Camp 56 begins July 13, 2026, for aspiring actors ages 8 to 14 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Princeton

Learning Stage, in partnership with Festival 56, is launching Camp 56—a dynamic theatre camp held July 13th to July 25th at St. Matthews Lutheran Church for aspiring actors ages 8 to 14. Campers will work alongside theatre professionals to build skills in acting, singing, movement, and technical theater. Activities include everything from auditions to costume and prop creation. The experience culminates in a series of performances as chorus members in the Festival 56 production of Anastasia, running July 31st to August 8th. Registration is $150, with scholarships and discounts available. The deadline is June 30, 2026. Details can be found at festival56.com.

Early registrants for Camp 56 have the chance to participate in an optional “Front of House” workshop, set for early June. The workshop covers ushering, greeting, and other Front of House skills, giving campers hands-on experience and free show admittance. Camp 56 is inviting young performers to register for its upcoming arts camp, with forms available online at https://festival56.com/learning-stage/ or via email at [email protected]. Those opting for online payment can visit the festival’s ticketing site and select Camp 56, noting that service fees apply. The deadline to complete registration is June 30, 2026. Organizers attribute the camp’s success to generous support from sponsors such as the Illinois Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Sun Foundation, Princeton Closet, Bob Glaser, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, and Monical’s Pizza.