Performing Arts at Summer Camp
Do you come alive on stage? Whether your passion is dance, drama, or music, working in Performing Arts at an American summer camp is a golden opportunity to inspire confidence, creativity, and self-expression in young campers – while doing what you love every day.
From daily rehearsals to show-stopping performances, you’ll be helping campers build skills and stage presence, express themselves, and have the time of their lives. Whether you’re choreographing a dance routine, directing a drama production, or leading a campfire sing-along, you’ll be part of something magical – and no two days are ever the same.
What’s It Like Working in Performing Arts at Camp?
As a Performing Arts Specialist, you’ll lead fun and engaging creative sessions in your area of expertise – dance, drama, or music – and work with campers of all experience levels to help them find their voice and embrace the spotlight.
You’ll also help plan and prepare for camp-wide performances, talent shows, and possibly even full theatrical productions. Some camps have purpose-built studios, rehearsal spaces, or outdoor amphitheatres, while others transform everyday spaces into creative stages.
Even if you’re not professionally trained, camps are always looking for passionate, energetic individuals with teaching experience, creativity, and a love of performing. There’s a backstage role for everyone too – whether you’re more at home behind the lighting desk or designing costumes.
Key Performing Arts Roles
We’ve highlighted three of the most popular roles in the Performing Arts department – but there are many more opportunities, including DJing, costuming, stage management, set design, lighting and sound, circus skills, theatre makeup, and even magic!
Drama Instructor
From improv games to full-scale productions, you’ll help campers explore the world of theatre and find their inner performer. Whether you’re directing a show, leading acting workshops, or helping with lines and stage blocking, your energy and encouragement will bring the stage to life.
What Skills Do You Need?
- Strong acting and/or directing experience
- Confident running group sessions and theatre games
- Able to engage kids with all levels of experience
- Enthusiastic, fun, and creative
Qualifications That Help
- Degree or training in drama or theatre
- Amateur dramatics or school theatre experience
- Youth theatre coaching or club involvement
- Script writing or directing experience
What You’ll Get Out of It
- Confidence in public speaking and group leadership
- A portfolio of shows you’ve helped create
- Experience teaching and mentoring young performers
- A summer full of applause and standing ovations
Dance Instructor
Whether you’re trained in ballet, hip-hop, jazz, or contemporary, as a Dance Instructor you’ll help campers learn new moves, build self-confidence, and perform with pride. You’ll choreograph routines, prepare for shows, and fill the studio with music, movement, and joy.
What Skills Do You Need?
- Ability to teach dance styles clearly and confidently
- Choreography and rehearsal planning
- Great with kids and encouraging creativity
- High energy and positive attitude
Qualifications That Help
- Dance teaching qualifications or college training
- Studio, club, or school performance experience
- Dance exams (RAD, ISTD, etc.)
- Choreography or competition background
What You’ll Get Out of It
- Experience teaching a range of ages and abilities
- Strong leadership and choreography skills
- Valuable international experience for your dance CV
- A chance to shine in the camp’s big summer show
Music Instructor
Whether it’s guitar by the campfire or preparing campers for a talent show duet, music is the soul of summer camp. As a Music Instructor, you’ll run daily sessions in singing, instruments, songwriting, and performance, helping campers make some serious noise – and memories.
What Skills Do You Need?
- Proficient in one or more instruments (guitar, piano, drums, ukulele)
- Confident leading group singalongs or music sessions
- Able to teach rhythm, technique, and basic theory
- Creative, supportive, and always ready to jam
Qualifications That Help
- Music degree or formal training
- School or youth band/choir leadership
- Songwriting or recording experience
- Teaching or tutoring experience
What You’ll Get Out of It
- Experience running music sessions with young people
- Songwriting, performance, and coaching skills
- The joy of leading camp songs and spontaneous singalongs
- A soundtrack of unforgettable summer moments
Why Performing Arts is Amazing
Performing Arts at camp is about more than perfecting routines and hitting high notes. It’s about helping campers express themselves, take creative risks, and step out of their comfort zones. You’ll see even the shyest camper grow in confidence and sparkle under the lights – and you’ll grow too.
Camps are looking for people who are:
- Enthusiastic and inspiring
- Creative and adaptable
- Confident leading group activities
- Supportive, patient, and great communicators
Even if you haven’t taught before, your passion and performance experience can go a long way – and camps will often provide training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Formal qualifications help, but camps value experience and enthusiasm just as much. If you’ve performed, choreographed, taught, or even just love the spotlight – you could be a perfect fit.
Absolutely! You’ll help plan, rehearse, and even perform in camp-wide shows, talent nights, and big end-of-summer productions.
Many camps love multi-talented staff! If you can sing and dance, or teach acting and music, you’ll be an incredibly valuable addition to the team.
Yes – most specialists also have general counsellor responsibilities like helping with meals, cabin life, and evening activities. It’s all part of the camp experience.
Definitely. From watersports to campfires to colour wars, you’ll be part of the full summer camp fun – both on and off the stage.
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