Arden Drama School
Classes and Camps for ages 2 through Grade 12+
We offer award-winning multi-week and one-day classes taught by theatre professionals. There’s something for everyone.
“For some kids, it’s a chance to showcase their inner ham. For others, theatre camps draw them out of their shell.”
– 6ABC News
Arden Drama School is for EVERYONE!
Contact edavella@ardentheatre.org for more information or questions about special needs or accommodations. For financial aid and scholarships, please fill out a scholarship application.
Thanks to our Sponsor:
Arden Summer Camp 2026
Sessions begin June 22!
Register today for the best summer EVER!
Take advantage of multi-week and sibling discounts.
Register for two or more weeks of summer camp, and save $25 on each!*
Use code SUMMERMULTI
*Cannot be combined with other offers.
Arden Summer Camp 2026
Rising 1st – 5th Grade
Camps are held Monday-Friday from 9:30am-4:30pm
Extended Day options from 8:00-9:30am and 4:30-6:00pm
One Week Camp: $450
Two Week Camp: $800
Drama Camps (One and Two Week Camps!)
Take a theatrical journey through acting, music, storytelling, and dance while working as an ensemble to create and rehearse an original play! Camp culminates with an onstage performance for family and friends.
The World of Witchcraft and Wizardry
July 6-17 (Two Week Camp) & July 13-17 (One Week Camp)
Wave your magic wand and let your adventure begin!
School of Pop
July 20-24 (One Week Camp)
Sing and dance your heart out on your way to pop stardom!
Sci-Fi Adventure
July 27-31 (One Week Camp)
3, 2, 1, BLAST OFF! Journey through space and time on an intergalactic quest!
Heroes and Villains
August 3-14 (Two Week Camp) & August 10-14 (One Week Camp)
The battle of good vs. evil continues in this epic, super-powerful camp!
Specialty Camps (One Week Camps!)
Explore a specific theatre skill in-depth. Each session concludes with a presentation for family and friends!
Design Camp
July 6-10 (One Week Camp)
In this creative camp, theatre professionals teach students how costumes, props, set, lights, and sound help bring a story to life on stage. Students will learn the basics of the theatrical design process and then put those skills into practice on a show of their choice!
Comedy Camp: Improv!
July 20-24 (One Week Camp)
Students think on their feet as they practice short and long form improv exercises. Camp culminates in an improv comedy show for friends and family.
Musical Theatre Camp: Broadway Bound
July 27-31 (One Week Camp)
5, 6, 7, 8! Students will feel like musical theatre stars as they work on songs and choreography from their favorite Broadway shows in this classic week of Arden Summer Camp. Throughout the week, musical theatre professionals will teach students how to boldly take the stage and connect story to lyrics.
Comedy Camp: Sketch
August 3-7 (One Week Camp)
Students imagine silly characters and create hilarious original scenes as they practice various sketch writing and performance skills.
Musical Theatre Camp: Showstoppers!
August 17-21 (One Week Camp)
And the crowd goes wild! In this exciting camp, students will learn the basics of vocal support and high-energy choreography that are essential to their favorite show-stopping musical numbers. Throughout the week, musical theatre professionals will teach students how to boldly take the stage and connect story to lyrics.
Play Practice
August 24-28 (One Week Camp)
Get ready to take the stage! In this camp, students will work with a theatre director to rehearse and perform a scripted play by the end of the week. Students will learn the fundamentals of blocking, character development, and what it means to rehearse a play.
Rising 6th – 8th Grade
Arden Summer Studio
Studios are held Monday-Friday from 10:00am-5:00pm
Extended Day Options from 8:00-10:00am and 5:00-6:00pm
One Week Studio: $450
Two Week Studio: $800
The Arden Summer Studio provides exclusive access to classes taught by Philadelphia’s top theatre artists. During Studio weeks, students will deepen their theatre skills, explore their individual creativity, and collaborate with their fellow artists in creating a compelling final showcase on the Arcadia Theatre stage for family and friends.
Acting Studio: From Page to Stage
July 6-17 (Two Week Studio)
In this thoughtful two-week studio experience, students will develop as actors and performers through devising, scene study, and performance. In their first week, students will practice a variety advanced character development techniques. In the second week, the students will apply what they learned in the first week to monologues and scenes that they will present to family and friends on the Arden mainstage.
Comedy Studio: Friday Afternoon Live!
July 20-24 (One Week Studio)
It’s Friday Afternoon Live! In this comical studio, quick-witted students will learn to create humorous characters and riotous scenes. Led by theatre professionals, students will work together to create sketches and stand-up routines that they’ll share with friends and family on the Arden mainstage.
Musical Theatre Studio: Dancing Through Life
July 27-August 7 (Two Week Studio)
In this toe-tapping studio, students will develop as musical theatre performers through solos, duets, and group numbers. Working with a classic and contemporary Broadway repertoire, students will practice supporting their voice while conveying story through choreography. The studio will culminate in a revue style showcase for friends and family on the Arden mainstage.
Shakespeare Studio
August 10-14 (One Week Studio)
Double double toil and trouble….student actors conjure theatre magic in this Shakespearean studio. Led by a classical acting professional, students will explore how to interpret Shakespeare’s text for a modern audience. They will put classical acting techniques into practice as they rehearse and perform a cut of one of Shakespeare’s iconic plays on the Arden mainstage.
Design Studio: Behind the Scenes
August 17-21 (One Week Studio)
In this hands-on class, students explore the world of theatrical design, focusing on set, costume, prop, and lighting design. Through practical exercises and creative projects, they will learn how design elements contribute to storytelling on stage and discover the basics of the technical side of theatre.
Rising 9th – 12th Grade
Conservatories
Camps are held Monday-Friday from 10:00am-5:00pm
Scene into Song
July 6-10
There’s a lot more to musical theatre than singing and dancing and this advanced class will immerse students in the skills needed to be considered a ‘triple threat.” Guided by musical theatre professionals, students will explore the character and story development techniques that take a scene into song. Students will strengthen their vocal technique and practice dynamic movement as they dive deeper into the musical theatre rehearsal process.
Students will:
- Learn advanced techniques to portray character and story through singing and movement
- Explore the storytelling strategies that make musical theatre unique
- Build confidence and stage presence
Musical Conservatory: Into the Woods
July 13-August 7
Four Week Camp: $1,450
Performances: August 3-6 at 7:00pm
In this unforgettable experience, students will work together to audition, rehearse, and perform Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway classic, Into the Woods. Led by musical theatre professionals, students will learn to apply advanced vocal, physical, and acting techniques to performance on the Arden’s mainstage.
More interested in the behind-the-scenes work? We have tracks available for students looking to pursue lighting, sound, props, costume, and stage management.
Students will:
- Collaborate on the rehearsal, design, and production of Into the Woods
- Deepen their skills as performers and their points of view as artists
- Apply advanced musical theatre vocal, physical, and performance techniques to performance
Currently accepting registrations for Behind The Scenes interest only. Please call the Box Office to register your child (215) 922-1122.
Acting Conservatory: One Act Festival
August 10-21
Two-Week Camp: $800
In this two week intensive, students will advance their skills as actors in the rehearsal and performance of a One Act Festival. Guided by a theatre professional, students will practice advanced performance techniques and apply them directly to the rehearsal process. They will learn how to develop complex characters, build dramatic tension in staging, and take the stage with presence and individuality.
Students will:
- Collaborate on the rehearsal and production of a One Act Festival
- Develop their stage presence as actors and their points of view as artists
- Apply advanced character development and scene study techniques to performance
Terms & Conditions
PLEASE NOTE: Included in the cost of your camp is a $100 non-refundable deposit. If you need to cancel enrollment, you must notify us in writing no later than June 1, 2026 in order to receive a refund. Requests should be emailed to boxofficer@ardentheatre.org. No refunds or exchanges can be made after June 1, 2026. The $100 deposit will be deducted from any cancellations. Changes to enrolled weeks are based on availability and must also be made on or before the June 1, 2026 deadline. By enrolling in Arden Drama School, you are hereby allowing Arden Theatre Company to use images and video footage of your child for marketing materials. You and your family’s names will be kept private. If you prefer to have your child’s image kept private, please contact Elise D’Avella, Arden Drama School Manager, edavella@ardentheatre.org.
Fall Classes for Grades K-12
Join us Beginning September 12
Arden Drama School is where kids and teens come to create and collaborate in exciting programs taught by top theatre professionals. On the last day of class, students share what they learned in a performance for friends and family!
Registration begins in August!
Fall 2026 Classes
Eight Week Classes
Light you child’s creative spark! We celebrate creativity, nurture passion, and foster collaboration in our exciting classes that are taught by some of the region’s leading theatre professionals.
On the last day, students perform on stage for friends and family in the Arden’s Bob and Selma Horan Studio Theatre.
Grades K-2
Musical Theatre: Sing Broadway!
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31
This fun-filled class invites young performers to explore the joy of singing with their favorite Broadway songs! Through engaging vocal warm-ups, fun games, and group singing, students will develop their voices and learn the basics of musical performance.
Students will:
- Learn basic vocal techniques like pitch, rhythm, and breath control
- Explore how to use their voice to express different emotions and characters
- Build confidence in singing and performing in front of others as an ensemble
Saturdays, 10am – 11:30am
Grades: K – 2
Acting: Voice, Body, Imagination
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31
This play-based class explores the actor’s tools of voice, imagination, and body to create characters and portray emotions. As students imagine together, they will grow skills in sharing, empathy, and confidence! At the sharing, students perform their own version of a well-known story.
Students will:
- Learn the actor’s tools: voice, body, imagination
- Explore ways to use actor’s tools to perform various emotions and characters
- Grow confidence, empathy, and sharing skills
Saturdays, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Grades: K – 2
Acting: Let’s Get Silly!
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31
In this fun class, students embrace their inner silliness as they learn the basics of comedy! Students will grow confidence and creativity as they use their voice, body, and imagination to create funny characters and scenes on stage.
Students will:
- Learn how to use their actor’s tools to create silly scenes and characters
- Think on their feet in basic improv games
- Build confidence
Saturdays, 12:30pm-2:00pm
Grades: K – 2
Grades 3-5
Musical Theatre: Lift Your Voice!
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31
This voice-focused musical theatre class helps students build confidence in singing while learning how to use their voice expressively on stage. Through vocal exercises and ensemble singing, students will explore how to tell a story through music with power and clarity. Final performance is a musical review of songs and numbers learned during the course!
Students will:
- Learn healthy vocal techniques including breath support, projection, and pitch
- Explore storytelling through song and basic musical theatre performance skills
- Build confidence and ensemble skills
Saturdays, 10am – 12pm
Grades: 3-5
Actor’s Toolbox: Creating Characters
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31
This character-building class invites students to dive deep into the process of creating original characters. With creative acting exercises and games, students will learn how to develop characters that are engaging and complex. Students create and perform short scenes in character, gaining insight into storytelling through the lens of character development.
Students will:
- Learn basic theatre terms like objective, obstacle, and backstory
- Explore movement, voice work, and imaginative play to bring characters to life
- Collaborate with peers to build short scenes centered around their characters
Saturdays, 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Grades: 3-5
Actor’s Toolbox: Comedy
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31
In this playful class, students jump into the world of comedic performance. From classic comedy bits to their own hilarious scenes, students will develop their comic instincts while practicing listening, timing, and teamwork.
Students will:
- Learn the basics of comedic timing, physical comedy, and improvisation
- Practice creating and performing original comedic scenes and sketches
- Develop ensemble skills, listening, and collaboration through comedy
Saturdays, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Grades: 3-5
Grades 6-8
Actor’s Workshop: Character Development
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31
In this thoughtful and engaging class, students dive into the process of creating characters from the inside out. Students learn to break down text to uncover a character’s motivations, emotions, and relationships—all while discovering how to bring their own truth and individuality to the role. The class culminates in a monologue showcase where each actor presents a fully developed character.
Students will:
- Analyze dramatic text to uncover key elements such as objectives, obstacles, subtext, and given circumstances
- Explore using actor’s tools to connect to material and “own” your performance
- Build confidence and empathy
Saturdays, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Grades: 6-8
Musical Theatre: Acting Through Song
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31
Take your musical theatre skills to the next level in this class focused on bringing character and story to life in a musical number. Students will learn how to add emotion and intentions to their vocal performance as well as how to identify the journey of the song.
Students will:
- Analyze a song for objectives and beats
- Work with emotions and actions in vocal performance
- Build confidence and empathy
Saturdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Grades: 6-8
Design Sampler
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31
In this hands-on class, students explore the world of theatrical design, focusing on set, costume, prop, and lighting design. Through practical exercises and creative projects, they will learn how design elements contribute to storytelling on stage and discover the basics of the technical side of theatre.
Students will:
- Develop an understanding of how set, costumes, lighting, and props support a production’s themes and story.
- Experiment with creating design concepts, from sketches to models
- Present original design ideas and receive peer feedback to improve their craft
Saturdays, 2:30pm-4:30pm
Grades: 6-8
Grades 9-12
Acting Lab: Character Analysis
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31
In this engaging class, students dive into the process of creating characters from the inside out. Students learn to break down text to uncover a character’s motivations, emotions, and relationships—all while discovering how to bring their own truth and individuality to the role.
Students will:
- Analyze dramatic text to uncover key elements such as objectives, obstacles, subtext, and given circumstances
- Explore using actor’s tools to connect to material and “own” your performance
- Build confidence and empathy
Saturdays, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Grades: 9-12
Musical Theatre: Vocal Technique
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31
This training-intensive class explores advanced elements of vocal performance, including resonance, dynamic control, and stylistic versatility across. Students work on solo repertoire that challenges their technique and interpretation. Each student receives individual feedback and coaching in a supportive masterclass environment, culminating in a final performance of polished solo pieces.
Students will:
- Develop advanced vocal techniques such as breath support, vocal placement, resonance tuning, and mix/belt transitions
- Interpret and perform songs with emotional depth and dramatic intention
- Build confidence, discipline, and artistic independence
Saturdays, 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Grades: 9-12
Acting Lab: Improv and Sketch
Saturdays, September 12 – October 31
In this fun class, students will learn to think on their feet and act without a script. Guided by a theatre professional, students will practice advanced improv and sketch techniques to create complex characters and comedic scenes.
Students will:
- Learn advanced improvisation and sketch techniques
- Practice creating complex characters and stories on the fly
- Strengthen confidence and point of view
Saturdays, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Grades: 9-12
Fall Mini-Semester
Join us for this exciting offering that is a perfect complement to our fall semester. Led by theatre professionals, these three-week programs are designed to give your student a taste of something different. Perfect for students looking to dip their toes into classes for the first time, or those looking for something new to explore!
Grades K-2
Musical Theatre: Sing Villains!
Saturdays, November 7 – 21
It’s good to be bad! Have fun learning your favorite songs and choreography from some of the best villains in musical theatre. Class culminates with a classroom sharing for friends and family!
Students will:
- Learn how to sing as a group
- Practice following along with choreography
- Build confidence
Saturdays, 10:00am-11:30pm
Grades: K-2
Grades 3-5
Actor’s Toolbox: Improv
Saturdays, November 7 – 21
Students learn to think on their feet as they practice short and long form improv games and create silly characters and scenes. Class culminates in an improv comedy show for friends and family.
Students will:
- Learn the basics of improv and comedic acting
- Practice creating their own humorous characters and scenes
- Build confidence and collaboration
Saturdays, 10:00am-12:00pm
Grades: 3-5
Grades 6-8
Actor’s Workshop: Stage Combat
Saturdays, November 7 – 21
In this energetic class, students learn the basics of stage combat. They’ll practice the mechanics of several hand-to-hand moves and then work collaboratively to create fight choreography that tells the story.
Students will:
- Learn the basic mechanics for hand-to-hand combat on stage
- Practice safely conveying story through stage combat
- Work on collaboration and compromise
Saturdays, 10:30am-12:30pm
Grades: 6-8
Grades 9-12
Audition Technique: Musical Theatre
Saturdays, November 7 – 21
Have an audition coming up for your school musical? This class is a great way to practice your auditioning skills. Students should come prepared with a 16 bar cut of a song they would like to prepare. They’ll work with a musical theatre professional on how to enter the room with confidence and make bold character choices that help their personality shine through.
Students will:
- Practice vocal technique
- Work on emoting and performing their song
- Gain confidence in the audition room
Saturdays, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Grades: 9-12
Play-in-a-Day for Grades K-5
In these award-winning classes, students work together to create an original play. Each Play-in-a-Day is as unique as the participants – the story and characters are always new!
Students will:
- Practice collaboration
- Learn the basic elements of a good story
- Create compelling characters using their voice, body, and imagination
All Play in a Days are for Grades K-5 and are held from 9am-5pm (except December 31)
Adventure Seekers (Yom Kippur)
Monday, September 21, 2026
9am – 5pm
Grades: K – 5
Go on an epic journey of your imagination!
Monster Mash! (Indigenous Peoples Day)
Monday, October 12, 2026
9am – 5pm
Grades: K – 5
Gather round the campfire for some spooky stories!
Enchanted Forest (Election Day)
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
9am – 5pm
Grades: K – 5
Travel through a mystical world of your creation!
Wicked Magic (Veterans Day)
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
9am – 5pm
Grades: K – 5
A curse has been placed on the Arden and students write original stories to break the spell!
Snowed In (Winter Break)
Monday, December 28, 2026
9am – 5pm
Grades: K – 5
A blizzard has hit the Arden and students tell tales about the perfect snowy day!
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Winter Break)
Tuesday, December 29, 2026
9am – 5pm
Grades: K – 5
Click your ruby red slippers three times because there’s no place like Arden Drama School!
Out of this World! (Winter Break)
Wednesday, December 30, 2026
9am – 5pm
Grades: K – 5
Blast off to the stars in a new story of your creation!
Adventures in Neverland (Winter Break)
Thursday, December 31, 2026
9am – 4pm
Grades: K – 5
Journey to Neverland and have a magical day at the Arden!
One Day Workshops for Grades 6-8
Spend the day singing your favorite musical theatre songs while strengthening your performance skills in this fun workshop. Students will practice vocal and acting techniques as they prepare a musical theatre revue-style performance for friends and family at the end of the day.
All Play in a Days are for Grades 6-8 and are held from 9:30am-4:30pm
Jukebox Musicals (Yom Kippur)
Monday, September 21, 2026
9:30am-4:30pm
Grades: 6-8
Inspired by the Arden’s production of Girl from the North Country, students will sing through the music of Mamma Mia!, & Juliet, and more as they explore how popular music can be woven into a brand-new narrative.
Musical Theatre Villains (Indigenous Peoples Day)
Monday, October 12, 2026
9:30am-4:30pm
Grades: 6-8
Have some wicked fun exploring the greatest villains in musical theatre history.
Rock Musicals (Election Day)
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
9:30am-4:30pm
Grades: 6-8
Rock out at the Arden as you spend the day singing hits from Rent, Heathers, and more!
Miscast Cabaret (Veterans Day)
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
9:30am-4:30pm
Grades: 6-8
Turn convention on it’s head and spend the day exploring your favorite musical theatre roles that you would never traditionally be cast as.
Let it Snow (Winter Break)
Monday, December 28, 2026
9:30am-4:30pm
Grades: 6-8
Warm-up with some Broadway classics that embrace the magic of the winter season.
I Wish! (Winter Break)
Tuesday, December 29, 2026
9:30am-4:30pm
Grades: 6-8
Spend the day belting out the best “I Want” songs in musical theatre history.
One Day Workshops for Grades 9-12
Spend the day singing your favorite musical theatre songs while strengthening your performance skills in this fun workshop. Students will practice vocal and acting techniques as they prepare a musical theatre revue-style performance for friends and family at the end of the day.
All Play in a Days are for Grades 6-8 or 9-12 and are held from 9:30am-4:30pm
Miscast Cabaret (Winter Break)
Monday, December 28, 2026
9:30am-4:30pm
Grades: 9-12
Turn convention on it’s head and spend the day exploring your favorite musical theatre roles that you would never traditionally be cast as.
Bookworms, Ages 2-5
Saturdays, September 19 – October 24
Each week in Bookworms, we’ll read a different book together and use theatre games, music, and creative movement to bring the story to life! Parents, Grandparents, and caregivers are all invited, but not required, to participate. Selected books range from classics to popular new picture books, all exploring themes of kindness, community, collaboration, and celebrating being uniquely YOU!
Students will:
- Strengthen early literacy skills by actively listening to and engaging with a new story each week
- Explore creative movement and imagination
- Grow social-emotional skills like kindness, self-regulation, and confidence
Saturdays, 10am – 10:45am
For ages 2-5 and their caregivers
Olivia and the Missing Toy
by Ian Falconer
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10am- 10:45am
Duncan the Story Dragon
by Amanda Driscoll
Saturday, September 26, 2026, 10am- 10:45am
The Big Sneeze
by Ruth Brown
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10am- 10:45am
The Knight Owl
by Christopher Denise
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10am- 10:45am
Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats
by Alicia Potter
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10am- 10:45am
Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats
by Pete the Cat Five Little Pumpkins
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10am- 10:45am
