Camp Info
| Ages: | 5–16 |
| Type: | Day |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | City |
| Arts: | Arts, Performing Arts, Acting, Theater, Music, Singing, Fine Arts, Arts & Crafts, Dance |
| Meals Type: | Bring Your Own |
| Time: | 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM |
San Diego, CA, USA
Acting, singing, and dance come together in a week of rehearsals, theater games, and creative projects. Center Stage Children's Theater Summer Camps give young performers a chance to explore the stage with professional teaching artists. Outdoor play and group activities add variety to the experience, while a final showcase brings family and friends together to watch what campers have learned.
The San Diego program welcomes students entering first through sixth grade. Children entering kindergarten may also attend if they have already completed TK or preschool. Younger participants explore the performing arts through daily instruction and shared activities. Students entering seventh through tenth grade join as Youth Helpers, supporting younger campers with games, songs, and dances. Those older participants can perform or help behind the scenes as they practice teamwork and mentorship.
The experience suits children who enjoy music, movement, and creating a performance with others. Sessions take place at Mission Hills United Church of Christ, with outdoor activities and lunches often held in the park. The theater is not religiously affiliated with its host venue. Throughout the program, collaboration and each participant's contribution are central to the theater community.
| Ages: | 5–16 |
| Type: | Day |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | City |
| Arts: | Arts, Performing Arts, Acting, Theater, Music, Singing, Fine Arts, Arts & Crafts, Dance |
| Meals Type: | Bring Your Own |
| Time: | 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM |
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.
Each week combines performing arts instruction with rehearsal time, theater games, and creative activities. Professional teaching artists guide campers in acting, singing, music, and dance. Warm-ups begin the morning before rehearsals and a snack break. More rehearsal follows, with lunch and outdoor games providing a change of pace midway through the day.
Afternoons move through a refocus activity into crafts and rehearsal. This mix gives participants time to practice performance skills, create, and take part in group activities. On the final day, a short showcase begins after the regular camp day and welcomes friends and family. It gives performers a shared moment to present their week's learning.
Youth Helpers take a different role from younger campers. With staff guidance, students entering seventh through tenth grade help younger participants learn songs and dances and take part in theater games. They may join the performance or contribute behind the scenes, combining theater participation with teamwork and leadership practice.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:45–9:00 AM | Drop-off and check-in |
| 9:05–9:20 AM | Warm-ups and announcements |
| 9:25–10:15 AM | Morning rehearsal |
| 10:25–10:35 AM | Snack break |
| 10:40–10:50 AM | Theater games |
| 11:15 AM–12:00 PM | Rehearsal |
| 12:05–12:35 PM | Lunch |
| 12:40–1:20 PM | Outdoor games and activities |
| 1:30–1:45 PM | Refocus activity |
| 1:50–3:00 PM | Afternoon craft and rehearsal |
Families pack a cold lunch, two snacks, and a refillable water bottle each day. Lunch must not need refrigeration or microwaving. Campers often eat lunch in the park, so food should be ready to enjoy outdoors.
New families check in with the teachers on the first day. At pickup, adults wait in the hallway until their child's name is called. Camp shirts are worn during outdoor activities to help identify the group, remain at camp during the week, and go home on the final day. Athletic shoes are required; flip-flops and Crocs are not allowed. Families apply sunscreen before arrival.
Professional teaching artists lead the summer camps. Founder and executive artistic director Rosy Dawn Selwitz holds a bachelor's degree in vocal performance from San Diego State University and has performed with the San Diego Opera. The organization's team also includes director and choreographer Erin Jelacic, who holds a bachelor's degree in dance from DeSales University, and director and technical manager Stella Bauer-Seeley, whose work spans performance and stage design.
Family and friends are invited to the final showcase, which is free to attend. The performance begins at 3:00 PM on the last day and lasts about 20–30 minutes. Families can contact the executive artistic director with questions about the theater's programs.
Camp runs Monday through Friday. Drop-off is between 8:45 and 9:00 AM, and pickup is between 2:45 and 3:00 PM. The final-day showcase begins at 3:00 PM and adds about 20–30 minutes. Participants wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes, and bring lunch, two snacks, and a refillable water bottle.
A camp T-shirt is included with tuition and goes home on the final day. Refund requests are considered individually. Approved refunds carry a $25 cancellation fee and a prorated adjustment when a camper has attended part of the session. Tuition assistance is available through an application process, subject to limited funding.