Applause

Applause is a long-running performing-arts training school in New York City (founded in 1995 by Audrey Kaplan) with a mission of building kids’ love for the performing arts and the confidence to find their place in the world. They teach students roughly ages 3–18 through an evolving curriculum in acting, musical theater, dance, and film acting, emphasizing expert instruction plus a safe, supportive community.

For summer, Applause runs one-week camps for ages 3–5 and rising K–6th (weekly), hosted at St. Jean's Community Center. The Jr. Clubhouse (ages 3–5) is a “mini week” (Mon–Thu, 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.) that rotates through preschool musical theater + dance (acting games, hip-hop, singing, story time) and ends with a Thursday performance; kids must be 3 by June 1, 2026 and fully potty-trained. For elementary campers, the Theater & Film Camp (rising K–6) runs Mon–Fri (9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., with Friday ending earlier after the performance + film screening) and blends learning songs/scenes, auditioning for roles, filming a movie, crafts/props, and a Friday mini-musical + screening—with themed weeks tied to popular musicals/artists.

June 8 - July 30, 2026

Ages 3 - 5
$725/week

‍Grades K - 6
$895 - $1,095/week, depending on the production

‍Register for 3 or more weeks before May 1st, 2026 and automatically receive $45 off per week!

Sign up for Junior Clubhouse programs (ages 3 - 5) online here.

Sign up for Theater & Film programs (grades K - 6) online here.

(212) 717-0703

info@applauseny.com

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What Parents Like‍

• Guardians enjoy the high-energy, enthusiastic staff (“spirit fingers” in a good way). One parent said the vibe felt unusually upbeat compared to other kids’ programs, and their child was “genuinely transfixed.” (1)
• Parents report that kids have a “best time” in the programs. Another parent wrote their daughter “always has the best time,” and specifically praised the staff—from office to instructors—for making the experience “as good as it gets.” (1)
• Parents have found “top notch” productions + meaningful performance experience. A reviewer specifically called out “top notch” shows and felt the program brought out the best in their child. (1)
• Parents noted that switching/canceling was handled smoothly and refunds were processed appropriately. (1)- Their Facebook page shows 96% recommend. (2)

‍What Parents Think Could Be Improved‍

• One parent shared that after signing up for a week of theater camp, their child wanted to quit early because the instructors didn’t feel “fun or nice” to them—adding that it may be a better fit for kids who are truly serious about theater versus kids looking for a general “silly summer camp” vibe, with more fluff and games. (1)

‍Our Take

‍Applause’s reviews exemplify a high-energy, performance-forward program where many families love the staff vibe and the “real performing arts” feel—but it may be overwhelming for kids who want a looser, traditional camp atmosphere. A green-flag detail: when a parent had a not so great experience, the business owner publicly responded with context and even offered a complimentary week, which suggests they take any feedback seriously!