EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Our Education Programs

EDUCATION PROGRAMS LOCATION

Junior Theatre’s on-site Education Programs meet in the Casa del Prado Classroom Building in Balboa Park. Our theatre is located at the corner of Village Place and Old Globe Way, across from the Natural History Museum. Facing the theatre, cross through the courtyard on the left to find our classroom area.

The Education Office is in Room 208 of the Casa del Prado Classroom Building; call us at 619-239-1311 if you have any trouble finding us.

EDUCATION PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Exact dates will vary, but Junior Theatre’s education sessions typically breakdown as such:

● Winter Session: January – March
● Spring Session: April – June
● Summer Session: June – August
● Fall Session: September – November

Registration goes live on our registration page at least 2 months prior to each session start date. Class will not meet on federal holidays that fall within a given session.

Register Here for Classes and Camps

SUMMER CAMPS

General Information for all Summer Camps

Junior Theatre offers a robust schedule of one-week (M-F) day camps for students in grades K–12 each June-August. For the safety of all students, we have a closed classroom policy. Adults are not permitted to sit in on JT camps until our invited Open Sharing on the final day of camp.

All campers should attend camp in closed-toe shoes and clothing they feel comfortable moving in. Campers should bring a water bottle, a sack lunch and two snacks. The camp day begins at 9 AM and ends at 3 PM. Campers may be dropped off as early as 8:15 AM at no additional cost. We also provide an optional Aftercare program from 3-5 PM for just $20 per day.

A more detailed informational letter will be sent to camp registrants the week prior to camp.

When registering for camps, please note that all programs are grouped by the grade level students will enter in the fall.

Once a program has reached capacity, we encourage families to join our waitlist. If a spot becomes available, we will reach out via email to confirm your registration. You will have until the end of the following business day to respond before we move to the next student on the waitlist. If you do not hear from us about your waitlist registration, no spot has become available.

JT may accommodate requests for students to be placed on the same team if they’re of similar age/grade levels and registered for the same program. Please understand that this is not always possible. Students cannot be placed above their grade level.

JT is committed to supporting all students. If you believe your student could benefit from accommodations or one-on-one assistance during camp, please reach out to [email protected] and our Education staff will contact you with more information.

Types of Summer Camps

Performance Camps (Grades K-8)

K-8th grade students are welcome to join us for fun-filled days rotating through classes in drama, music, dance, and a specialty subject. Specialty subjects vary weekly and may include topics such as improv, stage combat, movement, accents and so on. Whether your child is used to the spotlight or new to the stage, our performance camps have something for everyone!

Students will be grouped according to age/grade level for the coming school year. Our Kinderstar program is identical to performance camp, but geared towards students who are entering Kindergarten in the fall.

Musical Theatre Intensives (Grades 1-3, 4-6, and 7-12)

These camps are geared towards students who want a faster paced rehearsal and performance experience. Classes will primarily focus on singing and dancing. Auditions may be held at the discretion of the Teaching Artist(s). Groups will present musical numbers based on the theme referenced in the class description.

Acting Academies (Grades 1-3, 4-6, and 7-12)

These camps are geared towards students who want a faster paced rehearsal and performance experience. Classes will primarily emphasize acting, though other theatrical elements (playwriting, movement, auditioning) may be included. Auditions may be held at the discretion of the Teaching Artist(s). Groups will present adaptations based on the theme referenced in the class description.

JT Studio (Grades 7-12)

JT Studio programs are fast-paced, high-energy intensives designed for teens looking to elevate their performance skills. Tailored for grades 7-12, these programs offer a deep dive into performance and technique, challenging students to refine their craft in a professional-style rehearsal environment.

ACADEMIC YEAR CLASSES

Programs offered during the academic year generally divide into 10-week sessions. Classes are grouped according to grade level and discipline. Subject matter for classes and weekend workshops includes acting, voice, movement, dance, technical theatre, improv, Shakespeare, stage combat, audition preparation, directing, playwriting and more.

Junior Theatre’s academic year classes meet once per week after school and on weekends for 1-2 hours, depending on grade level and subject matter. Classes are offered every day except Fridays.

VACATION CAMPS

Vacation camps are one-week sessions of day camp held during fall, winter and spring vacations. Timing varies based on holidays and academic breaks. Vacation Camps are open to current K-6th grade students and are structured the same as our summer camps.

All campers should attend camp in closed-toe shoes and clothing they feel comfortable moving in. Campers should bring a water bottle, a sack lunch and two snacks. The camp day begins at 9 AM and ends at 3 PM. Campers may be dropped off as early as 8:15 AM. We also provide an optional Aftercare program from 3-5 PM for just $20 per day.

A more detailed informational letter will be sent to camp registrants the week prior to camp.

HOMESCHOOL CLASSES

Junior Theatre is a vendor for the following homeschool groups:

● Element Education / Dimensions Collaborative
● Springs Charter Schools
● Pacific Coast Academy
● BEST Academy
● LFCS Freedom Academy

We offer weekday morning classes for homeschooled students throughout the academic year. An enrichment certificate must be obtained prior to enrollment. For questions regarding enrichment certificates, please contact Tessa Molenaar at [email protected].

STUDENT MATINEE WORKSHOPS

Student Matinee workshops are designed to enhance a student’s educational experience before or following a Junior Theatre Student Matinee. Led by a professional teaching artist, students participate in standards-based theatre activities and games that explore the characters and themes in the play.

For information on student matinees, and to book a performance, please contact Director of Communications & Patron Services, Anthony Zelig at [email protected] or 619-239-8355.

For more information about workshops, please contact Education Director, Elissa Russell, at [email protected].