From performance-focused camps and our one-of-a-kind technical theatre intensives to our new inclusive improv camp, students from all interests and abilities have a variety of opportunities to connect with and learn from world-class theater professionals both on and off the stage.
Website: https://ensemblecincinnati.org/learn-and-engage/camps/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (513) 421-3555
Gender of Campers: All
Special Needs Offered: Designed for students with Autism, our Inclusive Improv Summer Camp strengthens participants’ social and communication skills, acting comprehension, and mental flexibility. Lots of fun and laughter are sure to be had by students and families alike. No previous theatre experience is required!
Dates: June 8–July 17, 2026 (see specific dates below)
Hours: 9:00 am–4:30 pm, Monday-Friday
Ages: 8–19
What makes Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati unique?
At any of Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s five intensive summer camps, your student will receive premier, professional training from Cincinnati’s leading performers, teaching artists, designers, and technicians—all while having fun and working collaboratively to showcase creative projects they can be proud of! The community created during every camp, the quality of the final showcase, and our team’s desire to meet each student’s individual needs is what makes our camps camps unique.
“I was extremely impressed with all that was thought of and put into the process to ensure the students’ needs would be met and a positive experience could be had.” –Inclusive Camp Parent
“I’ve really enjoyed these past two years. I feel so loved and accepted the moment I walk through the door, and that’s a really hard place to find. Thank you, Ensemble!” –High School Intensive Student
“This has always been a safe place for me these past four years, no matter what I am dealing with or how I am feeling, I’ve always been my happiest when I’m here.” – ETC Camp Returner
What activities are offered at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati?
Junior Summer Camp: June 15–26, 2026 | Ages 8–13
SOLD OUT! Unleash your child’s creativity with this fun two-week intensive focused on acting fundamentals and promoting self-confidence, communication, and teamwork. No experience is required—just a commitment to learning and collaborating! This intensive culminates in a full production on ETC’s mainstage shared with family and friends. Workshops and topics include performance techniques, improv and acting, movement and stage combat, audition skills, and more.
Design & Build Technical Theatre Summer Intensive: June 15–19, 2026 | Ages 15–19
This one-week intensive with technical theatre professionals takes a broad view into what it takes to move a show from script to finished scenery, costumes, and props. Participants will learn design and construction skills, then put them into practice. Students will have the chance to work on the set, costumes, and props for a production while developing resourcefulness, teamwork, and creative problem-solving skills! Students with no previous experience in technical theatre but a readiness to learn are encouraged to attend, as well as students who already have experience working on the technical side of theatre.
Backstage Technical Theatre Summer Intensive: June 22–26, 2026 | Ages 15–19
This one-week intensive with technical theatre professionals takes students backstage and teaches them what it takes to run a show. Participants will learn about running crew, stage management, lighting, and sound. Students will have the chance to experience the technical side of putting on a show while developing resourcefulness, teamwork, and creative problem-solving skills! Students with no previous experience in technical theatre but a readiness to learn are encouraged to attend, as well as students who already have experience working on the technical side of theatre.
High School Summer Intensive: July 6–17, 2026 | Ages 14–19
This intensive is for high school students interested in refining their acting skills and taking their craft to the next level. Participants will audition, rehearse, and perform an original one-act play over two weeks! In the morning, students will experience workshops led by industry professionals that delve into improv, acting, audition techniques, character development, script analysis, and more! Students of all experience levels are welcome to attend, as long as they bring their enthusiasm and readiness to collaborate. This summer intensive culminates in a full performance on ETC’s mainstage for family and friends.
Inclusive Improv Summer Camp: June 8–12, 2026 | Ages 14–19
Enjoy five half-days of improv fun at this inclusive offering! Designed for students with Autism, this camp strengthens participants’ social and communication skills, acting comprehension, and mental flexibility. Lots of fun and laughter are sure to be had by students and families alike. No previous theatre experience is required! Camp meets from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and culminates in a performance for friends and family.
What is the camper-to-counselor ratio?
Our Junior and High School Intensives will have maximum of 15 students, with 2-4 teaching artists and staff accompanying the group at all times; the Technical Theatre Intensives will have maximum of 8 students, with 2-4 teaching artists and staff accompanying the group at all times; the Inclusive Improv Camp will have maximum of 10 students, with 4-6 teaching artists and staff accompanying the group at all times.
How much time do the campers spend outside?
Students will have lunch and snack breaks in the morning and afternoon outside, weather permitting. All other activities will take place in Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s rehearsal hall, scene shops, or performance space.
Does Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati provide lunch/snacks or do parents need to provide them?
Students will need to provide their own packed lunch, snacks, and refillable water bottle that do not require refrigeration. In addition, all ETC summer camps are nut free. *The Inclusive Improv Camp is half-day and will not include lunchtime.
What is the typical daily schedule for campers?
High School Summer Intensive: Students will have morning classes and workshops on topics such as improv, acting, audition techniques, script analysis, dialects, and movement. In the afternoon, students will use the skills gained during their morning workshops to audition and rehearse for their final performance.
Technical Theatre Summer Intensives: Mornings will be filled with classes on various topics such as costume design, set design, set construction, script analysis for technicians, and stage management, as well as sound and lighting design and application. In the afternoon, students will apply these skills to an actual production on Ensemble’s mainstage.
Inclusive Improv Camp: During this half-day camp, students will learn and play various improvisation games in preparation for their final showcase. Students will be given many breaks, including one longer snack break about halfway through the camp day.
How old are the counselors and how are they trained?
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati employs professional artists for all camps, many of whom have decades of experience working in the industry. All teaching artists and staff are over the age of 18 and are required to complete a background check.
What accommodations are made for campers with special needs?
In 2025, we debuted the Inclusive Improv Camp to further reach students of all abilities. ETC strives to create an inclusive environment for children of all abilities within our camps. Open communication with families helps us create a successful environment for every child. When registering, we encourage you to note any accommodations your child may require. A member of our education staff may be in touch with you to discuss your child’s needs and give class recommendations to ensure a supportive environment. Please do not hesitate to contact us prior to camp to further discuss your child’s needs or accommodations.
