best theater-drama programs in Long Branch, NJ

Swift Nature Camp is the perfect place for your child to spend their summer! Our overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 is located in beautiful Wisconsin. We offer a unique blend of traditional summer camp activities and environmental education to help kids increase their appreciation for nature, science, and the environment. We’ve got it all – fun, friendships, adventure trips, and nature! Spend your summer with us – you’ll never forget it!

We want our students to enjoy the journey and have fun along the way - after all it is called playing music and play acting! When you get to know us you'll see that we have fun teaching and working with our students and we know that positive encouragement and a smile and laugh go a long way in developing a great rapport with a student. Our philosophy is if you don't have a good week of practice it's ok, we'll just try and do better next week. We are here to help and encourage you to be the best you can be.

At Center Stage, we are committed to providing the highest quality training and a passion for the performing arts. We have a wide variety of classes to choose from, such as Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern, Hip-Hop and Tap. Our faculty are some of the best teachers in the area, and they are dedicated to providing students with individual attention and excellent training. Our facility is also equipped with the latest sound systems and wall-to-wall mirroring in each of our rooms. We provide a safe and convenient environment for our students, with multiple dance rooms, state-of-the-art sprung marley floors, and easy scheduling. Since 1976, Center Stage has been recognized as a leader in training working professional theatre and dance artists, and we look forward to helping you reach your dreams!

The JCC is home to the renowned Thurnauer School of Music, Leonard and Syril Rubin Nursery School, Neil Klatskin Summer Camps, and the JCC Dance and Drama Schools. The JCC is also proud to offer extensive, high-quality programs and services to adults of all ages, as well as to seniors and individuals with special needs.

Rockstar! Studios offers MUSIC, DANCE and ACTING classes, including audition-prep and coaching; our ROCK BAND classes allow musicians to be paired with other students of the same skill level and age; and our YOGA classes enable students to practice yoga in a variety of level-based options. At Rockstar! Studios our staff of industry professionals provides personalized, professional training to each student, with unique techniques to make our students the best in their craft.

At Gateway To The Arts, our trained and dedicated staff not only strives to provide the best training for our students, we also love to watch them grow into bright, well-rounded adults. To date, all of our graduating seniors have continued on to secondary education, many with scholarships, and 80% of those graduates have chosen to further their education in the arts in either music, music education or therapy, dance, dance education or therapy, musical theatre or theatre arts. Those students who have chosen another field of study cite Gateway To The Arts as a home away from home, where they gained confidence, self-discipline and time-management skills, self-awareness, and a family of friends and mentors who have remained with them as they’ve continued on to the next chapter in their lives.

Students will focus on the three disciplines needed to perform in Musical Theatre: acting, singing and dancing. Through the study of scenes and songs from age-appropriate musicals, dance, and arts and crafts, students will have a time they will never forget as they experience their own "Broadway at the Beach." Surflight Theatre's Musical Theatre summer programs allow students to explore the craft of acting, singing, dance and learn the discipline of performing, as they develop their own unique creative voices. Students develop poise, movement, speaking, and acting skills as they explore improvisation, theatre games and character development, which culminates in a short presentation of a musical showcase at the end of the session.

The power of the arts is like no other. It has the ability to inspire, to move, to heal and to connect us in ways that words may not. There is a special joy that comes with knowing that you have the opportunity to teach your children the importance of this language from a young age. It is a gift that will stay with them forever and be a part of their lives in the most meaningful of ways. At Garden Street, we strive to give children and their families the chance to explore and express themselves through music, dance, literature and art. We have seen firsthand the incredible impact that this has had on our community, and now that I am raising my own two sons here, I couldn't be more pleased to be part of a community that shares my passion for the arts. Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for these young artists to grow and develop, and to continue to show our support and appreciation for the parents and caregivers who provide the support and guidance for their children's creativity.

At YWCA Northern New Jersey, our commitment to empowering women and girls is stronger than ever. Since our founding in 1919, we have been a leader in the fight against gender and racial discrimination, and we remain the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world. Our programs and services are tailored to meet the needs of our diverse communities, with a range of healingSPACE initiatives, anti-racism training, policy advocacy, and more. YWCA Northern New Jersey also provides essential child care services and senior wellness programs in the northern part of the state. We have recently extended our reach into Essex County, Hudson County, Morris County, and Passaic County, while continuing our deep commitment to the Bergen County community where we began our mission nearly a century ago. No matter the location, YWCA Northern New Jersey strives to create more just and inclusive communities each and every day. We work diligently to provide support and resources to empower women and girls, improve the lives of seniors, and ensure that everyone can enjoy the same rights and privileges no matter their background.

At JCC Camps at Medford, your child can have the ultimate summer experience. Our American Camp Association (ACA) accredited and award-winning Southern New Jersey day camp offers a wide range of activities for children ages 3-14. Located in the beautiful New Jersey Pinelands, our campgrounds are the perfect place to explore and have fun. Take to the skies and explore our spectacular campgrounds. Our experienced camp staff will ensure that your child has the best summer ever. With a wide range of activities, both on and off the campgrounds, your child can explore, play, and learn. From swimming and fishing in the lake to arts and crafts, our camp has something for everyone. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to make your child’s summer extra special. Come and join us at JCC Camps at Medford and give them the ultimate summer experience!

We've spent over 30 years building a warm, supportive, culturally rich community where children of all ages and levels can find friendship, build confidence, and develop skills they will use for a lifetime. Based in Maplewood New Jersey, we serve students from Essex, Morris, and Union Counties, and elsewhere throughout the state.

At Pingry Summer Camp, we encourage campers to demonstrate this same commitment to honor as they explore new activities and challenges. We want to ensure that our campers approach each day with curiosity, openness, dedication, and enthusiasm. With these four qualities in mind, we can ensure that our campers will make the most of their summer and take away valuable lessons that they can apply to their everyday lives.

Established in 1947, Camp Hope is a Christian faith community that provides an outdoor setting for children, youth, and adults to come together and explore their faith. Whether camping under the stars or playing games with friends, children and youth will build lasting memories and relationships. At Camp Hope, kids will be able to experience the beauty of the outdoors like never before. With activities ranging from bonfires, hikes, and canoeing, there is something for everyone. Adults are also welcome to join in the fun and help foster a strong sense of community. As part of the Christian faith, Camp Hope offers an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and joy that will stay with kids long after their summer camp experience is over. For over 70 years, Camp Hope has provided an environment where children and youth can explore and grow their faith. Together, they learn the value of working together, building relationships, and having fun in the great outdoors. Whether it’s a one-time visit or a long-term stay, Camp Hope is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Rising Treetops at Oakhurst started as a place for children to enjoy fresh air and spend the summer away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Established in 1906 as The Crippled Children's East Side Free School in Lower East Side of Manhattan, the summer home was the first of its kind dedicated to providing respite for those with physical disabilities. It was a simple place with a dormitory for boys and girls, cots to sleep on, and an infirmary. In 1946, the organization was renamed New York Service for the Orthopedically Handicapped and began its pilot pre-school program for children with cerebral palsy. The program was designed to be an intensive one, incorporating physical and speech therapy into the curriculum. The success of the program was such that in 1952, the Board of Education adopted it in its entirety. This program went on to become a model for other pre-schools and special education programs. Today, Rising Treetops at Oakhurst is a vibrant and accessible space for children with physical disabilities. It offers a range of activities and therapies designed to empower young ones and give them the confidence they need to thrive in their everyday life.

Stepping Forward Summer Camps are a great way for children and young adults ages 4 and up with mild to moderate learning, emotional and behavioral difficulties to have a fun summer. We offer a variety of activities, from horseback riding to sports to art therapy and therapeutic drama, so there's something to suit everyone's interests! Our ultimate goal of our Summer C.A.M.P is to help our clients learn important life skills. We strive to teach our clients mindfulness, attention to tasks, motor skills, teamwork, expression of emotion, cognitive skills, social interactions, and how to have a positive self-image. At Stepping Forward Summer Camps, we understand how important it is for our clients to have fun while learning these life skills. We offer a wide range of activities like horseback riding, sports, yoga, kickboxing, and art therapy, so there's something for everyone to enjoy. We also provide therapeutic drama to help our clients express their emotions and gain better communication skills. At Stepping Forward Summer Camps, we believe in providing our clients with not only a fun summer, but also the tools to be successful in life. We strive to help our clients learn important life skills like mindfulness, attention to tasks, motor skills, teamwork, expression of emotion, cognitive skills, social interactions, and having a positive self-image. Our ultimate goal is to help our clients reach their full potential and be their best selves.

At Spring Lake Day Camp, we strive to provide our campers with a safe and nurturing environment that encourages exploration and adventure. We are an American Camp Association (ACA) accredited camp, which means that our commitment to a standard of care with prudence is one of the highest available in the country. We focus on enhancing self-confidence, developing leadership and communication skills, and providing a positive and beneficial summer experience. Our outstanding programs offer a wide variety of activities, from team sports and aquatics to creative arts and adventure activities. We believe that the outdoor learning experience of camp encourages healthy risk-taking, and helps to build the emotional IQ and necessary skills for the modern world. We foster sportsmanship, leadership, determination, and cooperation in a supportive and encouraging environment, while offering healthy competition and positive reinforcement to give each camper a sense of personal growth. With our mission in mind, we strive to make each summer at Spring Lake Day Camp a unique, fun, and memorable experience.

At Tall Pines Day Camp Inchope, campers get to experience the summertime to the fullest. Kids can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities from basketball and gaga to swimming, soccer, and miniature golf. Our camp strives to create a fun and positive work atmosphere, which is why our staff return rate is 90 percent, well above the national average of 50 percent. Each summer, we hire approximately 375 staff members to ensure a great experience for all our campers. At Tall Pines Day Camp Inchope, we are dedicated to providing campers with an unforgettable summer experience. Our campers can enjoy a balanced selection of activities, from basketball and gaga to swimming, soccer, and miniature golf. We prioritize creating a positive and inviting work atmosphere, which is why our staff return rate is 90 percent, far exceeding the national average of 50 percent. Every summer, we hire approximately 375 staff members to help make the camp experience as enjoyable as possible. Tall Pines Day Camp Inchope is the perfect place for kids to make lifelong memories. Our campers can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities while maintaining a balance between physical activities and fun. We’re proud to create a work atmosphere where our staff return each year, with our return rate at 90 percent, much higher than the national average of 50 percent. Each summer, we employ around 375 staff members to provide a great camp experience for all.

Willow Lake Day Camp is the perfect place for your child to spend their summer! Located on the north shore of the beautiful Lake Hopatcong in Northwest New Jersey, our 35-acre camp boasts a private spring-fed lake, shaded acres and age-appropriate facilities and activities. Family owned and operated, Willow Lake Day Camp offers sports, arts, waterfront, swim and adventure activities for children and teens aged 3-15. Plus, boating and tubing on the lake is only 200 yards away! With amazing people, long cherished traditions and an incredible variety of activities, your child will have a summer to remember at Willow Lake Day Camp.

At Appel Farm Arts & Music Center, we believe artmaking is a powerful tool for healing and connecting with others. We have been serving our community as a non-profit since 1978, providing a place for people of all ages, cultures and economic backgrounds to appreciate, study and actively participate in the visual and performing arts. Throughout our seven decades of service, we have continued to expand our programs to include a wide range of arts activities, from local to national and even international projects. We strive to ensure everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy that comes with artmaking. Our programs reach over 32,000 children and adults each year, proving that the power of the arts can truly make a difference in people’s lives. At Appel Farm, we are proud to be part of a vibrant and diverse community of art makers, and we are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone to express themselves and explore their creativity. We are passionate about continuing to make artmaking a healing, joyous, and fulfilling experience for our community.

The Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council’s mission is to celebrate and promote the arts while enriching the community through arts programming, education, entertainment, and cultural connection for individuals of all ages and abilities. The Middletown Arts Center is an award-winning, state-of-the-art facility dedicated to bringing quality arts programming and events to New Jersey. Although the building is owned by Middletown Township, it is operated by the Middletown Township Cultural & Arts Council, Inc. (MCTAC), a 501c3 organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life of local residents by supporting and promoting the arts. The needs of our community drive our arts program planning.

Is your child getting excited for summer? Look no further and join us at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman for our Summer Camp 2023! Campers will get the chance to learn the art of live theatre and perform on stage in front of a large audience. Each lesson includes singing, acting, dancing, and rehearsal! While at camp, your child will make lasting friendships, memories, and a newfound passion for performing. We offer two sessions this summer, each with a different show to perform! Don't miss out on the opportunity for your child to shine and sign up today!

Learning should be fun! Our interactive classes allow children to immerse in different cultures and learn about the world through problem-solving and play. Each month we virtually travel to a new country and spend 4 weeks there exploring sights, sounds and tastes. Creative movement helps our children to retain focus and gently transfer between activities. We get kids out of their seats to experience what they are learning and make a deeper connection.

Are you looking for something fun and enriching for your kids to do this summer? Look no further than East Brunswick’s summer day camp program! This program offers half and full day sessions for children in grades K-10. Kids can explore a variety of activities to keep them engaged and entertained during the summer months. Adventure awaits at East Brunswick’s summer day camp program! Whether your child is in Kindergarten or 10th grade, they can spend their summer days participating in activities that are fun and educational. With both half and full day options available, there’s something for everyone. Send your kids off to East Brunswick’s summer day camp program and let them experience the excitement of summer while learning and growing! With its wide variety of activities, this program is a great way to keep kids of all ages entertained and engaged throughout the summer months.

Harbor Haven is the perfect summer camp program for your child! Through our unique program, we provide children with an educational and social experience that bridges the gap between school years. Our nurturing, camp-like environment ensures that your child is safe and happy, and is given the opportunity to engage in traditional summer activities. We also focus on language, motor, attention, cognitive, social and behavior skills in all of our activities, and provide an instructional social skills program to ensure your child is well-prepared for the world around them. At Harbor Haven, we understand that the capacity to socialize with other children is fundamental for healthy growth and development. That’s why we provide a strong support system for the academic, therapeutic, and social needs described in their IEPs. Our goal is to help your child build confidence and self-esteem, and to prevent academic and skill regression. We strive to make sure that the Harbor Haven summer experience is both fun and productive. We believe that through our variety of programs and activities, we can help your child succeed in their transition back to school in the fall. So why wait? Give your child the Harbor Haven summer experience today!

At Seashore Day Camp, your children will have the best summer of their lives! Our highly trained and experienced counselors strive to make every summer memorable. Our unique program offers sports, swimming, arts and crafts, nature, drama, music and so much more. We offer both half-day and full-day programs for campers 3 to 15, and our extended-care hours make it easy for working parents. For 95 years, Seashore Day Camp has been providing area families with terrific programs and conveniences like door-to-door transportation and extended-care services, and this has earned us a Parents’ Pick and the 2020 Most Loved All Around Day Camp award. Our unique program offers a variety of activities, including sports, swimming, arts and crafts, nature, drama, and music. Parents, grandparents, students, campers, and alumni have all had positive experiences at Seashore and are happy to share their stories on our testimonial page. With half-day and full-day programs available for campers 3 to 15, Seashore Day Camp provides an unforgettable summer for kids and peace of mind for parents.

At Allegra School of Music and Arts, we understand the importance of providing quality music and acting lessons for children and adults. Our experienced team of music teachers and artistic directors have been providing private instruction in piano, guitar, violin, voice, drums, trumpet, and saxophone since 1999. We believe in tailoring our lessons to fit the individual needs of each student. Our acting workshops offer something for everyone, from our acting troupe for children to our renowned summer musical theater camps. We also offer an engaging teen acting troupe and a fun rock band for those looking for a more creative learning experience. We strive to create a positive learning environment and to ensure that our students of all ages, from 5 to 60+, have a rewarding experience.

At Annie’s Playhouse, we understand that every child is unique and has different needs, so we strive to help every student reach their fullest potential. We offer an array of performing arts programs, including Musical Theatre, Acting, Dance, Gymnastics, and Instrument Lessons for students of all ages and skill levels. Our certified teachers are industry professionals who strive to bring each student to achieve his or her personal best. We offer programs for both the professional and recreational student, so whatever your aspirations, we can help you reach them. Our Professional Track Program provides access to private coaching, audition opportunities, and connections to NYC agents and managers. So if you’re looking to take your child’s performance to the next level, Annie’s Playhouse is the place to be. At Annie’s Playhouse, we create a fun, positive, and nurturing environment that helps to build your child's confidence and develop their talent. We recognize that each child is unique and has different needs, and we strive to help them reach their fullest potential. We believe that everyone has the ability to perform, and our goal is to help them find their inner star.

At KKWC, we use an innovative approach to ensure children get the most out of their summer. Our holistic approach to camping has been developed over many years, dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for children to learn and grow. We focus on physical health, responsible social expression and self-esteem, with a variety of activities and experiences tailored to ensure our campers learn and develop in a positive and supportive environment. We are proud to have been providing under-resourced Middlesex County children with summertime enjoyment since 1924. Our mission is to build and nurture physical health, responsible social expression, self-esteem, mental well-being and other sustainable life skills through a holistic approach and diverse programming. We have been fortunate to have provided a fun and health focused away from home experience to over 50,000 county residents, and to have supported working parents, guardians and families.

It’s very simple actually. We are a “hands on” team of professionals. Owners Maureen and Adam Kastl have devoted their lives to not only helping students become better at what ever they are studying, but also building good character. Parents work hard to give their children lessons and we give them 150% of ourselves to see that what they learn pays off.

The Count Basie Center for the Arts is New Jersey’s premier center for the cultural arts, dedicated to fostering powerful, inclusive artistic experiences and creative exchange of ideas. The Basie mission is to inspire, educate and entertain through its distinct and engaging cultural and artistic offerings that embrace and amplify the diversity of the region. As a nonprofit organization, the Basie is committed to enriching the community’s quality of life by generating opportunities for participation in the arts, partnering with schools, collaborating with other mission-based organizations and driving regional economic prosperity.

At Cornerstone Music Studios, we believe that music education is vital for building empathy, community and personal development in children and adults alike. Our commitment to nurturing the musical spirit in our students goes beyond the classroom. We offer regular recitals, performance opportunities, faculty recitals, and special events to bring families, neighbors, and friends together. Our studio is a place to connect to music and to each other in a way that is positive and inspiring. We strive to make everyone feel as though they are a part of something especially remarkable. At Cornerstone Music Studios, we are proud to provide the best music education in a professional, friendly and nurturing environment. Our commitment to providing quality music instruction to students of all ages will help foster their musical development and confidence and cultivate a passion for music. Our team of experienced and educated music faculty are passionate about teaching the fundamentals of music, inspiring creativity, and promoting the positive values of music. This is why we are proud to be the premier professional teaching studio in New Jersey. Our diverse musical expression is backed by a beautiful natural landscape and countryside, which inspires us to continue on our mission of providing everyone with the gift of music. We are dedicated to connecting our students to music and to each other in a positive and inspiring way, and helping them become part of something especially remarkable.

At Curtain Up Studios, our mission is to introduce and nurture the love of theatre arts to our students. We hold our productions to a high standard, but we value the experience our students have even more. We see a production as a team effort, and each part and position is important to the success of the show. We offer various programming and classes, from ages 5-18, for all levels of experience. Our classes, workshops, and private lessons are offered every season. We also produce full-scale productions 2-3 times a year for our more experienced performers. We collaborate with public and private schools in Bergen and Passaic Counties to bring arts programming and productions to their schools. We work with administrators to create, develop, and implement arts programming tailored to each school’s individual needs. At Curtain Up Studios, our goal is to foster a love of theatre arts in our students. We strive to provide an enjoyable, positive, and educational experience for everyone who joins us, whether they’re taking part on stage or behind the scenes. We consider each part of the production to be equally important, and we work hard to ensure the success of our shows.

Elefante Music & School for the Performing Arts, family-owned since 1996, is the most trusted music, performing arts, and instrument rental business for New Jersey families, offering the highest quality service at reasonable prices.

At Star Lake summer camp, campers can make lasting memories and gain a unique connection with nature. The Salvation Army has been providing this camp experience to children from the Greater New York area since 1923, giving thousands of youngsters the opportunity to explore the 400-acre property in Bloomingdale, New Jersey. Here, kids can enjoy activities such as boating, swimming and fishing in the three lakes and two waterfalls. Star Lake camp offers the chance for children to have a meaningful and fun vacation. Programs are tailored to provide campers with a sense of worship and reverence, as well as to help them discover their place in a larger world. Through these activities, children can gain confidence, learn new skills and form lifelong friendships. The Salvation Army has been providing joy and adventure to kids at Star Lake summer camp for nearly a century. With its stunning natural beauty, campers can be sure to come away with incredible memories and experiences that will stay with them for years to come.

Wharton Arts is comprised of 4 core programs, offering students of all ages and experience levels learning opportunities that range from instrumental and vocal instruction, large ensembles, musical theater, and more.