The Pasadena Playhouse, California’s official State Theater and 2023 Regional Theatre Tony Award recipient, is broadening its educational outreach with three theater camps for Summer 2025, marking the second year of its expanded youth programs. The camps will provide comprehensive training in acting, singing, and dancing, culminating in showcase performances.
“Bringing the highest quality theater classes to the young people in our community is one of our top priorities at the Playhouse,” said Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman. “These unique musical theater camps will delight and spark creativity while building a sense of community and provide an opportunity for growth for all.”
The summer program features four sessions of Playhouse Players: Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. for ages 7-12, running June 16-27, July 7-18, July 21-Aug. 1, and Aug. 4-15. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved story, the production follows Ariel’s journey as she dreams of life above the sea. A single session of Playhouse Players: 13 JR., featuring music by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, will serve ages 11-15 from June 30 to July 11, telling the story of Evan Goldman navigating new life in small-town Indiana.
The theater will also bring back its Musical Theater Boot Camp for ages 14-18 (must have completed at least one year of high school) from July 14-25. Industry professionals and guest artists will instruct students in acting, singing, dancing, movement, musical theater history, and college audition preparation, culminating in a “workshare” showcase for family and friends.
The Little Mermaid JR. sessions will be held at St. James Methodist Church with tuition set at $860 (including fee). The 13 JR. program and Musical Theater Boot Camp will take place at the Carrie Hamilton Theatre at the Pasadena Playhouse, priced at $960 (including fee) and $1,070 (including fee) respectively. While no previous experience is required for Playhouse Players camps, Musical Theatre Boot Camp requires an audition through https://pasadenaplayhouse.getacceptd.com.
Enrollment officially opens Feb. 5, 2025. Partial scholarships are available for all programs, with applications due by March 24, 2025. Each program runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with specific holiday closures for Juneteenth (June 19) and July 4.
The Pasadena Playhouse has been a cornerstone of California theater since 1917, premiering works by renowned playwrights including Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill, Suzan-Lori Parks, and Gloria Calderon Kellett. Its pioneering School for Theater Arts has served as a training ground for entertainment industry professionals. Under Feldman’s leadership since 2016, the institution maintains its founding idea of being a living force in the community, making theater accessible to everyone.
