Registration for Virtual Camp Arena for Summer 2021 is now open!
Virtual Camp Arena Stage
June 28 - August 6, 2021
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Time
Camp Arena Stage is a half-day program.
Morning Camp:
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDTAfternoon Camp:
1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT -
Dates
Session 1
(morning or afternoon):
June 28 – July 9, 2021Session 2
(morning only):
July 12 – July 23, 2021Session 3
(morning only):
July 26 – August 6, 2021 -
COVID-19 Update
Due to location and building capacity, Camp Arena Stage will be a virtual program in Summer 2021.
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Contact
camp@arenastage.org
202-488-3300
"I always feel free to express myself at camp." – CAS Camper
The creativity and community of Camp Arena Stage are coming to your home this summer! In this half-day, multi-arts program, campers choose their own schedules from a list of classes in theater, music, dance, media, visual art and writing.
Learning from an all-star team of professional artists and educators, campers will be immersed in interactive arts activities.
With a daily show and time built in to connect with friends old and new, Virtual Camp Arena Stage will provide campers with an unforgettable summer experience at home.
"The counselors have celebrated each child’s artistic talent ... and provided positive support and encouragement. I am simply in awe that this would be possible virtually."
– CAS Parent
Logistics
Virtual Camp Arena Stage is an online, multi-arts program and community for young people ages 8 to 15. It is a place for young artists to explore, discover and create art while making meaningful connections with other young people.
Camps are half days – morning or afternoon – and run Monday through Friday for two weeks. Campers select their classes upon enrolling. Campers can register for more than one camp.
Schedule
Each camper selects two classes from options in theater, music, dance, media, visual art and writing. Maximum class size is 14 campers with an average class size of 8 campers.
Read more about the 2021 Activity Descriptions and Schedule.
Staff
Classes are taught by a special team of professional artists and teachers. This “all-star” group has gathered virtually - from near and far - to plan an unforgettable summer program. Instructors have training and experience teaching online.
KY'LEND J. ADAMS
ROSIE ALGER
NIEW BHARYAGUNTRA
WES BRAVER
NATE DENDY
KELLY DE ANGIOLETTI
TRAVIS-MICHAEL COLEMAN
BRANDON GLASS
NICKI ELLEDGE
ASHLEY FORMAN
OLIVIA JONES
KERRY MCGEE
LASHAWN MELTON
MAURICIO PITA
MALLORY SHEAR
PAMELA T. SIMONSON
NURNEY
KY'LEND J. ADAMS
Ky'Lend J. Adams is a writer, educator and arts administrator from Washington, D.C. He currently serves as the Education & Audience Engagement Coordinator at Disney Theatrical Group where he collaborates with a team of theater practitioners in engaging communities and connecting audiences to Broadway and touring performances. Previously, he served as the education fellow at Berkeley Repertory Theatre as well as a Teaching Artist/Intern at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. He is thrilled to return back to Camp Arena Stage, where he not only instructed before but was a camper as well. Ky'Lend holds a B.A. in communication with a concentration in media production and a minor in theater from George Mason University.
Why I Teach: To provide access to students of all ages and engage with them in a shared learning environment.
Art Can: Heal, inspire and transform.
Why I love CAS: I am a product of how this camp nurtures artists and provides them with a safe place to explore their artistry.
Classes Taught: Newspaper, Podcasting, Writing for the Stage, Creative Writing
ROSIE ALGER
Rosie is a teaching artist and administrator in the D.C. Metro area. She has taught drama, music, visual arts and design with Imagination Stage for the last two years, both at their theater and in schools across Maryland and D.C. She has also designed curriculum and worked in classrooms on arts integration programs to enhance students' education ages 3 to 18. Rosie graduated from Washington College in 2018 with degrees in theater and anthropology, and is a director, actor, musician and artist. She enjoys painting and knitting in her spare time.
Why I Teach: I believe that every young person's voice deserves to be heard, and I love getting the opportunity to help them find their story.
Art Can: Connect us!
Classes Taught: Magical World Art, Painting, Fiber Art, Comics and Cartooning
NIEW BHARYAGUNTRA
Niew has been the camp coordinator for Arena Stage for seven years. When she’s not at camp, Niew works as a stage manager at theaters such as Ford’s Theater, Arena Stage, Rep Stage and most recently at Two River Theater. Niew received her bachelor’s degree in theater design & production from Towson University. She is a proud alumnus of Arena Stage’s Allen Lee Hughes Fellowship Program.
Why I Teach: I love sharing my compassion and joy for the arts with others.
Art Can: Inspire!
Why I Love CAS: The open-minded community.
WES BRAVER
Wes is a composer, lyricist and playwright from Washington, D.C. making his triumphant return to Camp Arena Stage. His musical Medusa (co-written w/ Rachel Dean) was presented in concert at Lincoln Center in 2019 and is in development with commercial producers. Past work includes Hear No Evil in the Year 2090, and Galapago; a song cycle, Space Cases; and METADATA, an electro-pop concept album about Edward Snowden (available on Spotify/iTunes). He wrote the songs for the musical film Chatsworth, which premiered at HBO’s New York Latino Film Festival, and the score for the film “Youth,” which premiered at SXSW in 2019. His songs have been featured at the Kennedy Center, Barrington Stage, and the Laurie Beechman Theater, and his music has been featured in a number of films, dance performances and with the Broken Box Mime Company. Wes holds a B.A. in music from Colorado College and an M.F.A. from NYU Tisch’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program.
Why I Teach: Great teaching changes lives. My favorite art and English teachers made me the person I am. I teach to try and pass on their wisdom and get people excited about their own creativity.
Art Can: Help you walk a mile in someone else's shoes - that will always make you kinder and more understanding. And the world needs more of that!
Why I Love CAS: Camp is simply one of those rare spaces that is just dedicated to creativity. Even in the professional arts industry, there's a limit on that. Camp is not about being cool, or making the best art that will sell, it's about being yourself.
Classes Taught: The Musical! and Songwriting Studio
NATE DENDY
Nate is an award nominated actor and magician who has performed on stages across the country. He also appears on the CW Network's Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Nate has designed magic for Broadway and Off-Broadway and has created and consulted for the longest running headliners in Las Vegas, Penn & Teller.
Why I Teach: It gives me joy to share. That's all teaching is.
Art Can: Amaze and Amuse
KELLY DE ANGIOLETTI
Kelly is the CAS accompanist. She is a sophomore double major in musical theater and music who attends Rockford University in Illinois on a full scholarship. She has music directed, worked as a church pianist, instructed piano, accompanied and performed in pit orchestras in the D.C. and Chicago Metro areas. She attended the Virginia Governor's School for Theatrical Performance and the International Thespian Festival, as one of the top performers in her state. In addition to her work as an accompanist and performer, Kelly has studied visual arts and dance.
Why I Teach: I enjoy learning how young artists see our world and I draw inspiration from their bravery and excitement surrounding creation.
Art Can: Show us how we're alike
Why I Love CAS: The constant immersion in enthusiastic art
TRAVIS-MICHAEL COLEMAN
A Severna Park, MD native, Travis developed a love for the visual and performing arts at a young age that grew tremendously. Travis has since played the clarinet for over 25 years and has been a highly effective educator and an art education advocate who has 14 years of experience and engagement in the classroom. Travis obtained his B.S. in elementary education and middle school studies with a minor in visual arts from Morgan State University, and an M.A. in instructional design and media technology from Full Sail University. Travis often delves in his passion for the visual arts, which he uses as a tool to advocate for educational equality. In 2016 Travis was the D.C. recipient for the Voya Unsung Hero grant that helped him to develop his innovative teaching idea, “Clay Therapy,” which focused on using ceramics to help students develop and strengthen their critical thinking skills in a relaxed and expressive environment. Travis is currently developing a repertoire of abstract art, some of which were displayed and sold at various art shows in both San Francisco and Oakland, California.
Why I Teach: To prepare each student to succeed beyond the requirements of a curriculum by instilling passion in each student to journey into the needs of the world.
Art Can: Evoke creative imaginations.
Classes Taught: Marvelous Mosaics and Collage, Sculpture, Abstract Mixed Media and Mini Murals
BRANDON GLASS
Brandon has danced for performing artists, at NBA games and for companies both in the U.S. and abroad. He has been a coach, teacher and choreographer for eight years in the competitive dance industry and for musical theater, working with programs such as Red Branch Theatre. While obtaining his degree in deaf studies, Brandon also trained in the dance department at Towson University. He has recently been touring with Marvel Universe Live as a stuntman bringing his acrobatic and acting skills to the forefront. In his third summer at CAS, Brandon is sure to create a fun, and educational setting for his students to feel welcome and confident.
Why I Teach: I love helping others understand that they have a light worth shining and shining bright. Teaching puts a genuine smile on my face being able to encourage youth to seek what they love and embrace every part of it.
Art Can: EMPOWER!
Why I Love CAS: The ENERGY! The warm welcomes, the delightful staff and the eager and adventurous young artists that attend make this camp a space where you can FEEL the difference and inclusion when you’re part of it.
Classes Taught: Hip-Hop Dance, 30-Second Dances
NICKI ELLEDGE
Nicki is a professional actor and teaching artist based in Washington D.C. She can't wait to return to Camp Arena Stage this summer! Previous performance credits include: First National Tour: Amazing Grace; Signature Theatre: Grand Hotel, A Little Night Music; Arizona Broadway Theatre: Sweeney Todd; Utah Shakespeare Festival: The Cocoanuts, South Pacific; Toby's Dinner Theatre: Grease, Beauty and the Beast; Riverside Center: Beauty and the Beast; Welk Resorts Theatre: Fiddler on the Roof; Lamb's Players Theatre: Joe vs. the Volcano...the Musical; Legoland California: LEGOFriends: To the Rescue! Nicki graduated from The Catholic University of America with a bachelor’s of music degree in musical theater.
Why I Teach: I have been incredibly inspired and influenced by my theater teachers and mentors. I hope to generously pass on what I have learned, and positively impact and support students as they discover their creative voice.
Art Can: Bring us closer together and help us become more compassionate human beings.
Why I Love CAS: The environment is positive, supportive, and encouraging!
Classes Taught: Musical Theater and Musical Theater Solos and Auditions
ASHLEY FORMAN
Ashley is the director of education at Arena Stage in her 17th season. She is responsible for the design and development of Voices of Now, Arena Stage’s devised theater program. Through a partnership with the U.S. Department of State, Ashley has implemented Voices of Now in India twice (2012 and 2014), Peru (2014), Croatia twice (2013 and 2019) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2019). She has presented on devised theater at numerous conferences, including the American Alliance for Theater and Education; the Association for Theater in Higher Education Conference; the National Bereavement Camp Conference; and the International AIDS Conference. Ashley has trained university professors and students, cultural attaches, pre-K through high-school public school teachers, teaching artists, professional artists, and young artists. Through Voices of Now she has devised autobiographical plays with numerous populations. Ashley oversees all lesson planning and curriculum for Arena Stage’s education programs. She graduated from Syracuse University with a B.S. in theater, concentration in directing, and a minor in child development.
Classes Taught: Mini Masterpieces
OLIVIA JONES
Olivia has worked as an arts administrator and teaching artist for all ages over the past eight years in D.C., New York, Los Angeles, Omaha and throughout southwest Virginia. She has worked with students as young as six months devising sensory experiences and has specialized in instruction for neuro-diverse students. Olivia was a recipient of the inaugural APAP|NYC 2020 Duke Access Award, identified as a field leader representing expertise in racial equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the performing arts field.
Why I Teach: Helping people to connect to one another through art is the best feeling in the world!
Art Can: Cultivate empathy
Classes Taught: Acting
KERRY MCGEE
Kerry has worked for Arena Stage for six years as a teaching artist at Camp Arena Stage and with the Voices of Now program. She is also an actor and director and serves as the Artistic Director for We Happy Few, a classical theatre company in Washington DC. Her specialties include Shakespeare, classical text and movement theater. Kerry is especially proud of her work playing Charlie Chaplin in Pointless Theatre's highly acclaimed production of Visions of Love and of directing Lovers' Vows, a Helen Hayes recommended production. Kerry received her M.F.A. in theater pedagogy from VCU.
Why I Teach: Young artists are the most creative, energized learners out there. I'm constantly impressed by their imaginations.
Art Can: Change the world
Why I Love CAS: CAS is a welcoming place that puts emphasis on creating, having fun and exploring.
Classes Taught: Silent Movie and “It’s Alive!”: Franken-Filmmaking
LASHAWN MELTON
LaShawn is a D.C. native and has been a hair and makeup artist for more than 15 years. She was the wig, hair and makeup supervisor at Arena Stage for four seasons. LaShawn has worked as a hair designer, wig designer, and/or makeup designer on productions at Arena Stage (Disgraced, Smart People, Nina Simone Four Women, Pajama Game, Snow Child), Woolly Mammoth (Botticelli in the Fire, BLKS, Describe the Night, Fairview), Kennedy Center (The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963), Olney Theatre Company (Comedy of Tenors), and Round House Theatre (School Girls).
Why I Teach: I love to share my experiences, knowledge, and talents with others. The beautiful thing about life is we all get to experience and learn something new every day.
Art Can: Be an expression of one’s inner voice -- it’s beautiful, it’s chaotic, it’s powerful.
Classes Taught: Stage Makeup and Fantasy Makeup
MAURICIO PITA
Mauricio was born in Caracas, Venezuela and is currently Arena Stage’s community programs manager. Previously he was GALA Hispanic Theater’s director of education where he led the Paso Nuevo Youth Performance Group. In addition, Mauricio has worked as an educator for Young Playwrights Theatre, as a performer and educator for Superhero Clubhouse and The Society of Educational Arts (Teatro SEA) in New York City and has worked extensively as an performer with NYC Spanish Repertory Theatre, INTAR, Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC), The Kennedy Center, The Director’s Company and Studio Theatre. He was part of the artistic team for multiple devised theater productions at Columbia University and is a graduate of the Acting Program at Marymount Manhattan College and the Shakespeare Conservatory for Actors at Yale University.
Why I Teach: Because I have the opportunity to empower young artists.
Art Can: Transform, illuminate, teach, and empower our humanity.
Why I Love CAS: The community! You become a member of a new family with shared values. It’s also fun!
Classes Taught: Acting for the Camera, Lights, Camera, Commercials!
MALLORY SHEAR
Mallory is returning for her third summer with Camp Arena. She has appeared on stage with Adventure Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Flying V, Molotov Theatre, Live Action Theatre, and The Maryland Renaissance Festival, to name a few. She has over a decade of teaching experience at theatres and schools such as Signature Theatre, Adventure Theatre, The Folger Theatre, Holy Child, The Landon School, and Baltimore Shakespeare Factory. She completed an apprenticeship with the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey and went on to specialize in stage combat, stunt work and intimacy choreography. She is certified in numerous weapons through the Society of American Fight Directors, is a certified Intermediate Actor Combatant with Fight Directors Canada, and completed her stunt training abroad. She has choreographed for Molotov Theatre, Pinky Swear Productions, Venus Theatre, Flying V, Studio Theatre Conservatory, The Maryland Renaissance Festival and St. Mary’s College among many others. She also stunt coordinated the award winning short: The Croquet Calamity. Mallory is a proud Associate Member of SDC
Classes Taught: Shipwreck Shakespeare and Voice Acting
PAMELA T. SIMONSON
Pamela T. Simonson, full lyricsoprano, author, charity founder and native New Yorker has been seen on stages throughout the United States and Europe with the Washington National Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Wolf Trap Opera and the Glory Gospel Singers. She has been a featured soloist with the American Center for Puccini Studies and in Washington National Opera’s productions of Porgy and Bess, Showboat, and Dead Man Walking. Pamela has served as music director for Camp Arena Stag for over 10 years and is currently a vocal music teacher for Prince George’s County Public Schools. She also conducts workshops and seminars and coaches private music students in the region. Pamela was part of the inaugural staff of CAS in 2005. She loves cats, singing karaoke, the beach, road trips and NYC pizza!
NURNEY
Nurney is a D.C native actor & teacher returning to Camp Arena Stage. He has performed locally with Toby's Dinner Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, and the American Pops Orchestra. Before the pandemic, he was on the national tour of the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon. Teaching dance since 2009, Nurney has found inspiring and pushing a new generation to their artistic potential to be incredibly rewarding.
Art Can: Challenge, mirror, and shape the world around us.
Why I Love CAS: The family and the hard work and artistic curiosity the children possess.
Classes Taught: Broadway Jazz and Jazz Dance
Scholarships
A limited number of need-based scholarships are available, including The Tommy Raskin Memorial Scholarships and The Friends of Southwest DC Scholarships. Please complete and return the CAS Scholarship Application and provide proof of need. Applications are accepted and approved on a rolling basis.
Click here to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up for classes?
When registering you will see what classes are available. You sign up right then and there and know your schedule right away! Enrollment in the classes is first come, first served. Class descriptions will be available on March 26.
Can I be in the same classes as my friend?
Since you sign up for classes when you register, you will need to coordinate with your friend to choose the same classes.
My friend is also coming to camp, will I get to spend time with them?
You can request to be in the same small group as your friend when you register.
Can I change my schedule once I start?
A parent/guardian can email a request to change classes at the end of the first day. Schedule changes will be made on a case-by-case basis. After the second day of camp schedules are set.
How big are classes?
Our largest classes have a maximum class size of 14 campers.
Why are the camps half-day?
In surveying camp families, we discovered that there was a strong preference for a half-day program. Families cited sharing devices, screen time and other activities. Of course, campers can sign up for both the morning camp and the afternoon camp if they want to!
How do camps differ?
Morning camp and afternoon camp have the same format, but some different classes and instructors.
When and how do I receive Zoom links?
The week before camp starts, the parent/guardian will receive an email from camp@arenastage with their camper’s Zoom links for the session.
How does camp start?
At the beginning of the camp day campers will log onto Zoom and go to the “All Camp” Zoom link. There will be time to visit with their small “home room” group and their group leader in breakout rooms followed by an all-camp warmup activity. They will then use their “Class #1” Zoom link to begin their first class of the day.
How does the day work online?
After the opening activities with your small group leader and the all-camp warmup, you will Zoom to your first class. At the end of that class there will be a short break time to touch base with friends or get a glass of water or plug in a device before you Zoom on to your next class. You will also have a short break at the end of that class. After that is a period for small group activities—surprise offerings that focus on camp fun. Then on to the daily show to either perform for your friends or watch your friends perform. Farewells follow the show, and goodbye until your next camp day.
Is there time to socialize and make friends at camp?
We understand that having some down time to visit with old friends and make new ones is an important part of creating a camp community. We have built in some breaks and other activity periods for you to be able to enjoy the social side of camp.
Will I have a chance to perform? How does the daily show work?
Any camper can sign up to perform in the daily show. You can sign up through your group leader in the morning for shows later in the week —as long as there is room, of course. If you want to sing with accompaniment let your group leader know, and our accompanist will make you a track to sing to. Sometimes classes will perform, and, if there is room, staff members may perform as well!
Do I have to perform?
There are a lot of ways to be an artist, and not all artists are performing artists. So, no one will make you perform if you don’t want to, but you might want to give it a try even if you feel a little shy. Camp Arena Stage audiences are the most supportive audiences ever!
Will there be a final sharing at the end of the session?
Classes will find ways to share their work. This will be determined by the instructor and what works best for the artform. It might a virtual gallery of artwork, a short film, a Zoom performance or another way. We will be sure to give you plenty of notice. Some classes are process based and may not have a final sharing.
My camper is due to age out this summer —how are you going to make sure that this summer is special for them?
A couple of ways. We will still have virtual special activities for our 15 year olds, but know that is not the same as the in-person activities they may have been expecting. So, we will make a special age exemption next summer and accept returning campers who are 16 if they wish to have the traditional last summer they have been looking forward to.
What about security?
We know that online security is a concern and have put practices in place to address that issue. The week before camp begins, we will send the camper's unique Zoom links and passwords for the session to the parent/guardian's email address.
All sessions will be recorded and saved to the Zoom cloud for safety purposes.
In addition, all our instructors undergo background checks before camp starts.
What kind of parental involvement will there need to be in doing the camp virtually?
We understand that one of the aspects that is missing from a virtual camp is the provision of childcare. A responsible adult needs to be present or within call of the camper participating in Virtual Camp Arena Stage.
What if my child has special needs?
If your child has special needs and you wonder if Camp Arena Stage is a good fit for your child, please contact us at camp@arenastage.org to set up a phone call to discuss.
Who are the instructors?
Our instructors are professional artists and educators with expertise in their artistic fields and experience working with young people. The CITs (counselors-in-training), who assist the instructors, are rising high school juniors, seniors and college students.
All staff members undergo a careful interview process, including background checks. We have done our utmost to hire accomplished artists who, first and foremost, care about and excel in working with young people.
We’ve gathered a special group this summer, including instructors that have worked at Camp Arena Stage before but have moved to other cities. We are all excited to bring the playfulness and joy of CAS to your home.
How do I get supplies for visual arts classes?
Each family provides their own visual arts supplies. Supply lists are included in the activity descriptions. You may already have some of the supplies at home—scissors and glue, for example. Please email camp@arenastage.org with any supplies questions that arise.
What technology do we need to have at home?
To participate in Virtual Camp Arena Stage, each camper will need a device such as a laptop or a tablet. Minimum bandwidth is 600kbps (upload/download) and recommended is 1.5 Mbps (upload/download). The device must have a camera and mic or an external web cam and mic. The device must be running the latest operating system and all major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and Safari).
What happens if my technology breaks down?
If we can, we will coach the camper through technology issues. A parent/guardian should be nearby to assist the camper with technology issues as well. Email camp@arenastage.org if you need to get a messge to your camper's instructor.
What if the instructor’s technology breaks down?
Some of our classes have a second staff member in the class should this situation arise. For classes without an assistant, the All-Camp Meeting link is always open with a camp staff member for campers to go to with any questions or concerns. Campers or parents/guardians can also email camp@arenastage.org to notify us and we will respond directly.
General Questions: Email camp@arenastage.org. Include your name, phone number and a good time to reach you if you’d prefer a call back. This email is monitored closely throughout the day and is the fastest way to contact the camp admin team and leadership.
Special Needs and Health Questions: Email camp@arenastage.org to set up a time to speak.
Online Registration and Payment Questions: 202-488-3300 or info@arenastage.org. Sales Office hours are Tuesday – Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
What is your refund policy?
In response to the uncertain times, we are extending our refund policy. You may request a full refund until the Friday before your camp is set to start, with no questions asked. After this, cancelations through the first week of camp are eligible for a 50% refund. After the first week, there are no refunds. Please email info@arenastage.org or call 202-488-3300 Tuesday-Saturday 12 p.m.- 6 p.m. to request this option.
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Sponsors
Arena Stage’s Community Engagement efforts are generously sponsored by Denie and Frank Weil; The Estate of Ms. Toni A. Ritzenberg; AT&T; the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Joanne Barker; the deLaski Family Foundation; Catherine and Chris Guttman-McCabe; the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities; Hattie M. Strong Foundation; Robert and Natalie Mandel Family Foundation; Floyd E. Davis Family Foundation; Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, Inc.; Alice Shaver Foundation; Theatre Forward; Collins Aerospace; England Family Foundation; Friends of Southwest D.C.; GEICO; JBG Smith; Wayne and Susan Jonas; Wells Fargo & Company; Foley & Lardner LLP; Weissberg Foundation; Jean Schiro- Zavela and Vance Zavela; Theatre Forward; Actors’ Equity Foundation; and Youth Activities Task Force (YATF) of the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly, Inc.