Advice

With over 100 summer camps to choose from, there’s an exciting—if sometimes potentially overwhelming—range of possibilities for drama summer camps. From dedicated drama and musical theatre programmes to film, media, and broader creative camps, the options span different styles, intensities, and settings across the UK, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Some offer short, high-energy experiences, while others provide deeper, more immersive training in prestigious boarding schools and university environments.

Rather than feeling like a daunting decision, you can turn this wide variety into an opportunity to discover what truly excites your child. Is it the thrill of performing on stage, the creativity of storytelling, or the confidence that comes from trying something new? By focusing on their interests, personality, and goals, you can turn the search into a rewarding experience and find a camp that not only builds skills but creates a memorable and inspiring summer.

What’s the Gain for Kids and Teens?

Drama camps gently stretch participants beyond their comfort zones. Performing in front of others, trying new roles, and working as part of an ensemble all build confidence and resilience. These experiences help young people develop communication skills, empathy, and adaptability—qualities that extend far beyond the stage. The balance of enjoyment and challenge makes drama camps especially powerful: kids are having fun, but they’re also growing in ways that stay with them long after the curtain falls.

Sample these standout camps

These standout drama programmes for teens have been chosen because they combine serious creative training with unforgettable, real-world experiences. From devising original productions with British Youth Music Theatre in the UK, to exploring acting for screen and stage with Teenage Stage International in Europe, each offers something distinctive. What unites them is the chance for young people to step into ambitious, collaborative environments where they’re not just learning, but making, performing, and pushing their abilities in exciting new directions.

For younger participants, these camps shine because they balance imagination, variety, and high-quality guidance. The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland introduces children to drama in a playful yet structured way, while Tring Park immerses them in a vibrant performing arts atmosphere where dance, drama, and musical theatre come together. Meanwhile, the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz programme in Switzerland adds an international twist, blending storytelling, filmmaking, and cultural discovery. Together, these experiences spark creativity early—building confidence, friendships, and a genuine love of performance that can last a lifetime.

And here’s a closer look at some of our camps so you can see which kind of camp might be the right fit

At a Glance

Ages 11–17 | United Kingdom (multiple locations) | July–August | Fees £780–£955 (6 nights)

British Youth Music Theatre Summer Camps offer a vibrant, residential experience where young performers collaborate to create an original musical in just one week. Set in UK boarding schools and universities, the programme brings together like-minded young people to explore acting, singing, movement, and storytelling in a supportive, high-energy environment. Guided by professional theatre-makers, participants help shape a brand-new production, culminating in a final sharing of scenes and songs.

What students say: The experience was incredible — I learned so much in such a short time and made friends I’m still in touch with.

What parents say: BYMT gave my child a huge boost in confidence. The standard of teaching and care was exceptional, and the final performance was amazing.

What This Course Offers

Hands-on creation of an original musical guided by professional directors and theatre practitioners; training in acting, singing, movement, lyric writing, and instrumental performance; opportunity to gain a Grade 6 Certificate in Musical Theatre (accredited by Mountview Exams); collaborative ensemble work with peers from diverse backgrounds; full-board residential experience with 24-hour pastoral care; potential to contribute towards Arts Award or Duke of Edinburgh Award.

What You Will Achieve

Confidence and creativity across multiple performance disciplines; Practical experience in devising and performing new musical theatre work; strong collaboration, communication, and storytelling skills; A recognised qualification in musical theatre; lasting friendships while working intensively in a creative ensemble environment.

At a Glance

Ages 12–19 | Kildare & Cork, Ireland | 5th–25th July 2026 | Fees €1869 (2 weeks)

Teenage Stage International Summer School offers an immersive residential experience where students train in acting and musical theatre within a lively, supportive environment. Based in leading Irish boarding schools, participants spend their days rehearsing, performing, and building skills while living and learning alongside like-minded peers. The programme blends professional-style training with a strong sense of community, giving students a taste of performing arts life while creating lasting friendships.

What This Course Offers

Professional training in acting and musical theatre delivered by experienced directors; structured daily schedule combining classes, rehearsals, and performances; live performance opportunities at the end of the course; full-board residential experience in a safe, fully supervised environment; evening workshops, guest sessions, and social activities; shared accommodation fostering independence, teamwork, and leadership skills.

What You Will Achieve

Confidence and performance skills in acting and musical theatre; experience of rehearsing and performing in an intensive, professional-style setting; strong teamwork, independence, and communication skills; lasting friendships with like-minded peers from different backgrounds; leave with memorable performance experience and increased creative confidence.

What students say: Had lots of fun & learned a lot of acting… The staff members were amazing, made lots of great friends. It was a wonderful place to learn.

What parents say: My daughter had an amazing time. Her confidence has grown so much, and she hasn’t stopped talking about the friends she made and everything she experienced.

 

At a Glance

Ages 13–17 | Culford School, Suffolk, United Kingdom | 3rd–17th August | Fees from £1690 (1–2 weeks)

The Young Film Academy Summer Camp offers an immersive residential experience where teens develop acting and filmmaking skills in a professional, hands-on environment. Set in one of the UK’s leading boarding schools, students collaborate to create original films, working alongside industry professionals and like-minded peers. With a focus on creativity, storytelling, and performance, the course builds confidence and culminates in a cinematic premiere of student work.

What This Course Offers

Hands-on training in acting and filmmaking through practical workshops; collaboration on creating and producing an original film; masterclasses with industry professionals; access to professional equipment and behind-the-scenes production experience; full-board residential stay in a supportive environment; final film premiere and opportunity to be recognised at the Young Film Academy Awards.

What You Will Achieve

Acting and on-screen performance skills; practical experience in film production and storytelling; confidence through creative collaboration; work as part of a production team; leave with a completed film project and a deeper understanding of the screen industry.

What parents say: Sam has come home totally inspired… it was everything and more than he hoped it would be.

At a Glance

Ages 12–18 | Glasgow, Scotland | 4th–8th August | Fees £325 (5 days)

The Popular Music Summer School at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is a fun, hands-on course where young musicians explore songwriting, performance, and collaboration in a relaxed, creative setting. Over five days, students work with professional artists to create original music, develop their skills, and build confidence, all while connecting with like-minded peers in an inspiring conservatoire environment.

What This Course Offers

Hands-on songwriting and performance sessions; collaboration with other young musicians; mentoring from professional touring and recording artists; access to studios and rehearsal spaces; workshops in music production and arrangement; opportunity to perform or record original music in a supportive setting.

What You Will Achieve

Creation and performance of original music;  confidence in songwriting and performance;  practical insight into the music industry; stronger collaboration and creative skills; leave with feedback from professionals and a participation certificate.

What students say: The learning atmosphere is very good… there are many performance opportunities, which can be fully exercised

At a Glance

Ages 10–16 | Tring, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom | 27th–31st July | Fees £457–£630 (5 days)

Tring Park’s Dance, Musical Theatre and Acting Summer Courses offer an intensive and inspiring residential experience for young performers in a prestigious performing arts school setting. Across five dynamic days, students train with industry professionals in their chosen discipline, building skills in performance, technique, and expression. With a balance of rigorous workshops, creative collaboration, and lively evening activities, the course provides a supportive environment where students grow in confidence and showcase their progress in a final performance.

What This Course Offers

Intensive training in dance, musical theatre, or acting led by experienced industry professionals; practical workshops focused on technique, performance, and stage presence; end-of-course showcase to demonstrate progress; full-board residential experience with pastoral care; evening activities including social events, Q&As, and creative sessions; opportunity to experience life at a leading performing arts school.

What You Will Achieve

Technical skills and confidence in your chosen performing arts discipline; Experience of working in a professional-style training environment; improved stage presence, creativity, and expressive ability; friendships and collaboration skills with like-minded peers; performing in a final showcase demonstrating your growth and learning.

What parents say: My daughter absolutely loved her time at Tring Park. The teaching was outstanding, and the final performance really showed how much she had progressed in just a few days.

Need more options? For all summer drama camps look here

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