For more than three decades, The Theatre Lab has provided award-winning summer youth and teen programs to the Washington community. Each summer, we are the artistic home to more than 550 young people from all over the metropolitan area who take part in our acclaimed acting camps and theatre training institutes.
The secret to the success of our summer programs? We offer serious theatre training, taught by experienced teachers and theatre professionals, in a unique environment that’s friendly, supportive, and incredibly fun. We believe that young artists, whether new to the craft or brimming with experience, deserve a place where they can be challenged. A place where they can develop superior theatre skills while at the same time learning to take artistic risks and explore new creative paths. And they deserve to have a great time doing it—because, after all, having fun is what summer is all about! If you’re looking for a summer experience you’ll never forget, we invite you to get in on the act!
Summer Camp 2026
Looking ahead to next summer? Enrollment for Summer Camp 2026 will open in early January. Our curriculum from this year’s summer camp season is available to browse below as a general reference for what to expect—although every year provides new and unique programming. Subscribe to our emails and follow us on social media (@theatrelabdc) to be the first in line when our schedule is announced. In the meantime, explore our catalogue of school year youth and teen classes!
Browse School Year ClassesSummer Acting Camp for Kids (Grades 1-8)
At The Theatre Lab, our summer camp programs are divided into groups based on the grade that the student is entering in the fall. We place all children with their peers based on grade regardless of theatre experience. Camp is a very social experience and we want to make sure they are with a developmentally appropriate group. We keep our classes small and group age ranges narrow in order to provide both a challenging, engaging, and age-appropriate curriculum.
Summer Camp Programs for Grades 1-6
Summer Camp Programs for Grades 7-8
A Typical Day at Camp
Summer Teen Training Institutes (Ages 13-19)
Philosophy: We take teens seriously. That’s the secret to our wildly successful summer programs. We respect the potential of every student and, through intensive training programs culminating in public performances, we commit to developing their artistry —whether they are new to the craft or already on a path to a life in the theatre. And we believe skills can only be developed in a space where students feel a sense of belonging. When you spend a summer at The Theatre Lab, you are guaranteed to find instructors and students who welcome your unique talents and are eager to make meaningful connections, both onstage and off. Learn more at our homepage for our Teen Training Institutes.
Teen Training Institutes HomepageFinancial Aid
At The Theatre Lab, we believe theatre education should be accessible to all. We strive to offer as much need-based financial assistance as possible. Applications are made available when enrollment opens.
Summer Camp Policies
Registration Policy: Tuition must be paid in advance. A student is registered only upon receipt of payment in full. Please review our camp policies before registering.
Age/Grade Level Policy: All participants should be registered only for programs listed for their grade level as of the fall. We understand that skill and experience levels vary. However students, are required to register for their age-appropriate programming.
Read All Summer Camp PoliciesQuestions
Read our Summer Camp FAQs below! If your question about our youth or teen summer programs still hasn’t been answered, please contact Terah Herman-Saldaña, Director of Youth Programs, at terah@theatrelab.org.
Read Summer Camp FAQsLearn more about our summer programs
1st-6th Grade Programs
7th-8th Grade Programs
Teen Training Institutes
Summer Camp Policies
Summer Camp FAQs
A Typical Day at Camp