Guide to Performing Arts and Music Camps for Kids in NJ

Lights, Camera, Action!!! at Summer Theater Camps 2026

Do you have a budding performer on your hands? Here is a guide to performing arts camps for kids in NJ. Summer camp is the perfect place to try out something new. Your child can participate in acting, singing, dancing, music, costume design, musical theater or Broadway style production shows. Performing arts camps allow children the opportunity to become future stars of the stage or screen.

For 2026, there are many great opportunities for kids to become Actors, Singers, Musicians & Performers. Kids can enjoy developing their own, unique, creative voice and self-expression in a safe and nurturing environment. If your child is a little “star” in-the-making, they will surely appreciate a performing arts camp where they can express their creativity through spoken word, song and/or dance. Check out the camp directory listings for more ideas.

Here are our best Theater Camps in the area:

NJPAC Summer Performing Arts

Colton Institute for Training and Research in the Arts. Make friends, try new things, and have fun at Summer Creative Arts Camp! Explore different ways to express ourselves through hip hop, acting, improvisation, singing and dancing. 973.353.7058, NJPAC.org/arts-education

Princeton Ballet School Summer Programs

Summer camp geared towards children ages 3-12. Open drop-in classes for ages 13+. Our summer courses lets your child explore rhythm, music, movement, and dance. Choose from: Children’s Ballet Camps. Summer intensives for juniors, intermediates, advanced students. PrincetonBalletSchool

Buck's Rock Camp (Sleepaway)

A freedom-of-choice creative and performing arts camp for teens ages 11-17 in New Milford, CT. Every day is a new opportunity for self-discovery and creative expression. From professionally-equipped studios and performance spaces, to state-of-the-art recording facilities and pool, campers are free to try over 30 world-class programs, including from glass-blowing, dance, painting, sketch comedy, radio, weaving, gardening and so much more! ACA accredited. BucksRockCamp.org

Caldwell Broadway Arts Summer Musical Theater Intensive

Campers ages 10-17 can experience a full day of instruction in singing, dancing and acting with experienced Broadway professionals! The week culminates with a showcase designed around the unique abilities of those enrolled. Summer camp runs August 3-7, 2026. CaldwellBroadwayArts.org

Essex Youth Theater Summer Theater Day Camp

Every child gets an equal part in every show, with great roles for boys and girls. Our one-week shows provide the best of both worlds: a fun, full theater production on the big, beautiful Playhouse stage, AND a nurturing, friendly atmosphere, that allows every student to really shine! Essex Youth is located in Montclair NJ. EssexYouthTheater.com

Music Theatre Conservatory Summer Intensives

Final Production will be performed at a venue in NJ on the last day of camp. Participate in voice, acting, dance, comedy, tv & commercial acting, audition techniques, voice-overs, make up, production rehearsals. Camp runs July 7 -July 25, 2026. Call 973-868-6259 or visit MusicalTheatreConservatory.com

School of Rock Waldwick Summer Music Camp

Does your child want to be a ROCKSTAR? In just five days, our music camps help kids and teens build confidence, creativity, and real performance skills - culminating in a live rock show! With camps for every experience level, every young musician can take the stage and shine. SIGN UP NOW! Weekly June 29, 2026 - August 14, 2026. This camp is for children ages 6-17. Located in Waldwick NJ. SchoolofRock.com

StageWorks Theatre Group Summer Camps

Week-long camps give students hands-on training in acting, singing, and dance, led by experienced theatre educators who create a supportive, engaging environment for performers of all experience levels. Campers collaborate, build confidence, and grow as artists while working toward a shared creative goal. StageWorksNJ.org

Wharton Arts Summer Camps

Give your child the opportunity to tap into their creative side. Explore the wonders of music and the performing arts at one of our summer camps or with summer private lessons! Full and half day options. Wharton offers an array of summer programs for all ages, where the entire family can engage with the power of music right from their home. From private lessons with an exemplary faculty at our Performing Arts School, as well as musical theater, drama, and early childhood music camps, to workshops and master classes with renowned guest artists, Wharton Arts offers something for everyone. Summer fun in Berkeley Heights NJ! WhartonArts.org