Summer Musical Theatre Camp 2025
Description:
Imagination Station brings storytelling to life with this fun, half-day camp designed for rising K – 2nd grade students! Running July 28th – Aug1st, this exciting camp helps our youngest actors dive into the world of improvisation and storytelling through creative play.
Campers will engage in all sorts of acting games, character-building activities, and improvisation exercises designed to spark their imaginations and develop their acting skills, all while they’re having fun. By the end of the week, they’ll have learned how to create unique characters, think on their feet, and collaborate with their peers to tell exciting, original stories.
The week will conclude with a special performance where campers will showcase their newfound skills, improvising stories and scenes for their families to enjoy. Imagination Station is the perfect blend of fun and learning, giving kids a chance to grow as young performers in a supportive, imaginative environment!
Session I: Rising K-2nd Grade
Half Day Camp 9:00am – 1:00pm
(aftercare offered at an additional rate from 1-4pm)
Dates July 28 – Aug 1
Performance – Date TBD
$325 per individual sign-up
or
$275 for two or more sign-ups
Description:
Dive into a world of adventure and friendship with our Finding Nemo Jr. summer musical camp! Designed for rising 3rd through 9th grade students, this exciting camp runs from July 28 to August 2 and features two performances for family and friends.
Based on the beloved 2003 Pixar film, Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. is a captivating 60-minute musical adaptation filled with new music by the award-winning songwriting team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Join Marlin, an anxious and overprotective clownfish, as he navigates the vast ocean in search of his son, Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their cozy anemone home. When Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and embarks on an epic adventure across the sea.
Along the way, campers will meet a cast of unforgettable characters, including the optimistic and forgetful Dory, the laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang. Together, they will all discover the true meaning of family and friendship as they face challenges and grow both individually and as a team.
Featuring memorable songs like “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage. Campers will develop their acting, singing, and dancing skills in a fun and supportive environment, culminating in a spectacular performance that showcases their hard work and creativity.
Join us for a week of fun, friendship, and unforgettable memories as we take the plunge into Finding Nemo Jr.!
Session II: Rising 3rd-9th Grade
Full Day Camp 9:00am – 4:00pm
Dates July 28 – Aug 2
Performances – Date TBD
$415 per individual sign-up
or
$370 for two or more sign-ups
Description:
Get ready for an immersive theatrical experience at our Two-Week Intensive Show Camp! Running from June 30 to July 13, this program is designed for dedicated young performers ready to elevate their skills as they prepare a full production in just two weeks. (Please note there will be no camp on July 4 and July 12.)
About the Show:
Mean Girls: High School Version is a fun and fast-paced musical adaptation of Tina Fey’s hit Broadway show and film. Follow the story of Cady Heron, a teenager who moves from Africa to the cutthroat world of American high school. Thrust into a world of cliques, drama, and hilarious chaos, Cady must navigate her way through friendships, frenemies, and the “Plastics,” the school’s most elite group led by queen bee Regina George. Filled with catchy songs, sharp humor, and heartwarming moments, this version is specially adapted for young performers, making it the perfect show to showcase our talented cast.
Audition Details:
To participate, students must submit a video audition by May 30 to elle.ames@good-shepherd.net. Auditions should include:
- A 16–32 bar cut of a song that showcases your voice (not from Mean Girls).
- A 1-minute monologue (also not from the show).
What to Expect:
- Casting: Roles will be announced by June 2, and participants will receive their scripts and music scores digitally or by mail to begin preparing before camp starts.
- Rehearsals: During the camp, students will dive deep into the rehearsal process, honing their acting, singing, and dancing skills under the guidance of experienced directors and instructors.
- Skill Building: Campers will engage in character development, vocal technique, scene work, and choreography sessions to bring this production to life.
Performances:
- Two shows on Friday, July 11
- One show on Sunday, July 13
Location: The Church of the Good Shepherd, Burke Va
Why Join This Intensive?
This is more than just a summer camp—it’s a chance to:
- Grow as a performer through focused and professional-level training.
- Build confidence while tackling the challenge of producing a full show in just two weeks.
- Make lasting friendships and unforgettable memories with fellow performers.
- Showcase your talent in a vibrant, hilarious, and heartfelt production.
Whether you’re preparing for college auditions, exploring your passion for the performing arts, or dreaming of Broadway, this intensive is the perfect place to learn, grow, and shine. Spaces are limited—submit your audition today and join us for an unforgettable summer filled with laughter, music, and theater magic.
For questions or more information, email elle.ames@good-shepherd.net.
Dates: June 30 – July 13 (No camp on July 4 and July 12)
Who: Rising 9th graders through recent high school graduates
Audition Deadline: May 30 | Casting Announcement & Materials Sent: June 2
Two Week Intensive
Rising 8th – Rising College Freshmen
Full Day Camp 9:00am – 5:00pm
Dates June 30 – July 13
Off July 4 and July 12
Performances –
Friday the 11th at 2 pm and 7 pm,
Sunday the 13 at 2pm
$850 per individual sign-up
or
$800 for two or more sign-ups
Camp Directors
Camp Director, Artistic Director, & Music Director
Elle Ames is a dedicated and passionate theater educator with over a decade of experience. She is an “artist” at finding unique and inclusive ways to nurture artistic growth and celebrates each student’s individuality through various artistic techniques.
As the Founder and President of Ames Performing Arts, Elle offers private voice coaching and performance coaching to students of all ages. She created and continues to teach a variety of original courses at Ames Performing Arts, where she fosters a supportive and creative environment for students to grow artistically. Elle is also a talented performing artist, having participated in numerous theatrical productions along the East Coast. At Good Shepherd, she serves as the Director of Children’s & Youth Music Ministry. Additionally she can be seen performing on stage; most recently seen in A Christmas Story: The Musical, with The Pickwick Players.
Elle also taught original courses and camps at The Little Theater of Alexandria (LTA) from 2020 to 2023, where she created and taught theater classes for young students (K-9th grade), focusing on imaginative play and acting technique.
Elle’s fervent pursuit of a Master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology reflects her unwavering passion and commitment to her personal and professional growth. Her academic immersion has deepened her connection with students and enhanced her own performance experiences. By exploring the nuances of human emotion and behavior, she delivers powerful and engaging performances that resonate with audiences. These skills also translate into her directorial and staging experiences.
One of her greatest sources of pride stems from the profound lessons she has learned from her students. She recognizes the paramount importance of providing a safe environment for students and is committed to methods that make students feel supported by her and their peers.
Artistic Director & Choreographer
TIMOTHY R. KING is a playwright, teacher, and performer in the Washington, DC area. His plays include MacWHAT?! (which was named Best of the Fringe and Best Comedy by DCMTA); Planet Claire, and Snow, like, White and the Dwarfs in venues and programs including DC Fringe, Young Actors’ Theatre, Rabble Crew Productions, Next Day Theatre, Maryland Ensemble Theatre, and Adventure Theatre. Two of his plays (Life is Not Always Beautiful and Malevolence) were finalists in the Shakespeare in the Burg Festival. His short play, Creation, was translated into Danish (Skabelse) and filmed by Team Teatret in Herning, Denmark. Life Is Not Always Beautiful has been published by Smith Scripts. As an actor, favorite roles include Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Frank in Rocky Horror Show, and Lady Macbeth. He has performed at Arena Stage, Folger Theatre, Adventure Theatre, Little Theatre of Alexandria, and Maryland Ensemble Theatre. 2022 marks his 20th year teaching Theatre at Irving Middle School.
Pictures from our 2022 Camp
