Summer Theatre Camps
For over 50 years, Piven Theatre Workshop has helped thousands of students celebrate play while finding their unique creative voice through the study of improvisation, theatre games, scene study, and story theatre.
Students at Piven’s youth summer theatre camps discover the value of improvisational thinking, the training of impulse and instincts, the power of truth and honesty in performance, and the importance of effective communication skills.
Our summer acting camp offerings combine the best of what we have to offer at the Workshop. In our camps, students receive professional level theatre training alongside classic summer camp activities like arts and crafts, water balloons and more. Our acting camps give students the opportunity to work with our incredible instructors as well as guest artists from around the Chicago area. Recently, our guest instructors have led students through workshops on stage combat, clowning, the audition process, playwriting, and accent work. These afternoon workshops, coupled with the core Piven curriculum, give students the opportunity to dive deeper into the world of theatre and to explore new skills.
Our acting summer camp prioritizes theatre instruction through ensemble building. In addition to theatre training, students gain key skills that are applicable to any path they choose. Our classes promote collaboration with others, confidence in one’s own voice, and critical thinking. It is essential for students to develop the skills to solve problems and work together with others on a common goal. While students develop their acting skills, they will also grow as individuals.
Our youth summer theatre camps are uniquely designed to fit in with busy summer schedules. We have a total of 5 weeks of summer programming, which provides many opportunities to find the best fit for your student. We invite you to explore our summer offerings in our virtual summer camp informational packet.
Join us for a summer of acting instruction, creativity, and fun!
4 Week Camp – Our Best Deal!
4 Week Summer Camp for 3rd-6th Graders
9:00am – 4:00pm
$1025
July 7 – August 1
Join Piven for a fun-filled theatre camp experience like no other! Make life-long memories in a supportive and creative environment as you learn the skills for performances. Whether you’re a beginner trying something new, or a more advanced actor looking to sharpen your skills, our highly trained instructors will guide you as you explore improvisation, character, story adaptation, and much more!
Throughout the four weeks, guest teaching artists offer specialty workshops that complement our core curriculum. Past summer camps have included stage combat, clowning, Shakespeare, stage makeup, theatre production, and playwriting. Stay tuned for more details on Summer 2024 workshops.
Also included are some classic team building activities such as tie-dying t-shirts, and water balloon fights.
Over the four weeks, we will be building towards a performance on the last day of camp as we celebrate our campers. This camp is for any student looking to explore create, and grow this summer.
Our 4-week camp is the best deal we offer at just $1025 for the full four weeks.
Late Summer 1 Week Camps for 3rd-8th Graders
*Piven is running two sections of the Late Summer 1 Week Camp.
3rd – 5th Grade
5th-8th Grade
*These groups may be realigned depending on the enrollment numbers for the individual groupings
August 4 – August 8
9:00am – 4:00pm
$395
This is your chance to get a taste of our celebrated work in a week full of laughter, teamwork, and play! Students spend their mornings learning how signature Piven games & improvisation can be applied to bring creativity and excitement to ensemble exercises and scene work. In the afternoon, guest artists lead workshops complementing our core curriculum. Previous topics have included stage combat, clowning, hip-hop dance, and more. Join us this summer at Piven for a fun, creative, and supportive theatre experience!
Build Your Own Summer Camp!*
3rd-6th Graders
9:00am – 4:00pm
Available weeks to choose from:
July 7 – 11
July 14 -18
July 21 – 25
July 28 – August 1
August 4 – August 8
Summer schedules can be challenging! Piven offers the opportunity for you to build your own summer experience by choosing the weeks that best suit your child’s schedule.
Whether your child is a beginner, or a more advanced actor looking to sharpen their skills, our highly trained instructors will guide them as they explore signature Piven games and improvisation, and how they can be applied to bring creativity and excitement to the stage in ensemble exercises and scenework.
In the afternoons, guest artists lead workshops complementing our core curriculum. Previous topics have included stage combat, clowning, hip-hop dance, playwriting and more!
*Camps are $395.00 per week. With the ‘Build Your Own’ option, the first week is full price at $395.00, with each additional week at 20% off of the weekly cost of $395. Please contact our office if you have any questions. We may be reached via email at: education@piventheatre.com, or call us at 847.866.6597.
Middle School Improv & Scene Intensive
June 14 – August 9
8 sessions (no class July 5)
Saturdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm
$350
Learn the theatre and improvisation games that form the core of the legendary Piven training method! Students are introduced to vital acting skills while learning to build an ensemble, explore improvisation, and develop scripted scenes. Students use signature Piven theatre games and improvisation exercises to create dynamic and fun improvised and scripted pieces, all within a close-knit, supportive ensemble. Open to new and returning students!
High School Improv & Scene Intensive
June 14 – August 9
8 sessions. (no class July 5)
Saturdays, 12:30pm – 2:30pm
$350
In this class students explore improvisation as a tool for the actor. Guided by the expert direction of a Piven teaching artist, students use theatre games to build ensemble and explore improvisation. They learn to apply the Piven Technique to scene work to bring spontaneity, deeper relationships, and realistic characterization to scripted scenes. Open to experienced and beginning students, and perfect for those who wish to use Piven’s training to heighten their performances in school, community, and professional plays.
This camp is for any student looking to explore, create, and grow this summer.