Summer is the perfect time for young performers to dive deep into their passion for musical theater, and Asheville's vibrant arts scene provides the ideal backdrop for intensive artistic growth. At Asheville Performing Arts Academy, our summer camps offer something truly special: fully immersive musical theater experiences where campers don't just learn about performance—they live it, breathe it, and transform into confident artists in just one week.

Unlike traditional day camps that offer surface-level activities, APAA summer camps provide professional-quality training that culminates in fully staged productions. Campers experience every aspect of putting on a show, from learning songs and choreography to building sets and wearing professional costumes. By week's end, your child will have discovered capabilities they never knew they possessed.

Located in Western North Carolina's cultural hub, our camps attract families from throughout the region who recognize that this level of intensive training simply isn't available elsewhere. When parents see their child's transformation during our final performance, they understand why APAA summer camps have become Asheville's most sought-after performing arts experience.

What Makes APAA Summer Camps Different

Professional theater experience in one week—that's the APAA summer camp promise. While other camps might offer arts and crafts with a theater theme, we create authentic theatrical experiences where every camper plays a meaningful role in a professionally staged production.

Triple-threat training means campers develop singing, dancing, and acting skills simultaneously rather than rotating through disconnected activities. This integrated approach mirrors how professional musical theater works, giving campers realistic preparation for any performing arts opportunity they might pursue.

Small group intensive instruction ensures every camper receives personalized attention from our professional faculty. Rather than managing large groups with minimal individual feedback, our counselor-to-camper ratios allow for genuine skill development and artistic growth.

Real performance experience distinguishes our camps from programs that end with informal presentations. APAA campers perform on professional stages with proper lighting, sound, and costumes, giving them authentic theater experience that builds lasting confidence.

Our Summer Camp Offerings

Musical Theater Intensive Camps (Ages 8-18)

Our flagship summer experience immerses campers in complete musical productions, taking them from auditions on Monday morning to curtain call on Friday evening. Campers experience the full arc of professional theater creation while developing skills that will serve them in any future performing arts endeavors.

Week-long intensives focus on popular musicals carefully selected for age-appropriate content and educational value. Recent camps have featured Aladdin, Peter Pan, High School Musical, and other beloved shows that offer rich opportunities for character development and skill building.

Daily schedule includes:

• Morning vocal training with professional voice instructors
• Choreography sessions that build both technique and performance quality
• Acting workshops focused on character development and scene work
• Technical theater exposure including set building, costume design, and stage management
• Rehearsal time that mirrors professional theater processes

Friday performance represents the culmination of the week's work, performed on professional stages with full technical support. These aren't casual presentations—they're genuine theatrical experiences that showcase real artistic growth.

Specialty Focus Camps

Voice-Intensive Camps cater to students who want to concentrate primarily on vocal development within the musical theater context. These camps provide extensive one-on-one coaching while still including ensemble work and performance opportunities.

Dance-Intensive Camps appeal to movers who want to explore musical theater choreography in depth. Campers work with professional choreographers, learning multiple styles while developing the performance skills that distinguish theater dance from recreational movement.

Acting-Intensive Camps focus on character development, script analysis, and scene work. These camps often appeal to students interested in straight plays as well as musicals, providing comprehensive dramatic training.

Advanced Camps for Serious Young Artists

Pre-Professional Intensives serve high school students considering college theater programs or professional training. These camps provide intensive skill development alongside guidance about audition preparation and career planning.

Leadership Development Camps allow experienced APAA students to develop teaching and mentoring skills while serving as counselors-in-training. These camps provide valuable leadership experience while maintaining our high-quality instruction standards.

Professional Faculty and Guest Artists

APAA's professional faculty leads all summer camps, ensuring that intensive experiences maintain the same high standards as our year-round programs. Campers work with the same instructors who have guided countless students to college acceptances and professional opportunities.

Guest artist residencies bring working professionals into camp experiences, providing campers with exposure to current industry practices and diverse artistic perspectives. Recent guest artists have included Broadway performers, regional theater directors, and professional choreographers.

Master class opportunities allow advanced campers to work with visiting professionals in small group settings, receiving personalized feedback and industry insights typically available only to college-level students.

College preparation focus means that high school campers receive specific guidance about audition material, college program selection, and application processes from faculty with extensive experience in these areas.

A Typical Camp Day

9:00 AM - Warm-up and Community Building Campers begin each day with physical and vocal warm-ups that prepare them for intensive work while building group cohesion. These activities set positive, focused energy for the entire day.

9:30 AM - Voice Training Small group and individual voice instruction focuses on healthy technique, song interpretation, and character development through music. Campers work with professional voice teachers who understand both technical development and age-appropriate instruction.

10:45 AM - Choreography Dance instruction builds both technical skills and performance quality, with choreography specifically designed for each camp's production. Students learn how movement serves character and story while developing their physical capabilities.

12:00 PM - Lunch and Recreation Supervised break time allows campers to recharge while building friendships with peers who share their interests. Many lasting friendships begin during these informal moments.

1:00 PM - Acting Workshop Character development, scene work, and dramatic techniques help campers discover how to bring authenticity and depth to their performances. These sessions often represent breakthroughs in students' understanding of their own capabilities.

2:30 PM - Technical Theater/Production Hands-on experience with sets, costumes, props, and stage management teaches campers about the collaborative nature of theater while developing practical skills. Many students discover unexpected interests during these sessions.

3:45 PM - Rehearsal Putting all the pieces together in run-throughs and scene work, campers experience how professional theater rehearsals function while refining their own performances.

5:00 PM - Reflection and Preparation for Tomorrow Each day concludes with group discussion about the day's discoveries and preview of upcoming activities, helping campers process their learning and maintain excitement for continued growth.

What Campers Take Home

Expanded skill sets in singing, dancing, and acting provide campers with tools for future theatrical endeavors while building general confidence and communication abilities that serve them in all areas of life.

Deep friendships with peers who share their interests create lasting connections and support networks. Many APAA camp alumni maintain friendships for years, often reuniting in high school and college theater programs.

Professional experience in authentic theater settings prepares campers for any future performing arts opportunities while teaching them about discipline, collaboration, and artistic commitment.

Portfolio materials including professional photos and video recordings of performances provide documentation of their growth and materials for future auditions or applications.

Clearer sense of artistic identity helps campers understand their strengths and interests, often leading to more focused involvement in school programs or additional training opportunities.

Parent and Camper Testimonials

"Our ever-singing daughter was in her first play with APAA as a community member in Spring of her Kindergarten year. That summer, she got to participate in something really exciting, a one-week camp with APAA in which students prepared a fully staged and costumed premiere of a kids' version of the Mary Martin Peter Pan. It was enough to convince her, she wanted to do APAA's year long program—which she's been a part of from 1st grade on, now in her 6th year." - Andrea Rosal

"JTF with APAA was a transformative experience for my 9 year old son, who found himself surrounded by thousands of kids who loved what he loved: musical theater. APAA supported the kids (and parents!) throughout the whole experience, and the group was brilliantly prepared to perform in front of talented judges such as the director of Newsies on Broadway." - APAA Parent

"The second and LAST Aladdin camp of the summer was a HIT! we are so proud of these kids focus and dedication to their craft!! #theater #musical #musicaltheater #aladdin #broadway" - APAA Social Media Post

These stories reflect the transformational power of intensive artistic experiences that challenge young people while providing comprehensive support for their growth.

Camp Information for Families

Ages and Experience Levels

Beginning performers (ages 6-10) participate in camps specifically designed for first-time theater students. These experiences emphasize fun and exploration while introducing fundamental skills in supportive environments.

Intermediate artists (ages 8-14) work on more challenging material while still receiving age-appropriate instruction. These camps often serve students who have some experience but want to deepen their skills significantly.

Advanced performers (ages 12-18) participate in intensive experiences that mirror pre-professional training. These camps serve students considering serious theater study or professional opportunities.

Mixed-age camps create mentorship opportunities where older students naturally support younger ones, building leadership skills while creating inclusive communities.

Scheduling and Logistics

Multiple session dates throughout the summer accommodate family vacation schedules and other commitments. Most camps run Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, providing full-day experiences without overwhelming young performers.

Performance scheduling typically occurs Friday evenings, allowing families to attend final presentations that showcase the week's accomplishments.

Drop-off and pickup procedures ensure safety while maintaining the focused artistic environment that makes intensive learning possible.

What to bring daily: Comfortable clothing for movement, water bottles, lunch, and positive attitudes ready for creative exploration.

Investment and Registration

Camp tuition includes all instruction, materials, costumes, and technical support for final performances. The only additional costs might be optional camp photos or recordings.

Early registration discounts reward families who plan ahead, while sibling discounts acknowledge families with multiple young performers.

Scholarship opportunities ensure that financial circumstances don't prevent talented young people from accessing high-quality artistic training.

Registration process begins in early spring, with popular camps filling quickly due to limited enrollment that ensures quality instruction.

Detailed schedules and registration information become available in March, with priority registration offered to current APAA families before public registration opens.

Why Choose APAA Summer Camps

Proven track record of artistic excellence and student safety makes APAA camps the trusted choice for families throughout Western North Carolina and beyond.

Professional standards with age-appropriate support ensure that young performers are challenged appropriately while receiving the encouragement they need to take creative risks.

Asheville's artistic community provides the perfect backdrop for intensive artistic experiences, with opportunities for campers to attend professional performances and interact with working artists.

Long-term relationships often begin during summer camps, with many participants joining our year-round programs and maintaining connections with APAA throughout their artistic development.

Give your child a summer they'll never forget while providing them with skills, friendships, and confidence that will last a lifetime. APAA summer camps represent the perfect combination of intensive learning and genuine fun in one of America's most beautiful artistic communities.

Registration for Summer 2025 opens March 1st. Contact us today to join our priority notification list and ensure your child doesn't miss out on Asheville's premier performing arts summer experience.

Call (828) 253-4000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Asheville Performing Arts Academy... where the arts come alive!