Children interested in attending an overnight drama camp can choose a single program on which to focus, such as musical theater, vocal performance or acting. Other camps offer a combination of programs to provide campers with a well-rounded introduction to the performing arts. At acting camp, participants learn from college-level and professional performers about topics such as on-camera acting techniques, stage combat, voice-overs, and sitcom and improv work. Some camps offer participants the opportunity to learn from celebrity guests, working on stage with them in improv classes.
Many drama camps offer additional learning opportunities and extra-curricular activities. Campers can learn to operate the technical equipment used in stage performance, attend a variety of dancing and choreography workshops and learn about working with green screens and acting with animals. Extra-curricular activities vary significantly, but include activities such as field trips to television and movie sets, horseback riding, swimming and lip sync competitions.
A large majority of drama camps take place on private and university campuses where participants stay in dormitories with a group of youth in the same age range and one or two camp supervisors. Each group generally has a common wakeup time in the morning and bedtimes are based on the ages of each group. Meals are included in most drama camp programs -- including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks throughout the day. Many camps offer a self-serve buffet for each meal and takeaway meals are packed for field trips and other outings. Camps can usually make appropriate menu changes for individuals with allergies and other food sensitivities.
Upon conclusion of the drama camp experience, most offer a special on-stage performance for family and friends. Campers begin working on the end performance early in the camp program to prepare for the special event. Camps that do not offer an end-of-camp performance often have alternative means of commemorating the experience. The Young Actors Camp, for instance, hosts a Red Carpet Event, through which all participants gather in the on-site movie theater to see a screening of the group's experience at camp.