Stages & Studios

Ages 13-18
Create. Refine. Perform. A multidisciplinary summer for dedicated young artists.

Stages & Studios offers a flexible, pre-professional experience for creative teens ready to challenge themselves, collaborate with peers, and refine their craft across multiple artistic disciplines. Whether your passion lies in performance, technical theater, or studio-based visual arts, this program empowers participants to build their own path in a supportive, high-caliber environment.

Students may choose to:

  • Take center stage in our full-scale musical production (Chicago: Teen Edition)
  • Join CREW, our behind-the-scenes technical theater program
  • Customize a schedule with one or more Fine Arts Studios, including sculpture, plein air painting, cartooning, jewelry design, and more

Each day is structured to provide focused instruction, hands-on project work, and community connection. Masterclasses with professional artists, collaborative showcases, and access to the state-of-the-art Center for the Arts all contribute to a summer that is equal parts rigorous, joyful, and deeply enriching.

Ideal for teens who are passionate about the arts—on stage, behind the scenes, or in the studio—and who are ready to take their creative growth to the next level.

 

 

 

Blob white
Blob lightgreen

2026 Programming

Stages

Matilda The Musical

July 6-July 17, 2026

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!

Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

View the daily schedule

CREW – Technical Theater & Leadership Program

Weekly July 6-August 7, 2026

 

 

 

 

CREW – Technical Theater & Leadership Program

Step behind the curtain and into the action. CREW is a hands-on technical theater and leadership program for teens who want to explore what happens offstage while building confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging.

Participants take on meaningful roles in real productions—running lights, managing props, assisting in scenic builds, and supporting the overall backstage environment. Through guided mentorship and collaboration with teaching artists and staff, CREW members learn the ins and outs of theatrical production while developing leadership and communication skills that extend beyond the stage.

In addition to production work, CREW participants support camp activities, guide younger groups, and contribute to the behind-the-scenes magic that makes every performance possible. It’s the perfect opportunity for creative teens who want to lead, learn, and laugh together in an inclusive, high-energy environment.

What CREW Offers:

  • Hands-On Experience: From lighting design to backstage coordination, gain practical production skills by supporting real performances.

  • Leadership & Growth: Build confidence and take initiative by helping lead groups, assist counselors, and support the creative process.

  • Community & Fun: Join a vibrant, inclusive community where friendships are forged through shared purpose and creative collaboration.

 

 

 

 

Chicago Teen Edition

July 13-July 31, 2026

 

 

 

 

Our Teen Performance Program offers a pre-professional training experience with a strong emphasis on ensemble building and belonging for dedicated young artists ready to take the next step in their theatrical journey. This summer, participants will dive into Chicago: Teen Edition, working with a director, music director, and choreographer to explore the iconic Jazz Age world of the show.

Each day includes high-level acting, vocal, and dance training, ensemble rehearsals, and weekly masterclasses with guest artists. Students build technique, stamina, and confidence while experiencing the full rehearsal process from table work to staging to polished performance. Teens can also supplement their day by participating in workshops offered through our Fine Arts Program, which deepen their creative practice across multiple disciplines.

The program culminates in a ticketed production open to families and the camp community. Ideal for motivated teens seeking a challenging, collaborative environment that mirrors the expectations of a high school or early college performance program.

View the program schedule

Broadway Cabaret

August 3-August 7, 2026

 

 

 

 

“Come to the cabaret!” This program invites participants to embark on a captivating journey into the realm of music and performance, where they’ll explore their voices and hone their stagecraft as they deliver their favorite songs from the Broadway stage and beyond. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned vocalist, all are welcome! Singers will have the opportunity to shine both in group performances and as soloists. Throughout the program, performers will engage in collaborative efforts with peers and seasoned professionals, allowing them to uncover their unique strengths and identify areas for personal growth. While they’ll work together as a group, each participant will also receive personalized, one-on-one instruction tailored to their individual abilities and interests. It’s a week that promises to challenge you to expand your talents, celebrate your artistry, and foster collaborative relationships with both your peers and experienced professionals.

View the program schedule

 

 

Studios

Cartooning

Weekly July 6-August 7, 2026

9:00-10:30 AM

10:35-12:00 PM

1:00-2:30 PM

2:35-4:00 PM

 

 

 

 

From character design to visual storytelling, this class brings imagination to life through the art of cartooning. Students learn proportion, expression, gesture, and panel layout as they create original characters and short comics. Perfect for artists who love humor, animation, graphic novels, and crafting stories through dynamic drawings.

 

 

 

 

Drawing

Weekly July 6-August 7, 2026

9:00-10:30 AM

10:35-12:00 PM

1:00-2:30 PM

2:35-4:00 PM

 

 

 

 

A studio experience for developing and experienced artists. Students practice and deepen essential drawing skills such as line, shading, perspective, and composition using graphite, charcoal, ink, and pastel. Whether new to drawing or looking to strengthen technique, participants build confidence and control as they create expressive, portfolio-worthy artwork.

 

 

 

 

Jewelry

Weekly July 6-August 7, 2026

9:00-10:30 AM

10:35-12:00 PM

1:00-2:30 PM

2:35-4:00 PM

 

 

 

 

In our jewelry studio, students design and create wearable art using beads, wire, metal findings, polymer clay, and other specialty materials. They’ll practice core techniques such as wire wrapping, beading, pattern design, color selection, and simple metalwork. Each artist leaves with a collection of handmade pieces that reflect personal style and creative craftsmanship.

 

 

 

 

Mixed Media

Weekly July 6-August 7, 2026

9:00-10:30 AM

10:35-12:00 PM

1:00-2:30 PM

2:35-4:00 PM

 

 

 

 

This vibrant class encourages young artists to experiment boldly by combining paint, collage, drawing, and unconventional materials. Students learn layering techniques, texture building, and creative problem-solving as they craft expressive, one-of-a-kind artworks. An excellent fit for innovative creators who love exploring multiple art forms at once.

 

 

 

 

Plein Air Painting

Weekly July 6-August 7, 2026

9:00-10:30 AM

10:35-12:00 PM

1:00-2:30 PM

2:35-4:00 PM

 

 

 

 

Inspired by the tradition of painting outdoors, Plein Air invites students to observe the world around them and create directly from nature. Working in sketchbooks and on canvas, artists explore light, color, and landscape composition as they paint and draw across the Brooks campus. This peaceful yet skill-building class nurtures observation, patience, and artistic confidence.

 

 

 

 

Sculpture

Weekly July 6-August 7, 2026

9:00-10:30 AM

10:35-12:00 PM

1:00-2:30 PM

2:35-4:00 PM

 

 

 

 

Explore the world of three-dimensional art through clay, wire, cardboard, plaster, and found materials. In this hands-on studio class, students learn how to transform everyday objects into expressive forms while developing skills in carving, assembling, and modeling. Perfect for artists who love building, shaping, and bringing ideas off the page and into space.

 

 

 

 

What Makes Us Special

  • Build-Your-Own Schedule: Choose a full-day experience or mix-and-match AM and PM blocks to create a schedule that fits your interests and energy. Options include performance, technical theater, and six studio-based fine arts offerings.

  • Tailored for Teens: This program is intentionally designed for ages 13–16, offering greater creative autonomy, elevated instruction, and meaningful leadership opportunities that mirror the structure of high school or early college arts programs.

  • Professional Mentorship: Participants work with experienced directors, choreographers, designers, visual artists, and media specialists—learning directly from working professionals who inspire and challenge.

  • Masterclasses & Real-World Skills: Weekly masterclasses expose students to new techniques, career paths, and artistic practices, helping them gain confidence on and off the stage or studio floor.

  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: All programming takes place in Brooks School’s $28 million Center for the Arts—featuring rehearsal studios, a black box theater, media labs, scene and costume shops, and stunning visual arts studios.

  • Community & Belonging: Whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in the studio, teens find a place where they are seen, supported, and encouraged to bring their full creative selves to the experience.

  • Health & Safety Support: A licensed Health & Wellness team is available throughout the day to support participants’ well-being and ensure a safe, caring environment.

  • Lunch & Snacks Provided: Nutritious lunch and snacks are included in all full-day programs to help participants stay energized and focused.

 

 

 

 

Program Team