Performing Arts Education
Fostering Creative Growth
Auburn Public Theater partners with Auburn Public Schools & community centers to provide free performing arts classes for individuals of all ages. We also offer ongoing, dynamic and affordable classes & summer camps right here at the theater in film, theater & music. Our youth programs challenge and educate our community’s children and foster creative growth through shared artistic experiences. Tuition assistance and full scholarships available!
Vision & Mission
Our classes offer an accessible, safe and inclusive space that fosters talented and motivated students to do their best and pursue their dreams. We value diversity and respect each community member and their contributions equally. Click HERE to read more about our Vision & Mission for all of our education programs.
Summer Theater Camp
We are proud to partner with Kristan Sheppard to host this summer’s theater camp. This year, campers will spend the week learning sections of the musical version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, viewing a professional rendition of the show at The Rev theater, and perform a showcase to demonstrate all they have learned. Perfect for grades 3-12.
Dates and Times: Monday, July 25th – Friday, July 29th 9:00am – 4:00pm; Show at The Rev on Thursday, July 28th at 2:00pm; Showcase for family & friends at APT on Friday, July 29th at 3:00pm
For more information, contact Janie MicGlire at janie@auburnpublictheater.org
Cost: $250/student; scholarships available upon request
Film/Media Production Camp
We are proud to partner with Cayuga Community College, Gavin Ellis, and Jenna Fields to host this summer’s film camp. Our summer young adult program in filmmaking gives aspiring filmmakers a hands-on education in how to breakdown a script, along with the basics of digital filmmaking, non-linear editing, lighting, directing and storytelling. Participants work under the direction of media professionals at Auburn Public Theater, and this year, campers will have access to the facilities at the college. With their newfound skills, students leave the program knowing the steps to create films independently. No previous film or video making experience needed! The final film will also be screened in November at the new Cayuga Film Festival!
Perfect for middle and high school students ages 13-18.
Dates and Times: Monday, August 1st – Friday, August 5th 10:00am – 2:00pm
Cost: $150/student; scholarships available upon request
Summer DJ Camp
Learn from Syracuse’s own DJ Bella J! Perfect for grades 3-12.
Dates and Times: Monday, July 11th – Friday, July 15th 10:00am – 2:00pm
For more information, contact Janie MicGlire at janie@auburnpublictheater.org
Cost: $150/student; scholarships available upon request
Exchange Street Records Rock Camp
Our music summer camp, taught by Jim Van Arsdale, offers an opportunity for young people to develop the skills needed to explore the world of popular music. Whether a student is interested in playing guitar, drums, bass, ukulele, keyboards or singing, they will learn today’s favorite songs to play with a group. Students will also study successful techniques in the areas of improvisation, stage presence and live sound. Songwriting techniques and song structure with the goal of composing our own songs for performance and future recording will be covered. Many summer students continue on with our fall music program and then join Perform For Purpose, a local youth music performance group that plays live concerts to raise funds for worthy causes.
Perfect for middle and high school students, ages 10-18.
Dates and Times: Monday, July 18th – Friday, July 22nd 10:00am – 2:00pm; Showcase for family & friends at APT on Friday, July 22nd at 6:30pm
Cost: $150/student; scholarships available upon request
*Skill and Equipment Requirements for Rock Band Camp:
For guitar, students should be familiar with open chords (with barre chords preferred) and be able to read basic chord charts. Bring your own electric guitar, tuner and cable. Amplifiers are provided.
For bass, students should be familiar with basic tablature and techniques and be able to read basic song charts. Bring your own electric bass, tuner and cable. Amplifiers are provided.
For drums, students should be familiar with basic techniques and be able to understand basic song charts. Just bring your sticks!
For keyboards and vocals, students should be familiar with basic techniques and be able to understand basic song charts. Just bring yourself!
Please scan the QR code or click the PayPal button to pay for classes->
APT educational programs are made possible through the generous support of:
The Cayuga Community Fund, The Central NY Community Foundation, The Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation, The John Ben Snow Foundation, The Kiwanis Club of Auburn, The Nelson B. Delavan Foundation, Lyons National Bank, J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc., The Mimi Fishman Foundation, The M&T Charitable Trust, NYSCA, The Guido and Ellen Palma Foundation, SKARTS Skaneateles Area Arts Council, and The United Way of Cayuga County.
