Camp ENCORE!
Prescott Park Arts Festival is thrilled to announce FOUR sessions of Camp ENCORE in 2026!
One of our favorite parts of summer in the park is sharing it with the campers in our signature theatre education program, Camp ENCORE! Each year, we are proud to welcome Seacoast youth to Prescott Park, set along the beautiful Piscataqua River in downtown Portsmouth.
Camp ENCORE serves over 260 campers ages 6–17, offering a fun and supportive environment where young people build confidence, develop teamwork skills, and experience the magic of theatre. Every session culminates in fully staged public performances on PPAF’s Wilcox Main Stage.
Our goal is for every camper to feel included, valued, and inspired. In addition to rehearsing their show, campers explore the art of theatre through games, improvisation, and hands-on learning. Masterclasses led by local artists introduce both onstage and backstage elements of the performing arts, with opportunities to participate in technical theatre as well as performance.
We’re pleased to continue offering early and after care, along with sibling and multi-session discounts.
Back in 2026 — FOUR SESSIONS:
– Two 2-week sessions for ages 7–17
– One 2-week Teen Intensive for ages 13–17
– One 1-week session for our youngest campers ages 6–12
Mark your calendars! Registration opens in early January, and we can’t wait to welcome your campers back to the park.
Our partnership with #areuin? a KEY Collective program
The KEY Collective provides K-12 youth from low-income families throughout NH’s seacoast region access to sports and other youth activities for free or at a reduced cost with no red tape and no social stigma attached.
At Camp ENCORE!, we’re passionate about helping kids find their voice – onstage, behind the scenes, and beyond.
Check out this interview with our very own Courtney Perkins, Prescott Park Arts Festival Executive Director, and Kim Irwin of The KEY Collective as they talk about the impact of arts education and how our partnership helps expand access to creative opportunities for young people.
Some fun moments from Camp ENCORE! in 2025 this summer in the park. Photo Credit: Grace Rohde
Become the Camp ENCORE! Title Sponsor
This is a Platinum Level Title Sponsorship, which includes all the benefits of our Platinum Level Sponsorship, plus the benefits listed below:
Questions About Visiting?
Visit our FAQ pageCamp ENCORE! | 2026 Sessions
REGISTRATION OPENS IN JANUARY!
Early Access for past camp families:
Wednesday, January 7
Public registration opens:
Friday, January 9, 2026.
*2026 Tuition rates will be updated in January.
Session 1 | Matilda JR.
Ages 7-17
2 weeks
June 16 – June 28, 2026
9:00am – 4:00pm
Public Performances June 27 and 28 at 11am
The children are rising up. Join the revolt in this Broadway Junior adaptation of the Tony Award-winning hit!
Description: During Session 1 of Camp ENCORE! campers will explore the art of theatre as they work towards a production of Matilda JR. After auditions and role assignments on the first day, campers will learn choreography, music, blocking and theatre fundamentals. Our goal is to make every camper feel included and valued in our show and at our camp. Therefore, in addition to learning our show, campers will explore the art of theatre through games, improvisational activities, and masterclasses from local artists about some of the backstage and onstage specialities of the performing arts. The performances of Matilda JR. will take place on the Wilcox Main Stage June 27 at 11am and June 28 at 11am.
Show Synopsis: Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda JR. is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
Session 2 | Newsies JR.
Ages 7-17
2 weeks
June 29 – July 12, 2026
9:00am – 4:00pm
Public Performances July 11 and 12 at 11am
Seize the Day with Disney’s rousing musical that has thrilled and inspired young people for generations.
Description: During Session 2 of Camp ENCORE! campers of all ages will explore the art of theatre as they work towards a complete production of Newsies JR. After auditions and role assignments on the first day, campers will learn choreography, music, blocking and theatre fundamentals. Our goal is to make every camper feel included and valued in our show and at our camp. Therefore, in addition to learning our show, campers will explore the art of theatre through games, improvisational activities, and masterclasses from local artists about some of the backstage and onstage specialities of the performing arts. The performances of Newsies JR. will take place on the Wilcox Main Stage July 11 at 11am and July 12 at 11am.
Show Synopsis: Disney’s Newsies JR. is a 60-minute version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film. Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. Including the now-classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies JR. is a timeless story full of spirit and heart.
Session 3 | Willy Wonka KIDS
Ages 6 – 12
1 week
July 13 – July 19, 2026
9:00am – 4:00pm
Public Performances July 18 and 19 at 11am and 1pm- two sessions
Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir is a golden ticket to adventure.
Description: During Session 3 of Camp ENCORE! Our youngest campers will explore the art of theatre as they work towards a complete production of Willy Wonka KIDS After auditions and role assignments on the first day, campers will learn choreography, music, blocking and theatre fundamentals. Our goal is to make every camper feel included and valued in our show and at our camp. Therefore, in addition to learning our show, campers will explore the art of theatre through games, improvisational activities, and masterclasses from local artists about some of the backstage and onstage specialities of the performing arts. The performances of Willy Wonka KIDS will take place on the Wilcox Main Stage July 18 at 11am and July 19 at 11am.
Show Synopsis: The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka KIDS is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth. Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka KIDS has a flexible cast size with many featured and ensemble roles, including the singing and dancing Oompa-Loompas.
Session 4 | Mean Girls JR.
Teen Intensive Ages 13 – 17
2 weeks
July 20 – August 2, 2026
9:00am – 4:00pm
Public Performances August 1 and 2 at 1pm
A fearless musical about chasing popularity and being true to yourself.
Description: During our Teen Musical Theatre Intensive, campers will learn an entire musical in two weeks, with masterclasses taught by professional musical theatre performers and directors. This is an ideal camp for any teen who is looking to bolster their skills in dancing, singing, acting, and performing musical theatre. This camp will be fast-paced, but campers do not need to have prior experience in theatre to attend. Performances of Mean Girls JR will be on the Wilcox Main Stage August 1 at 1pm and August 2 at 1pm.
Back by Popular Demand in 2026! In response to your feedback, we will be making our teen session more of an INTENSIVE once again this year. Campers will audition in-person during the first week of camp while also learning key “offstage” tools of the trade through workshops like resume building, audition techniques, and self-marketing as a performer. This is a great chance to get an inside look at what it takes to be a performer in the musical theatre world both on and off the stage.
Show Synopsis: The Plastics have deemed Broadway Junior worthy of their presence in Mean Girls JR! This “fetch” musical from book writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) is packed with keen wit, an undeniably catchy score, and a sincere message for everyone. Adapted from Fey’s 2004 blockbuster film and the Broadway smash hit, Mean Girls JR. will be the queen bee of your stage!
Camp ENCORE! features include:
- The opportunity to participate in a fully staged musical, both onstage and behind the scenes. In addition, campers will participate in community outreach experiences during the session.
- End of session performances on the Wilcox Main Stage.
- Camp ENCORE! encourages teamwork while building self-esteem.
- Camp ENCORE! hosts a staff of professional teachers and artists with extensive experience.
- Afternoons at Camp ENCORE! provide unique opportunities, specialized focused workshops, community outreach experiences, and more!
- Campers receive hours of learning, rehearsing, and fun!
- Every camper receives a Camp ENCORE! cast t-shirt and memories that will last a lifetime.
Please reach out with any questions to camp@prescottpark.org
Plus Amplify the Voices of Camp ENCORE!
Help our campers with a much-needed Audio Upgrade for Next Season
Fundraiser for Camp Audio Upgrade
🎤 Goal: $10,000
Help our Campers- Audio Fundraiser
