Multiple summer experiences at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) are designed to help young people learn, grow and discover themselves through the power of the arts. NJPAC summer classes emphasize self-expression, collaboration and community building. Children are nurtured and engaged by NJPAC teaching artists— all of whom are working professionals in creative fields including dance, musical theater, hip hop and acting. Full-day camps, running July 8 through August 8, are for ages 9 – 18 and include free add-on programs that further develop talent and self-expression. Excitement builds throughout the four weeks as the programs culminate in final presentations before an audience of family and friends. Every student is accepted; scholarships for summer camp tuition are available, and the application process is easy. Don’t delay—registration is ongoing.
In the Mix
A free add-on for those enrolled in Arts Education programming.
It’s a student-driven, multidisciplinary project with a civic engagement focus. The purpose of this project is for students to recognize their potential to become community-engaged artists and leaders, and establish their voices in creative, civic initiatives to make their world a better place. Students showcase their work on a podcast they create, produce and host themselves.
Creative Arts Camp
For the youngest artists, ages 9 – 12
Every day they will dive into acting, musical theater, hip hop (including dance and emcee/music production) and visual arts—all while building friendships and collaborating with talented teaching artists. One of the collaborative projects is designing a museum. Campers will develop exhibits, write artist statements and plan how their exhibits will come to life at night. Spoiler alert: After hours at the museum is the theme of the end-of-summer share. Campers will create an original piece, performed before a friendly audience of family and loved ones.
Creative Coaching
A free add-on for participants in NJPAC Arts Education summer programs.
Students set a goal and are matched with a professional artist for guidance and support in achieving their goal. Aspirations can include perfecting a skill, developing a new talent, overcoming an obstacle or preparing for academic success. Creative Coaching turns young artists into unstoppable creative forces! This program is supported, in part, by the Ed Hajim Professional Readiness Program and is part of the Colton Institute for Training and Research in the Arts at NJPAC.
Creator’s Room
Anyone is welcome to join this series of free conversations about the behind-the-scenes journey of artistic work.
The Ultimate Show & Tell will take place June 18, 2025, at 6:30PM in the NJPAC Center for Arts Education. Learn from a panel of producers, directors and stage technicians about backstage careers that are essential to on-stage storytelling.
Creativity on the Grand Stage!
For students ages 13 – 18
Students choose a focus of hip hop arts and culture, acting or musical theater. In addition to learning from talented teaching artists, participants can join master classes with industry professionals, including NJPAC mainstage performers. What also makes this program special is the opportunity to perform on an NJPAC stage!
Campers will collaborate to create an original work that will be presented in a grand finale on the Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Stage of the Victoria Theater.
