting games, create show backdrops and props, enjoy outdoor lunch and recess at Horner Park, and have fun with friends!
After two weeks of rehearsals, Broadway Stars campers will present a dress rehearsal for all other camps in the morning, and a final performance for friends and family in the afternoon. Families will receive detailed instructions on how to assemble an original costume, adding the perfect finishing touch to the show.
The stage is set, and the spotlight awaits!
The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "Anything can happen if you let it."
MARY POPPINS
Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he's handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn't be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.
SHREK
At the Lava Springs Country Club, popular girl, Sharpay, reigns supreme while the Wildcats get to work — literally! Featuring every ounce of the light-hearted fun that Zmade High School Musical a household name, this buoyant sequel follows our East High favorites as they face the realities of the adult world and begin to grow up. Friendships are tested, summer romances go haywire and the meaning of success is redefined.
Rockin’ songs, action-packed dance numbers and ample opportunities to highlight a strong ensemble make this an ideal show for young actors. Jump into the pool with the Wildcats as you swim along with this crowd-pleasing, fun-filled charmer!
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2
Journey "under the sea" with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney's The Little Mermaid JR. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking.
Written to flow seamlessly between land and sea, Disney's The Little Mermaid JR. provides plenty of opportunities to bring these locations to life through creative movement and configurations. The fantasy of being underwater means your entire cast and crew can let their imaginations run wild.
THE LITTLE MERMAID
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her school teacher Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda's extraordinary personality.
Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace!
MATILDA
"My daughters have been active with Skyline Children's Theater through their summer camps and their after school productions. The staff is amazing, the programs are very well run, with a perfect mix of hard work going into the plays and creative activities to bring the children and instructors together. The children gain confidence, have fun, and make friends."
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Where are you located?Skyline Children's Theater is a company that connects with park districts, schools, dance studios, and theaters to host our programming. Summer 2024 you can find us in Barrington Park District, Glenview Park District, Lake Zurich (at Denise Sabala Dance Studio), Mundelein, Wilmette, Winnetka at Winnetka Community House, and Vernon Hills (at Discovery Day Camp). We also have programming in the city of Chicago in Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and Ravenswood.
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How do I get Skyline at our school?We host our program as an after-school rehearsal at schools all around the Chicagoland area. Previous schools we've had residencies at Wilmette District 39 schools: Central Elementary, Harper Elementary, McKenzie Elementary, Romona Elementary, Highcrest Middle School, Wilmette Junior High School; Chicago Public Schools: Burley Elementary; Private schools; Hillel Torah in Skokie, Sacred Heart, St. James in Lincoln Park, Goddard Schools, and more. If you'd like to get an after-school or during-school program started at your institution, email skyline@skylinechildrenstheater.com with the subject line "School Residency" and include your location, contact information, and preferred start date. We'd love to start the conversation and bring theater education to your academy! Get Skyline at your school and learn more on our Skyline After School page.
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How do I enroll my child in your programs?First, locate your closest program by looking at the menu at the top of our site. Next, click that link to find enrollment links. Sometimes, they will read "coming soon," which just means they are under construction and will be live soon! To not miss out on enrollment announcements, make sure to subscribe to our email list.
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What is your refund policy?Cancellations prior to the beginning of session: Patrons can receive a refund or credit. Cancellations after the first class: No refunds or credits will be provided. In the case that state and local guidelines change to the point that we can no longer meet in person, there will be no refunds provided. We will continue classes virtually.
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Does my child need to prepare anything for auditions?No! Skyline auditions are nothing to stress about. What actors should expect on “audition day” (the first day of class) is to move through a dance, song, and line reading so directors can get to know them and match their talents with a great role in the show. No outside preparation (and no prior audition experience) is necessary! Our directors walk the cast through a very low-stress audition process of learning a dance together, learning a song together which they will sing in small groups, and then reading lines for characters that most excite them. At class 2, all actors will be given a named character and script.
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My child hasn't learned how to read yet. What does this mean if they have to read lines?Our directors are great at supporting emerging readers in learning their lines. During auditions, we will use call and response to get an idea of the young actor’s ability to project and create a character. We will do the same in class until the actor has their lines memorized. While all actors should bring their script to every rehearsal, we do recommend that emerging readers work with their families to memorize their lines as soon as possible, so they can really have fun exploring their characters on stage!
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What does a typical rehearsal look like?Actors will warm up with theater games or a dance, then move into learning the day’s scheduled scenes, songs, and dances. At the end of rehearsal they will review material from the previous week (in order of show) to prepare for the final performance.
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What does my actor need to wear/bring?All actors should wear clothes allowing a full range of motion and dance friendly shoes (sneakers or jazz shoes to change into). Flip flops/sandals/snow boots are not going to allow actors to do their best footwork! All actors should bring a reusable water bottle since we sing and dance for 1-2 hours. We also ask that actors bring a three-ring binder for their script and a pencil to make notes starting the second week of rehearsal. Families will be provided with instructions for assembling a costume at home for the final show.
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What will pick up and drop off look like?Pick up and drop off procedures differ based on class/camp location and age of the cast. If you have questions about the process at your location please reach out to your education director: Kiki at Community House Winnetka (winnetka@skylinechildrenstheater.com) or Kristen at all other suburban locations (skyline@skylinechildrenstheater.com). We request that parents be timely in pickup at the end of class. Late pickups without notification will receive a warning the first occurrence, with a charge of $1/minute late for any following occurrences.
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What can we expect at the final performance?Details on venue, performance time, and ticketing will be shared via email later in the session. Actors will be asked to arrive early the day of the show for the dress rehearsal. Information on costumes will be sent out about halfway through the session. Families are asked to create a costume (based on suggestions provided by Skyline) that actors are proud and comfortable to perform in.
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What are Skyline’s safety protocols?Skyline rehearsals are CLOSED REHEARSALS - We do not allow parents, siblings, or anyone that is not a member of cast or staff to be in the space. Personal belongings brought in will be limited to only a water bottle, face mask (if actor chooses), and printed script/pencil. All valuable items should be left at home. Skyline is not responsible for lost or stolen items If actors or staff have any symptoms of illness, they must stay home. In the ever changing public health climate, Skyline Children's Theater will follow the protocols and guidelines outlined by our partner locations.
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My Broadway Tot has never been in a class by themselves before - can I sit in and watch to support them?Skyline classes are "closed rehearsals" at every level, including our Broadway Tots! We encourage you to prepare your young actor at home for the fact that they'll be singing and dancing with their friends and teacher, and that you will be right outside of the classroom if they need anything. We cannot allow guardians in the class during instruction at any point, as it distracts the young actors (both your young person and the others in the group who are wondering where THEIR grownup is!) Our instructors are trained and skilled at helping the smallest actors adjust to being in class on their own - and please know that those first few minutes are usually the hardest, but once they've jumped into the fun they do great! Instructors are always very happy to touch base after class on how things went, listen to your concerns or needs, and help your child have the most successful experience. It means the final sharing will be a great surprise that they can show you!
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What if my child doesn't want a big part and just wants to be in the group with their friends?Every Skyline actor will receive a named character and at least a few lines in the show - this gets them invested in the performance and gives them a chance to shine their own unique light and talents! If your actor doesn't want any singing solo, no problem! They can just tell the director this on audition day. If you as a guardian have any questions or concerns about your actor's part, you can always reach out to the director for clarity. We've found that actors tend to rise to the occasion and uncover courage and talent they may not have even known they possessed by the final show.
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My School/Park District doesn't offer an audition workshop - will my actor be less prepared?Not all locations have a pre-session audition workshop - and that's okay! Your actor does not need an audition workshop to be prepared for a Skyline audition day. Our directors are excellent at helping all actors whether they're brand new or experienced showcase their best selves at auditions. If your young actor has questions or nerves about auditions, you can always reach out to Skyline to learn the specifics of what to expect so that they feel excited and prepared.