For students entering Grades 4–9
This comprehensive program allows boys and girls to focus on their developing interest in singing, dancing, acting, and playing musical instruments. Rehearsals and instruction will take place in Poly Prep's air-conditioned arts center, including the Richard Perry Theatre and the campus dance studio. The program also includes tennis, swimming, and outdoor games held in Poly's state-of-the-art recreational facilities.
Talented and experienced teaching artists from the New York area work with participants in instrumental music, creative dramatics, musical composition, and dance, helping the children choreograph and compose original material for their shows. Participants work with a licensed stage combat expert and learn elements of fighting technique that may include basic stage slaps and punches, the use of swords, and more advanced acrobatic moves. All of these are incorporated into a show performed in the final week of camp. Young campers create their own musical theater piece, while the oldest group performs a scripted musical from the Broadway canon.
Applicants entering Grades 8 and 9 who are new to our program must have prior performing arts experience and should set up an interview with the director before enrolling.
Positions as counselors are available for students who have completed Grade 9. All students who would like to be considered for such positions should write a letter to the director listing their qualifications and specific areas of interest.
Instrumental Lessons
All campers study a musical instrument, whether or not they have experience. We try to group students according to years of training, subject to enrollment. All students perform as part of the gala concert at the end of the five-week session. Group instructions will be given on the following instruments:
- Woodwinds: flute, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone
- Brass: trumpet, trombone, tuba
- Percussion: drum set, bells
- Strings: violin, cello
