Stages Theatre Company

Stages Theatre Company’s Summer Theatre Workshops are designed as “pick-your-week” theatre camps for ages 3 through Grade 12, and taught by professional teaching artists—with a big emphasis on kids getting to sing, dance, act, play, and build confidence while making friends. The summer menu includes everything from Mini Workshops for ages 3–4 (shorter, storybook-based dramatic adventures with a family sharing on the last day) to full-day and half-day options for older kids that use Stages’ “Actor Tools” (body, voice, imagination) in themed sessions (for example, an Acting Adventure day-camp style week for ages 6–8).

A standout within their summer lineup is C.A.S.T. Summer Showtime, an extension of Stages’ year-round C.A.S.T. (Creative, Accepting, Sensory-Friendly Theatre) program for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other sensory sensitivities. Summer offerings include a Grades 2–5 workshop week focused on devising/performance skills and (for older students) three-week Summer Showtime sessions for Grades 6–8 and Grades 9–12 that culminate in a public performance—created specifically for youth with Autism and facilitated by C.A.S.T. teaching artists.

Year-round, Stages also runs robust education programming beyond summer—school-year classes from early childhood through middle grades and teen training (Creative Play, Theatre Exploration, Actor Training, Musical Theatre), plus tuition assistance through their Open Door Program—so many families use Stages as an “all season” home base for theatre growth (summer workshops + school-year classes).

Year-round

‍Summer Camps

‍June 1 - August 14, 2026

Summer Theatre Workshop Ages 4 - 6‍

$175/week

‍Summer Theatre Workshop Grades 1 - 3‍

$385/week

‍Summer Theatre Workshop Grades 4 - 6

‍$385/week

‍Summer Studio Grades 5 - 12‍

Full-day camps range from $730 - $915/full 3 weeks. Half-day camps are $335/full 3 weeks.

‍Summer Theatre Workshop Grades 7 - 12‍

$185/week (sessions are half-days)

‍Summer Workshops at the Minnesota Children's Museum Ages 4 - 6‍

$235/week (sessions are half-days)

‍Summer Workshops at the Minnesota Children's Museum Ages 6 - 8‍

$345 - $430/week (sessions are half-days)

‍C.A.S.T Summer Showtime Grades 2 - 12‍

Ranges from $195/week to $395/week depending on age group.

‍Mini Workshops Ages 3 - 4‍

$140/week (sessions are a few hours)

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Financial aid is available, apply here.

Programs can be registered for online here.

952-979-1111

info@stagestheatre.org

952-979-1113

Education Registrar, Elinor Jones: ejones@stagestheatre.org

‍Contact Us Form

Afternoon extended care is available for Grades 1 – 3 & Grades 4 – 6 from3:30pm –4:30pm. Families must register for the full week of afternoon extended care (Monday – Thursday), for a cost of $60.00 per student.

Register for it online here.

What Parents Like‍

• Reviews of Stages as a venue consistently describe it as perfect for little ones and family-friendly, with thoughtful touches like cast interaction after shows (autographs/hugs), which is usually a strong proxy for how comfortable kids feel in their programs overall. (1)
• Warm, gentle, attentive vibe with young children. A reviewer highlight notes cast/crew being “kind, gentle, and attentive” to a toddler and creating an environment where kids felt safe exploring—again, not summer-workshop-specific, but it’s a meaningful signal about the organization’s tone with young kids. (2)
• Helpful, supportive approach with youth performers. TripAdvisor reviews mention staff being friendly/helpful and good with young actors (teaching professionalism and supporting kids in productions), which aligns with what parents generally value in theatre camps: clear guidance + confidence-building. (1.5)
• Accessibility and inclusion are a visible priority. While not a “review,” Stages’ summer program page emphasizes accessibility planning (encouraging families to connect with their Access Coordinator ahead of enrollment) and describes workshops as taught by professional teaching artists with creativity + friendship at the center—these are the reasons many parents choose them.

‍What Parents Think Could Be Improved‍

• Most of the verifiable “parent voice” online is about performances or youth productions rather than detailed summer camp day-to-day feedback (group dynamics, staff ratios, behavior support, etc.).

‍Our Take

‍The most consistent signals point to Stages being a warm, kid-savvy organization that creates a safe, welcoming environment—especially for younger kids—and supports youth performers in a positive way. Because truly camp-specific reviews are limited online, the best MomBrains move is to do a quick “fit check” before enrolling: ask for a typical day schedule, how groups are formed, and how they support shy/anxious kids or big behaviors.