Houston Parents Guide to Arts, Drama and Dance Summer Camps for Kids

Summer brings with it some wonderful opportunities for parents and children from exploring eco-friendly destinations, green travel destinations, stay-cations, exploring nature and for Houston families island adventures on Galveston Island and South Padre Island are just a short drive away. But summer break also brings to families the chance to explore the many summer camps available in the Houston area that not only provide moms and dads with a little "break" of their own but also provide children with amazing summer camp memories and opportunities to explore their special interest.

In our family fine arts is the current interest of choice for almost all my children. They love exploring drawing, painting, performing, singing, and dancing. In the Houston area, many celebrities like Hilary and Haylie Duff, Howard Hughes, Lyle Lovett, Annette O'Toole, Dan Rather, Renée Zellweger, Clint Black and wife Lisa Hartman Black, Solange and Beyonce Knowles, Dennis and Randy Quaid got their start here, who knows maybe some of them even at one time attended one of these many performance based summer camp programs. Even if they didn't, with a list of "credits" like these celebrities one thing is certain, that here in Houston performing arts programs and summer camps can provide not only extracurricular summer enjoyment but possibly a little boost to your child's aspirations.

What fine arts, dance, and performing arts summer camps are available in the Houston area?

AD Players Theater Arts Academy Summer Acting Camp

2613 Saint Street

Houston, TX 77027; 713-439-0181 x107

Available to children ages K-12 these week long, half day classes are designed to challenge summer campers as they work towards a showcase performance. Keeping camp fun, campers build their acting skills and gain confidence while learning from professionals. The All Star Camp is available through audition only, call for audition times and camp session prices.

Adamson Ballet School

281-579-7874

For ages 3-12^th grade, this summer camp offers classes and dance camps in ballet, jazz, and drill team. Visit the camp schedule online and call for summer camp pricing details.

Alley Theatre Young - Performers Studio

615 Texas Ave.

Houston, TX 77002; 713-315-5423

The Alley Theatre Young Performers Studio summer camp encourages creativity and skills that will help your children long after they set foot off the stage. Summer camp classes teach: confidence, poise, and the ability to work together. This year the summer camp program offers both half and full day and one week session options. Visit Alley Theatre for session times and tuition rates ranging from $15.00 - $850.00 depending on your summer camp schedule.

Art Camp

1330-R Wirt Road

Houston, TX 77055; 713-681-1331

A variety of fine arts summer camp classes are available for children ages 6-15, Art Camp offers theme based art programs with drawing, painting, and clay. All the art created will be taken home by students. Two levels of classes are available Imagination (10am to Noon; 12:30pm to 2:30pm) and Exploration Classes (2:45pm to 4:45pm.) Campers may register for all ten weeks or weekly, multiple weeks or multiple classes. Find out about pricing, financial aid/scholarships and register online is available at the Art Camp Summer Camp website.

Claire School of Dance

1703 Heights Blvd.

Houston, TX 77008; 713-880-5565

Programs are available for children ages 3 - 11. But it's not all twirling and whirling, this dance summer camp also offers play time and crafts. For children ages 7-11, parents can attend an end-of-camp performance. Summer camp tuition range from $75.00-160.00 depending on age and camp program chosen.

Dance Houston - Young & Intense Summer Dance Camp

5200 Bissonnet Street

501 Texas

Houston, TX 77401 & 77002; 713-526-1049

This summer camp training and performance opportunities in contemporary, jazz, hip hop, ballet, social, and cultural dance to those aged 7-17. While not only teaching campers to improve their dance skills, this program's mission is to foster self-esteem and self-expression. There are four classes a day from experienced choreographers and "down time" offers classes in dance terminology and dance videos. Contact Dance Houston directly by telephone for camp times, prices and registration.

Elite Music & Fine Arts Musical Theatre Summer Camp

Houston, TX 77004; 832-567-4989

Musical theatre is taught to children ages 5-15 with concentration on singing, dancing, and acting. Campers will be divided into three age groups, take three classes a day, and rehearse for a full musical theatre production. Prices average $163.00 per week for full day/full week camp programs. Have all your questions answered at Elites FAQ page get a full schedule of classes per age group and find out about payment plans, family and full summer discounts.

Houston Family Arts Center, Kids in Theatre Summer Drama Camp

10760 Grant Road

Houston, TX 77070; 281-685-6374

No audition is necessary, but this camp fills quickly! This dramatic summer camp is daily with rehearsals, enrichment classes and learning about every aspect of a theatrical production from direction to costumes, for children ages 6-17. Tuition costs range from $120.00-$450 depending on the programs you choose. Registration online is available.

Humphrey's School of Musical Theatre Summer Musical Theatre Camp

800 Bagby, Ste 200

Houston, TX 77002; 713-558-8801

For ages 4-18, this summer camp teaches children and teens how to perform in a musical. You can choose from one week or all 7 weeks of camp and each week offer new material. No audition is required but advanced registration is. Visit the course catalog online for each weeks schedule, get your questions answered about the staff and safety at and contact TUTS directly for financial information.

Katy Visual & Performing Arts (KVPAC)

Center 281-829-2787

This summer camp program offers a variety of day camps in theater, art, and music all summer long for children from preschool aged and up. Contact KVPAC directly for more information and to have the summer calendar mailed to you when available.

Main Street Theater Kids on Stage Summer Performing Arts Camp

Multiple Locations

Houston, TX 77005; 713-524-9196 x104

Kids on Stage is a performing arts summer camp available at a variety of locations throughout the Houston area. Campers work together to create an original play and dance piece. Campers "do it all" from writing to costumes and props with the assistance and direction of teachers and performance professionals. This dramatic summer camp offers daily rehearsals, stagecraft, and storytelling. Older campers between 12- to 14-year-olds can sign up for the Summer Studio Company, a summer camp with an advanced focus on a variety of topics.

The four locations are: Chelsea Market, Rice Village, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and School, and The Shlenker School (Bellaire/Meyerland).

Before and after camp care is available for an additional fee.

Get all your questions answered as well as learn about their summer camp policies at their FAQ page http://www.mainstreettheater.com/kos/summer_faq.html

Visit their website for a summer camp catalog of classes available, pricing and to register online. http://www.mainstreettheater.com/kos/summer.html

Whether it's tutu's or writing stories these summer camps in Houston can bring at the artist or performer in your family as well as teach them valuable life skills, and provide them with summer camp memories of a life time.