Summer Camp
Performing Arts Academy offers 1-week and 2-week Theater Summer Camps for Pre-K, elementary, middle, and high school age groups in the South Denver area.
All Summer Camps occur during the months of June and July.
Please note that Summer Camps fill up quickly, and several have audition dates that fall before the camp starts.
Summer Camps by Age Group
Please use the student's grade in the 2020/2021 school year
Early Elementary
Grades Pre-K – 2
Although we had hoped to stick to our planned Summer Camp schedule, with the anticipated restrictions around group gathering limits and social distancing recommendations, it is clear we need to make adjustments.
Unfortunately, we’ve had to make the very difficult decision to cancel our Early Elementary camps. We really wish we didn’t have to! These camps include:
- Animals with Attitude
- The Little Red Hen
- Stories from the Sea
Given the anticipated restrictions with respect to social distancing and student/faculty safety, we don’t believe we will be able to offer our youngest campers the experience that they are looking for at PAA.
We are heartbroken that we had to cancel these wonderful camps for our youngest students and we’re so very sorry to disappoint our families. We hope you’ll take advantage of future programs for this sweet age group in the future.
Sign up for our mailing list to be notified of Fall classes and shows for this age group. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Elementary
Grades 3-6
2nd graders with prior PAA production experience are welcome. Please contact producer@paacolorado.org.
Our summer camp program has been adjusted to comply with guidelines from state and local governments.
Students embark on a journey of putting on a fully-staged 30 minute musical. These camps are two weeks long and in order to offer students the best experience while prioritizing health and safety ordinances, students will be assigned to one of two casts of approximately 25 students in two sessions during the day, with each cast performing the full show.
AM Cast – 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
PM Cast – 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
ONLINE LEARNING:
Digital curriculum will be provided to supplement student education during the hours students are at home.
A small cast size has many advantages!
- More individual instruction from our professional teaching artists
- More role opportunities for each student
- Allows us to maintain adequate social distancing during rehearsals and performances
Please note that with this new structure students will not have lunch on site, but they will have a snack break and are welcome to bring a snack from home.
These are action-packed and challenging weeks, full of learning, fun and friends! The first week is focused on learning the show material, music, and choreography with lots of rehearsal time. The second week moves into tech, where the technical elements of lights, sound, set, costumes, props, and projections are added.
PERFORMANCES:
Performances will be held on the last day of camp during regularly scheduled rehearsal time. Since we won’t be able to host an audience, the performance will be live-streamed, or recorded, or both.
There are additional precautions and procedural changes (things like checking in/out) that we’ve outlined on our CoronaVirus Response page. Please familiarize yourself with these new procedures.
Elementary Audition Information
Students audition prior to the start of the program, however, upon enrollment, every student has a place in the cast. The auditions allow the teaching artists to find the best role for each student.
Auditions have music, dance, and acting sections, and are structured to provide a supportive atmosphere where students are encouraged to be brave and show the artistic team engagement, willingness to learn, and a positive, collaborative spirit. No previous experience is needed.
JUNE 29 – JULY 10
JULY 6-17
Middle School
Grades 6-8
Our summer camp program has been adjusted to comply with guidelines from state and local governments.
Students embark on a journey of putting on a fully-staged 60 minute musical. These camps are two weeks long and in order to offer students the best experience while prioritizing health and safety ordinances, students will be assigned to one of two casts of approximately 25 students in two sessions during the day, with each cast performing the full show.
AM Cast – 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
PM Cast – 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
ONLINE LEARNING:
Digital curriculum will be provided to supplement student education during the hours students are at home.
A small cast size has many advantages!
- More individual instruction from our professional teaching artists
- More role opportunities for each student
- Allows us to maintain adequate social distancing during rehearsals and performances
Please note that with this new structure students will not have lunch on site, but they will have a snack break and are welcome to bring a snack from home.
These are action-packed and challenging weeks, full of learning, fun and friends! The first week is focused on learning the show material, music, and choreography with lots of rehearsal time. The second week moves into tech, where the technical elements of lights, sound, set, costumes, props, and projections are added.
PERFORMANCES:
Performances will be held on the last day of camp during regularly scheduled rehearsal time. Since we won’t be able to host an audience, the performance will be live-streamed, or recorded, or both.
There are additional precautions and procedural changes (things like checking in/out) that we’ve outlined on our CoronaVirus Response page. Please familiarize yourself with these new procedures.
Middle School Audition Information
Students audition prior to the start of the program, however, upon enrollment, every student has a place in the cast. The auditions allow the teaching artists to find the best role for each student.
Auditions have music, dance, and acting sections, and are structured to provide a supportive atmosphere where students are encouraged to be brave and show the artistic team engagement, willingness to learn, and a positive, collaborative spirit. No previous experience is needed.
June 22-26
JUNE 29 – JULY 10
July 6-17
High School
Grades 9-12
Our summer camp program has been adjusted to comply with guidelines from state and local governments.
Students embark on a journey of putting on a fully-staged 60 minute musical. These camps are two weeks long and in order to offer students the best experience while prioritizing health and safety ordinances, students will be assigned to one of two casts of approximately 25 students in two sessions during the day, with each cast performing the full show.
AM Cast – 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
PM Cast – 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
ONLINE LEARNING:
Digital curriculum will be provided to supplement student education during the hours students are at home.
A small cast size has many advantages!
- More individual instruction from our professional teaching artists
- More role opportunities for each student
- Allows us to maintain adequate social distancing during rehearsals and performances
Please note that with this new structure students will not have lunch on site, but they will have a snack break and are welcome to bring a snack from home.
These are action-packed and challenging weeks, full of learning, fun and friends! The first week is focused on learning the show material, music, and choreography with lots of rehearsal time. The second week moves into tech, where the technical elements of lights, sound, set, costumes, props, and projections are added.
PERFORMANCES:
Performances will be held on the last day of camp during regularly scheduled rehearsal time. Since we won’t be able to host an audience, the performance will be live-streamed, or recorded, or both.
There are additional precautions and procedural changes (things like checking in/out) that we’ve outlined on our CoronaVirus Response page. Please familiarize yourself with these new procedures.
High School Audition Information
Students audition prior to the start of the program, however, upon enrollment, every student has a place in the cast. The auditions allow the teaching artists to find the best role for each student.
Auditions have music, dance, and acting sections, and are structured to provide a supportive atmosphere where students are encouraged to be brave and show the artistic team engagement, willingness to learn, and a positive, collaborative spirit. No previous experience is needed.
June 22 – 26
JUNE 29 – JULY 10
July 6-17
Conservatory
Grades 9-12*
*7 & 8 grade with prior PAA production experience are welcome. Please contact producer@paacolorado.org.
The Conservatory Theatre program at PAA is our top level program, appropriate for serious, experienced high-school students who want to take their acting, singing, and dancing to the next level.
The Conservatory Theatre program is different from our standard high school theatre programs. Students are required to participate in a rigorous audition process . The directors for PAA conservatory theatre programs are all current industry professionals with a vast amount of experience in their field. We expect Conservatory Theatre students to bring a professional level of effort and dedication to each rehearsal.
No classes. No distractions. A higher degree of learning and technical application to performance.
Through the PAA Conservatory Theatre program, students will gain a level of experience that will prepare them for college theatre programs and beyond.
Conservatory Audition Information
Big Fish High School Edition is an advanced level, conservatory program and students are required to audition for a part. Between 25 & 30 students will be accepted into this program. Previous fully staged production theatre experience is required.
The auditions are modeled after professional auditions with acting, music, and dance sections. Please come prepared with a 16 bars music selection showing vocal range, a short (1 minute monologue), and be prepared to dance.
Auditions will take place on a single day for four hours. Students are requested to stay for the entirety of the audition time.
Due to the audition requirements, tuition refunds will be made for students who are not assigned a part. For voluntary cancellations, our cancelation policy will apply.
July 13-24
Summer Camp Details and Descriptions
Elementary
Grades 3-6
Dates:
June 29 – July 10
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
OR
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Auditions:
Video auditions need to be submitted by Wednesday June 3. Students who register after June 3 will be cast in the ensemble.
Performances:
Friday July 10th
during scheduled camp time
Location:
St. Lukes UMC
8817 S Broadway
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
ARTISTIC TEAM:
Maggie Tisdale
Director
View Bio
Emily Alexander
Music Director
View Bio
Kelly Amadeo
Choreographer
View Bio
Description:
The jungle is jumpin’ with a jazzy beat in Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS!
Banished by the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan, a human boy named Mowgli and his panther friend, Bagheera, are on the run in the deepest parts of the jungle. On their journey, the two meet a sinister snake named Kaa, a herd of elephants and a giant bear named Baloo, who teaches them the swingin’ musical rhythms of the jungle. After surviving a dangerous encounter with a band of monkeys led by King Louie, Mowgli and Bagheera are forced to run for their lives. When Shere Khan returns, our heroes must rally their fellow animals into battle and restore peace throughout the jungle.
Elementary
Grades 3-6
Dates:
July 6-17
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
OR
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Auditions:
June 25 & 26
3:00 – 6:00
Sign ups will be available soon.
Performances:
Friday, July 17
during scheduled camp time
Location:
St. Lukes UMC
8817 S Broadway
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
ARTISTIC TEAM:
Morgan Hotchkiss
Director
View Bio
Kay Coryell
Music Director
View Bio
Madeline Shaffer
Choreographer
View Bio
Description:
Everybody wants to be a cat in Disney’s stage adaptation of the animated classic motion picture.
Based on the beloved Disney animated film, and featuring a jazzy, upbeat score, Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS is a non-stop thrill ride of feline fun, complete with unbelievable twists and turns.
In the heart of Paris, a kind and eccentric millionairess wills her entire estate to Duchess, her high-society cat, and her three little kittens. Laughs and adventure ensue as the greedy, bumbling butler pulls off the ultimate catnap caper. Now it’s up to the rough-and-tumble alley cat, Thomas O’Malley, and his band of swingin’ jazz cats to save the day.
Middle School
& High School
Grades 7-12
Dates:
June 29 – July 10
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
OR
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Auditions:
Video auditions need to be submitted by Friday, May 22. Students who register after May 22 will be cast in the ensemble.
Performances:
Friday, July 10th
during scheduled camp time
Location:
St. Lukes UMC
8817 S Broadway
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
ARTISTIC TEAM:
Kate Vallee
Director
View Bio
Dr. James Ramsey
Music Director
View Bio
Sara Anderson
Choreographer
View Bio
Description:
This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.
Disney’s Moana JR. is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. Moana JR. features all the beloved songs from the film!
Middle School
& High School
Grades 7-12
Dates:
July 6 – 17
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
OR
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Auditions:
June 25 & 26
3:00 – 6:00
Sign ups will be available soon.
Performances:
Friday, July 17
during scheduled camp time
Location:
St. Lukes UMC
8817 S. Broadway
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
ARTISTIC TEAM:
Rebekah Ortiz
Director
View Bio
Bethany Wessel
Music Director
View Bio
Christopher Lengerich
Choreographer
View Bio
Description:
Be careful what you wish for! Into the Woods JR. features all of your favorite characters — Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and the Witch — in this lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables.
The musical centers on a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse, and wind up changed forever.
Middle School
& High School
Grades 7-12
Dates:
June 22 – 26
Monday – Friday
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Auditions:
None
Shareformances:
None
Location:
St. Lukes UMC
8817 S. Broadway
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Description:
We’re excited to offer this one-week acting camp, Acting for the Screen, for grades 7-12 this summer!
In this week long camp, students will work on mastering the more subtle, controlled, and natural expressions and gestures required for film and TV acting. Using scenes from famous movies and TV series, students will learn how to approach acting with the confidence and precision required for more advanced material. We will touch on the business of acting in LA, auditioning for casting directors, best acting tips, how to quickly adapt to material and characters, type casting, and more!
High School Conservatory
Grades 9-12*
*7 & 8 grade with prior PAA production experience are welcome. Please contact producer@paacolorado.org.
The Conservatory Theatre program at PAA is our top level program, appropriate for serious, experienced high-school students who want to take their acting, singing, and dancing to the next level.
The Conservatory Theatre program is different from our standard high school theatre programs. Students are required to participate in a rigorous audition process . The directors for PAA conservatory theatre programs are all current industry professionals with a vast amount of experience in their field. We expect Conservatory Theatre students to bring a professional level of effort and dedication to each rehearsal.
No classes. No distractions. A higher degree of learning and technical application to performance.
Through the PAA Conservatory Theatre program, students will gain a level of experience that will prepare them for college theatre programs and beyond.
Dates:
July 13 – 24, 2020
Monday – Friday
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Auditions:
Saturday, March 7
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Performances:
Friday, July 24
during scheduled camp time
Location:
St. Lukes UMC
8817 S. Broadway
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
ARTISTIC TEAM:
Piper Lindsay Arpan
Director/Choreographer
View Bio
Dr. James Ramsey
Music Director
View Bio
Description:
Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, BIG FISH centers on Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest… and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him – most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Overflowing with heart, humor and spectacular stagecraft, BIG FISH is an extraordinary new Broadway musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre – for an experience that’s richer, funnier and BIGGER than life itself.
BIG FISH School Edition is a slightly reworked version of the original Broadway script. The School Edition has been carefully edited to make the show more producible for high school groups.
Conservatory Audition Information
Big Fish High School Edition is an advanced level, conservatory program and students are required to audition for a part. Between 25 & 30 students will be accepted into this program. Previous fully staged production theatre experience is required.
The auditions are modeled after professional auditions with acting, music, and dance sections. Students should prepare a one minute monologue in the style of the show, as well as 16 – 32 bars of music in the style of the show. They should bring dance shoes and be prepared to move in their audition.
Auditions will take place on a single day for four hours. Students are requested to stay for the entirety of the audition time.
Due to the audition requirements, tuition refunds will be made for students who are not assigned a part. For voluntary cancellations, our cancelation policy will apply.
Registration has closed for Big Fish. Please sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future Conservatory theater programs.
Summer Camp Registration
Registration for summer camps has closed. Please sign up for our mailing list to be notified of future camps.
Space is limited and registrations are taken on a first come, first served basis. No registration is complete without payment.
PAA offers 1, 2, 3, or 4 installment Payment Plans to help you with your family budget. You can read more about available payment options here. After completing your registration form you will be directed to pay online with a credit or debit card. To pay by cash or check please enter the code ccpp into the promo code box. PAA’s Financial Manager will contact you for payment.
Please see our Cancellation Policy for details on cancellations and refunds.
Financial assistance is available. Please see our Financial Aid page for more information. Financial Aid Applications for Summer are due by February 1st.
Please review our Policies page for a full list of PAA policies.
Maggie Tisdale
Emily Alexander
Kelly Amadeo
Morgan Hotchkiss
Kay Coryell
Madeline Shaffer
Sara Rochelle Anderson
Rebekah Ortiz
Bethany Wessel is thrilled to work with PAA and this amazing production of Lion King Jr. Bethany has been a musical educator in the Denver metro area for nearly fifteen years. She was previously a general music teacher for Douglas County School District at Trailblazer elementary for 12 years. She has been teaching privately and directing youth musicals throughout her career. Bethany is also a singer and performer herself, with featured roles in various shows with multiple community theater companies in the area. 
Returning to PAA after Into the Woods last summer, Christopher’s thrilled to be sharing his New York expertise in his native Colorado. Spending most of his year traveling the world, follow his career adventures @calengerich on Instagram. Favorites: [title of show], Clorox’s Messy Melodies, Songful Artists’ Artistic Director. Hi Mom!
