Collaborative School of the Arts announces expansive summer 2026 programs across the Capital Region

Dynamic lineup offers exciting opportunities for young artists to learn, grow, and shine all summer long

SCHENECTADY — The Collaborative School of the Arts at Proctors Collaborative is once again turning the Capital Region into a hub of creativity this summer, announcing an expansive slate of immersive, professional-caliber summer programs designed to inspire the next generation of performers, musicians, and storytellers.

“Each program is built to give students authentic exposure to what it means to create art at a professional level,” said Director of Education Christine Sheehan. “These are opportunities to train, collaborate, and perform in spaces where world-class artists work year-round.”

Held across Proctors in Schenectady, Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany, and Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs, the programs offer students hands-on training with working professionals in real performance venues providing an experience that goes far beyond the traditional summer camp.

Broadway Camp

• Dates: July 6 – Aug. 1
• Location: MainStage at Proctors
• Ages: 14-19

Celebrating its 10^th year, Broadway Camp is the flagship training program of the Collaborative School of the Arts, offering students an unforgettable opportunity to participate in a full-scale musical production. This summer’s milestone season will feature the thrilling “Sweeney Todd: School Edition,” giving students the chance to tackle a bold and iconic musical in a supportive, educational setting.

Over four weeks, students will train daily in acting, voice, movement, and ensemble work while mounting a complete musical production from rehearsal to final curtain. Broadway Camp is designed not only for students who want to perform on stage, but also for those interested in the full spectrum of theatre-making, including production, technical theatre, and orchestral performance. Students can engage behind the scenes or in the pit, gaining hands-on experience in the collaborative roles that bring a musical to life.

Led by professional directors, music directors, and choreographers, students gain real-world experience, confidence, and collaboration skills that last far beyond the stage. The journey culminates with performances on the MainStage at Proctors, delivering a true Broadway-style moment.

Broadway Camp Jr.

• Dates: Two sessions in July (one-week each)
• Location: The Addy at Proctors
• Ages: 12-14

Created especially for younger performers, Broadway Camp Jr. is a joyful introduction to the magic of musical theatre. In a fun, nurturing, and high-energy setting, students explore acting, singing, and dancing while building confidence and discovering the excitement of performing. Led by experienced teaching artists, this one-week workshop emphasizes creativity, confidence building, and collaborative performance. Each session concludes with a showcase celebrating each participant’s growth and accomplishments.

Perfect for first-time performers or young artists looking to grow their skills, Broadway Camp Jr. is about having fun, making friends, and taking those first exciting steps onto the stage.

Reel Adventures

• Dates: Two-week program in July
• Location: The Addy at Proctors
• Ages: 10-14

For aspiring filmmakers and storytellers, Reel Adventures is an exciting hands-on introduction to the art and craft of filmmaking. Students dive into the fundamentals of screenwriting, camera operation, lighting, sound, and editing while working collaboratively to produce original short films.

Along the way, participants build confidence, spark their imagination, and experience the thrill of seeing their ideas become real films. By the end of the program, participants walk away with tangible creative work and a deeper understanding of visual storytelling, both in front of and behind the camera.

Rock Camp

• Dates: Two-week session in July
• Location: Great Hall at Universal Preservation Hall
• Ages: 12-17

For aspiring musicians ready to turn up the volume, Rock Camp is an immersive, high-energy experience that brings music to life. Through intensive workshops in musicianship, songwriting, ensemble playing, and gig preparation, participants form bands, discover their unique sound, and grow together as performers.

Guided by professional musician mentors, students build confidence, sharpen their skills, and learn what it takes to shine on stage. The experience culminates in a live showcase in the Great Hall at UPH, where participants feel the thrill of performing in a world-class venue for family and friends.

Summer Studio at theREP 

• Dates: Two-week program in July
• Location: Capital Repertory Theatre
• Ages: 10-14

Step into a summer filled with creativity, confidence, and connection through an exciting acting experience designed for young performers who love the stage. In collaboration with the Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY, students will train with professional theatre artists while diving into scene work, improvisation, voice, movement, and storytelling.

Participants will explore both onstage and behind the scenes at theREP, engaging in hands-on acting labs and interactive games that make learning dynamic and fun. Young actors will create, explore, and perform in the black box theatre, where imagination takes center stage and every voice matters.

This program is ideal for students who love performing and self-expression, are eager to build confidence and strengthen their acting skills, and are looking for a fun, inspiring, and memorable summer experience.

A Summer of Opportunity

Across all programs, the Collaborative School of the Arts emphasizes:

• Professional training with experienced teaching artists
• Performance opportunities in iconic Capital Region venues
• Creative collaboration and mentorship
• Skill development across artistic disciplines
• Scholarship and tuition assistance to ensure accessibility

Students leave CSOA summer programs not only with sharpened skills, but with confidence, friendships, and a deeper connection to the arts.

Registration, audition details, and more information for these summer programs are available at collaborativeschoolofthearts.org. Most open in February, with Broadway Camp starting in January. View the full summer brochure.

Whether students are passionate about theatre, music, film, or performance, the Collaborative School of the Arts provides a rich, supportive environment to develop their talents and create unforgettable summer experiences.