Summer Arts for Youth
Summer 2026 Registration will open March 1.
Join us for hands-on, creative exploration in the fine arts! Summer Arts for Youth include high-quality, community-driven programs from the Athens Community Music School and Tantrum Theater as well as medium-specific, exploratory offerings in Art + Design and Dance. Across our different programs, elementary and middle-school students work alongside practicing artists and performers from our university community and beyond to develop and realize their ideas and their potential.
Our faculty develop curriculum with different age groups and experience levels in mind. Please see course details for eligibility and individual course schedules.
Lunch is not provided, please send a non-refrigerated lunch and beverage for your child.
JUNE 1-5, 2026
Tantrum Theater Kids Drama Camp: Ages 7–9
This program develops fundamental performance skills in presence, voice, movement, and creative expression. We use improvisation, theater games, and acting methods to develop story, build a character, and produce a short show. The program cultivates self-expression, imagination, creativity, and collaboration. Each session culminates in an informal performance open to the public. The students will be placed in a group according to their age.
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily
Cost: $245
Tantrum Theater Youth Drama Camp: Ages 10–14
This program develops fundamental performance skills in presence, voice, movement, and creative expression. We use improvisation, theater games, and acting methods to develop story, build a character, and produce a short show. The program cultivates self-expression, imagination, creativity, and collaboration. Each session culminates in an informal performance open to the public. The students will be placed in a group according to their age.
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily
Cost: $245
JUNE 8-12, 2026
Art + Design Youth: Ages 10-13
Materials + Processes + Experimentation
This hands-on art class introduces middle school students to a series of artistic materials, processes, and techniques allowing them to dive deep into both traditional and contemporary modes of artmaking. Students will explore + experiment in a variety of 2d + 3d studio labs within the School of Art + Design as they develop technical skills, imaginative processes, and self-expression through the creation of unique artworks. The class is designed to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity inclusive of experimentation with materials and processes that lead to new discoveries. In a fun and supportive environment students will create multiple artworks that display their individuality, creativity and newfound skills.
Cost: $245
JUNE 15-19, 2026
Junior Summer Music Academy: Band for 6th–8th graders
Is your middle school band student ready to take the next step in their music studies? This week is for rising 6th-8th graders with at least one year of experience on their instrument in band. Study with University faculty and staff to advance your skills!
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily
Overnight stay with housing and meals is available in 2026.
Registration for this program HERE!
| Program Fee Information | Cost |
|---|---|
OHIO Junior Summer Music Academy – June 15-19, 2026 Program fee for each area of the Summer Music Academy | $345 |
Housing and Meal Plan Fee – June 14-19, 2026 Sunday check in through Friday - 5 nights accommodation in university residence halls including all meals | $370 |
| Total Cost, Commuting Participant: | $345 |
| Total Cost, Residential Participant: | $715 |
Junior Summer Dance Intensive: 7th-9th graders
Younger dancers are invited for a one-week intensive where they will work alongside their older peers in the Senior Summer Dance Intensive to challenge and grow.
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily
Overnight stay with housing and meals is available in 2026.
Registration for this program HERE!
| Program Fee Information | Cost |
|---|---|
Program Fee Junior Summer Dance Intensive – June 15-20, 2026 | $345 |
Housing and Meal Plan Fee Sunday–Saturday, 6 nights accommodation in university residence halls including all meals | $370 |
| Total Cost, Commuting Participant: | $345 |
| Total Cost, Residential Participant: | $715 |
JUNE 29-JULY 1, 2026
Athens Community Music School Summer Music Week: Ages 4–6
Our littlest musicians can now join us for a shorter, fun-filled 3-morning music camp where we will be reading musical stories, singing, and moving together! Please note this course meets mornings only for three days Monday–Wednesday.
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. daily
Cost: $95
JULY 6-10, 2026
Athens Community Music School Summer Music Week: Ages 6–12 (rising 1st-6th graders)
We'll be singing, playing instruments, moving, doing crafts, and learning music about other cultures in our music-based day camp for rising 1st through 6th graders. No prior music experience is expected.
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. daily
Cost: $245