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Camp ENCORE!
Prescott Park Arts Festival is excited for another wonderful summer with our signature theatre education program, Camp ENCORE! We always look forward to engaging the Seacoast’s youth throughout the summer at Prescott Park, located in the idyllic natural setting along the Piscataqua River in beautiful downtown Portsmouth.
The Festival’s youth theatre camp serves 100+ kids ages 7-17 and helps them to gain valuable teamwork skills, experience theater arts, and build confidence. Each session culminates with a fully staged public performance on PPAF’s Wilcox Main Stage.
Our goal is to make every camper feel included and valued, while cultivating a love for theatre. In addition to working on the show, campers will explore the art of theatre through games, improvisational activities, and masterclasses from local artists about some of the backstage and onstage specialties of the performing arts.
As always, we offer early and after care, in addition to sibling and multi-session discounts.
Our Partnership with #areuin? a KEY Collective program
The KEY Collective’s #areuin? card program gives kids from low income families access to youth activities for free or at a reduced cost with no social stigma attached. To learn more, please visit www.areuincard.org.
2023 Campers. Photo by: Grace Rohde, Camp Apprentice
Questions About Visiting?
Visit our FAQ pageCamp ENCORE! Links
Scholarship Info2025 Sessions will be announced in January of 2025! Stay tuned.
Check out our 2024 Sessions
*PLEASE NOTE: THIS SESSION HAS SOLD OUT
Session 1: Theatre Creatures | Shrek The Musical JR.
Ages 7-17 | 3 weeksJune 17 – July 7, 2024 | 9:00am – 4:00pmPublic Performances July 6 and 7 at 11amEveryone’s favorite ogre is back in this hilarious stage spectacle, based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film and outrageous Broadway musical.
Description: Welcome All Theatre Creatures! At Session 1 of Camp ENCORE! campers will explore the art of theatre as they work towards a production of Shrek Jr. After auditions and role assignments on the second 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 Shrek The Musical JR. will take place on the Wilcox Main Stage July 6 at 11am and July 7 at 11am.
Show Synopsis: Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
Tuition: $999Sibling: $925Early Care (8:30am): $75After Care (until 5:00pm): $150Please Note: There is an $8 processing fee. Tuition must be paid in full prior to the first day of camp. Thank you!
*PLEASE NOTE: THIS SESSION HAS SOLD OUT
Session 2: Stage Folks | Mary Poppins Jr.
Ages 7-17 | 2 weeksJuly 8 – July 21, 2024 | 9:00am – 4:00pmPublic Performances July 20 and 21 at 11am
Description: Gather ‘round Stage Folks! At Session 2 of Camp ENCORE! campers of all ages will explore the art of theatre as they work towards a production of Mary Poppins Jr. After auditions and role assignments on the second 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 Mary Poppins JR. will take place on the Wilcox Main Stage July 20 at 11am and July 21 at 11am.Show Synopsis: Based on one of the most popular Disney movies of all time and the Broadway musical that played for over 2,500 performances and received multiple Olivier and Tony Awards nominations, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect Broadway Junior musical!
Tuition: $749Sibling: $675Early Care (8:30am): $50After Care (until 5:00pm): $100Please Note: There is an $8 processing fee. Tuition must be paid in full prior to the first day of camp. Thank you!
*PLEASE NOTE: THIS SESSION HAS SOLD OUT
Session 3: Prescott Teens | Disney’s Descendants: The Musical Teen Musical Theatre Intensive | 2 weeksJuly 22 – August 4, 2024 | 9:00am – 4:00pmPublic Performances August 3 and 4 at 1pm
Description: Calling all Prescott Teens! At our Teen Musical Theatre Intensive, campers will learn an entire musical in one week, 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 Disney’s Descendants: The Musical will be on the Wilcox Main Stage August 3 at 1pm and August 4 at 1pm.
NOTE: Campers are not required to submit a video audition. Auditions will take place on the second day of camp.
New in 2024! In response to your feedback from last season, we will be making our teen session more of an INTENSIVE 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, focusing on skills to be a performer in the musical theatre world both on and off the stage.
Show Synopsis: Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney’s Descendants: The Musical is a brand-new musical jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films!
Tuition: $749Sibling: $675Early Care (8:30am): $50After Care (until 5:00pm): $50Please Note: There is an $8 processing fee. Tuition must be paid in full prior to the first day of camp. Thank you!
Camp Discounts | Signing up for multiple sessions? Here’s the DEAL
- 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