Performing arts summer Camp

2027 Camp Registration OPENS FEBRUARY 1st!

Program description

CLARA’s Summer Camp program introduces kids to a wide mix of dance, music, theater, and visual art in a fun and interactive format taught by professional artists. Our unique camp design engages students in a rich variety of arts experiences they may not otherwise discover, all within an inclusive space that encourages curiosity, creativity, and genuine connection with their peers. 

Through the arts, we empower campers with tools that help them grow—onstage and off—while giving them the chance to discover new passions they may carry with them long after summer ends. Each session wraps up with a culminating performance where campers can share their work with family and friends.

AGES: 6-12

COST: $450

(Limited financial aid is available for eligible families. To apply, first register for your preferred session; our team will follow up after you register.)

2026 SESSION DATES
Session 1: June 15 – 19
Session 2: June 22 – 26
Session 3: July 13 – 17
Session 4: July 20 – 24
Session 5: July 27 – 31
(Registration is limited to one session per student)

TIME: Camp begins at 9am each day and ends at 4pm. Doors will open at 8am for early drop offs.

LOCATION: All camps take place at the Auditorium at CLARA: 1425 24th St. Sacramento, 95816.

New in 2026! Internship program for returning students ages 13-18:

If your child has already spent a summer with us at CLARA, we’d love to welcome them back in 2026—as an intern! Our interns get to dive into all the art forms we offer at camp, plus take on special leadership roles designed around their unique strengths, interests, and goals. It’s a chance to grow, create, and shine right alongside our camp team!

All interns must attend one training session before camp begins. Registration is limited to two sessions per student.

COST: $95
(Limited financial aid is available for eligible families. To apply, first register for your preferred session; our team will follow up after you register.)

Three staged photos of children and adults participating in a theater or dance workshop in a bright studio with wooden floors and colorful curtains. The first image shows kids standing and playing clapping games with an instructor. The second shows an instructor with arms raised, leading a dance or movement activity. The third shows children seated in a circle with instructors leading a musical or theatrical activity.

Funding support for this program comes from the Dennis Mangers Fund for Young Performing Artists, Point West Rotary, and private donors.

Summer Camp Teaching Artist Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions

  • CLARA Performing Arts Camp welcomes students of all levels and abilities. They will be introduced to a variety of art forms that may spark new interests, and are not expected to arrive with previous experience. Our introductory level classes will not intimidate newcomers, but will also engage campers with previous experience in the areas we cover. 

  • CLARA provides snacks and water; students are responsible for bringing their own lunches.

  • If you need to cancel your camp registration, refunds are based on how far in advance you let us know. Cancellations made more than 30 days before the start of your camp session will receive a full refund, minus registration and credit card processing fees. If you cancel 15–30 days before camp begins, you’ll receive a 50% refund. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer refunds for cancellations made within 14 days of the start of camp.

  • Making the arts accessible to all students is key to our mission and financial aid is available; campers will not be turned away due to lack of funds. To start the scholarship process, please check the appropriate box when filling out the registration form and our staff will be in touch.

  • Every day, students will take a class in dance, music, theatre, and visual art; these classes will change daily, so by the end of the camp session each student will have been introduced to a wide variety of different kinds of performing arts! In order to ensure campers receive the full benefit from the unique structure of our camp, they will automatically be enrolled in all of the different classes we offer. Our class lineup is determined by which teachers are available for camp; we will confirm the class lineup once our teaching artist selection is finalized. 

  • Campers are allowed to attend one session only. Since all sessions offer the same classes, we have learned from experience that when a child repeats the camp and has already learned all of the material, they can sometimes unintentionally make the other students feel like they are behind since they haven’t learned the material yet. We find that the best experience for all campers is that they are learning new material together. 

Still have questions? Contact our Education Program Manager Melissa Kelman at mkelman@claramidtown.org