Camp Info
| Ages: | 6–18 |
| Type: | Day |
| Month: | Summer |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | City |
| Arts: | Arts, Performing Arts, Dance, Choreography, Hip-Hop Dance, Modern Dance |
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Carlsbad, CA, USA
Carlsbad Performing Arts Academy (CPAA) offers a varied summer camp program for children and teens interested in dance, musical theater, acting, singing, and performance. Rather than running one general-purpose camp, the academy creates several themed experiences, allowing participants to choose a program that matches their interests and experience level. The 2026 lineup includes options for children as young as 4 and programs extending through age 18.
Younger performers can explore dance, singing, acting, and crafts through themed camps such as Disney-inspired programming. Children ages 6–11 can choose from musical theater and dance-focused experiences, including programs built around The Wizard of Oz, musical theater, and different dance styles. Older students can take part in more demanding technique and production programs, including intensives for intermediate and advanced dancers and musical theater opportunities for students ages 12–18.
A strong feature of the program is its emphasis on performing, not just practicing. Several camps end with a staged performance or in-studio showing for friends and family. Musical theater programs combine multiple disciplines, while dance camps rotate through styles such as ballet, jazz, lyrical, and musical theater.
The academy's overall mission is to create an environment where artists of all ages can explore their passion for the arts. That philosophy carries into the summer program, giving participants space to build technical skills, express themselves creatively, work with others, and gain confidence on stage.
| Ages: | 6–18 |
| Type: | Day |
| Month: | Summer |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | City |
| Arts: | Arts, Performing Arts, Dance, Choreography, Hip-Hop Dance, Modern Dance |
You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.
You can still submit a quick request to let the camp know you’re interested.
Carlsbad Performing Arts Academy Summer Camps are day programs, so campers do not stay overnight.
Participants attend their scheduled classes, workshops, rehearsals, and activities during the day and return home afterward. This makes the program suitable for children who want a structured performing-arts experience without the commitment of a residential summer camp.
Camp schedules vary by program. Some are short morning camps, while others run for several hours and may include multiple classes or rehearsal blocks. Older and more intensive programs can have longer daily schedules.
The academy does not advertise dormitory or overnight accommodation as part of its summer camps. Families should therefore plan for daily drop-off and pick-up.
Safety is built into the academy's approach to dance instruction, particularly for students working on more advanced techniques. CPAA's regular class descriptions note that some activities require appropriate instructor placement based on a dancer's readiness and safety. This is especially relevant for demanding skills such as pointe work and advanced tricks.
The academy separates students by age and, for several programs, by experience or level. For example, the Breakthrough Technique Intensive is divided into grade-based groups, while Broadway Bound students are separated by age and level. This helps instructors tailor activities to the participants' abilities.
CPAA also offers specialized conditioning classes such as Progressive Ballet Technique, which focuses on core strength, stability, alignment, flexibility, and muscle memory. Its Tricks & Transitions program emphasizes learning dynamic movements safely.
The CPAA summer program covers several areas of the performing arts, with the exact mix depending on the selected camp. Dance camps can combine ballet, jazz, lyrical, leaps and turns, musical theater, and other styles, while theater programs blend acting, vocal work, choreography, improvisation, and production. Some intensive programs concentrate more heavily on technical development, including dance technique and Pilates.
The academy also uses themed programming to make training more engaging. Younger participants can explore dance, acting, singing, and crafts, while older students can work on complete productions and more advanced performance skills. Musical theater programs may include auditions, casting, rehearsal, and production work.
A major part of the experience is putting skills into practice. Several camps conclude with a staged performance or informal studio showing, giving participants a chance to perform what they have learned. For students who enjoy being on stage, that final presentation can be the highlight of the week.
