Play. Perform. Grow.
Jr. Camps
Meet new friends, explore the world of performing arts, make memories for a lifetime.
Creating Memories
Theatre 605 Jr. Camps began in 2016 and have been creating unforgettable memories for hundreds of campers ever since. This is a place where young people discover their voices, gain confidence, and form lasting friendships through the magical world of theatre.
Year after year, we are inspired by how students grow in creativity and character, reminding us just how transformative the Arts can be. We have even witnessed former Tour participants evolve into Jr. Campers and later shine on the Black Hills Playhouse stage!
2026 will mark the 10th anniversary of our camps!
We can’t wait to see what the next decade holds for Theatre 605 Jr. Camps.
Summer
Theatre Camp
Grades 5th-12th
July 19-25, 2026
This summer, we will explore acting, singing, dance, and technical theatre allowing campers to lean into their favorite area of focus. By stepping into various theatre roles, campers better understand different perspectives and how all areas support and work with the others.
Our professional instructors guide campers through both performing and technical theatre expertise, encouraging bold decisions in all aspects of their theatrical endeavors. This hands-on approach invites out-of-the-box thinking and boosts confidence.
Through rehearsals and workshops, campers refine communication skills, learning to articulate ideas and listen actively. The end-of-camp showcase is a highlight, allowing campers to demonstrate skills and creativity, celebrating their hard work.
We encourage a love for the arts in a supportive environment, where children express themselves, solve problems creatively, and work as a team. Join us this summer for an unforgettable theatrical adventure!
Past smiles, new location
Center Stage Memories
We have some exciting news to share about our upcoming summer camp! After thoughtful consideration, we’ve decided to move our theatre camps to the University of South Dakota (USD) campus in Vermillion. This change will allow our campers to work in a professional theatre facility and connect with a broader range of artists, thereby enhancing their overall experience.
For adventurous souls
Be a camp counselor
Are you ready for an adventure this summer? We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Theatre Camp Counselors. As a counselor, you’ll plan, teach, and coordinate engaging activities while helping campers grow personally and ensuring their safety. Become a mentor and guide, leading campers through unforgettable experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Creativity is giving yourself permission to see things differently.”
– David Robert
Accessibility of Camp
Is the camp handicapped accessible?
Yes! Please let us help you with any accommodations you might need by emailing jr.camps@theatre605.org
CAMPER AUDITIONS
Does my camper need to prepare for an audition?
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Nope!
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The directors will get to know each camper before assigning their showcase track.
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The campers will then be responsible for their portion of the performance, i.e., learning the lines, songs, and dances for the production, OR completing assigned technical aspects.
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EVERY camper will be involved in the production.
Gender Inclusion
Why include a section about gender inclusion?
Our primary motivation at our Jr. Summer Theatre Camps is to provide an excellent summer camp experience for all kids, and especially those who may not feel welcome at other camps. We’ve always welcomed anyone who wants to join us, but recognize we may be alienating some campers by reinforcing social norms related to the binary idea of genders–that all people are either males or females. Among biologists, social anthropologists, and sociologists, there is a growing consensus that gender identity exists along a spectrum and, sometimes, individuals may change. Alienation of trans youth and other non-binary campers can be overt, like bullying (for which we have zero tolerance), but it can also be unintentional in common situations like room assignments, pronoun use, bathroom designations, and campers’ groupings of boys and girls for activities. We feel it is important for us to address this issue and set an example, making sure that all campers feel welcome, respected, and safe at our camp and within our community.
Will campers change in front of each other?
What you may not know is that most kids are pretty modest and have been changing in private or under their covers already at camp for years. We don’t expect this to present problems at camp, and we’ll rely on the respect, modesty, and civility of campers and examples set by staff to rule the day.
What about pronouns?
Camp staff will respect the pronouns the campers choose for themselves. Our staff will do their best to use them and model to the other campers what it looks like to treat people with respect. Campers and staff who intentionally use the wrong pronouns to antagonize others will be considered bullies. Bullying of any kind is not tolerated and will be addressed by camp leadership.
What about… everything else?
In our 10 years of experience, we have well-tested practices that deal with all sorts of behaviors and contingencies that might arise at a summer camp for children and teenagers. We address things like bullying, inappropriate behaviors, camp romances, social awkwardness, special needs, and anything else you can imagine might happen at summer camp as a matter of policy and practice, and don’t expect that being inclusive of non-binary campers will affect any of our best practices.
If you have more questions about gender inclusion, please send them to Deb Workman, Artistic Director, deb@theatre605.org
Housing & Meals
My camper has dietary restrictions, what is camp food like?
Students will be housed in air-conditioned residence halls located on USD’s campus near the Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts. Meals for all campers are provided throughout the week at the Muenster University Center (MUC). Students are responsible for purchasing any additional snacks or beverages.
Support a Camper
