Central Illinois offers a variety of summer theater programs for kids and teens, providing opportunities to explore the performing arts in fun and supportive environments. Here’s a summary of theater arts opportunities for young people this summer.
Youth shows
101 Dalmatians KIDS
May 23-25
Hoogland Center for the Arts
Based on the classic animated Disney film, this show features a high-spirited score and lovable characters with a stage adaptation certain to charm and delight all audiences. It follows a London couple, their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, and their expansive litter of puppies. Their happy lives are upended by the monstrous Cruella De Vil who plots to steal the puppies for her new fur coat. The Dalmatians rally all the dogs of London for a daring rescue of the puppies from Cruella and her bumbling henchmen.
These productions are part of the Hoogland Performing Arts Education Creators Program and will feature actors in 7th and 8th grades.Â
The Prom
June 27-July 6
Hoogland Center for the Arts
Also part of the Performing Arts Education Program, this musical play tells the story of a lesbian couple and their struggles to attend prom together in a small, conservative town. The story is loosely based on the real-life case of a Mississippi student who was initially denied the right to bring her girlfriend to prom. The play, which will feature area teens and undergrads, explore themes of acceptance, LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of fighting for what you believe in.
Shrek The Musical
Springfield Muni Opera
Aug. 1-3, 6-9
A fun-filled stage adaptation of the animated film Shrek, this production will feature a youth chorus and themes appealing to young and old alike. It tells the story of a grumpy but good-hearted ogre who sets out on a quest to rescue the feisty Princess Fiona. With the help of a hilarious talking donkey, Shrek and company discover the true meaning of friendship, love and embracing who you are. Shrek The Musical promises to deliver laughs, life lessons and loads of fun for audiences of all ages.
Moana, Jr.
Theatre in the Park
June 12-15
Disney’s Moana, Jr. will be presented by Studio on the Square in its second collaboration with Theatre in the Park. The musical tells the story of an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. Moana Jr. explores themes of self-discovery, bravery, perseverance and the importance of following one’s dreams. It also emphasizes teamwork, respect for culture and the power of believing in oneself. Â
Summer camps and classes
The Springfield Theatre Centre’s PAVE is the long-standing popular arts camp for students entering 3rd through 9th grade. Campers will learn first-hand what it takes to stage a live production and go through everything from audition and try-outs to putting on an original play, including: make-up, costumes, dance, choreography and solo/choral singing. Each two-week session will focus on a theme. This year’s themes include California Dreamin,’ New York, New York, and There’s No Place Like Home.
The Hoogland Performing Arts Education program is moving into its second decade of providing area students with outstanding education in the performing arts. Coming this summer are quarterly classes for young students. Classes are held once a week on Thursdays.
The Legacy Theatre recently launched its summer camp for kids called StageRats. Crafted by a team of educators and arts professionals, the StageRats program is designed for students entering grades 6-9 and will expose participants to all areas of the theatrical arts: acting, singing, dancing and improv, as well as scenic design, costuming, props and makeup.
The Studio on the Square in Petersburg also offers a variety of youth-centered arts classes and training in the visual and performing arts.
The Lincoln Land Community College – College for Kids program offers over 60 camps for grades 1-10, including a theater camp introducing kids to acting, storytelling and creative expression. Camps are organized by grade level for the 2025-2026 school year, and some are held at LLCC-Jacksonville.
Mary Young was born and raised in Springfield and has been performing in, producing and directing live theater for decades.
This article appears in Summer 2025 May 2025.
