2024 Senior Camp Audition Information

What is the Young People’s Theatre Project?

The Young People’s Theatre Project, or YPTP, is a non-profit organization that has been working from its Portland base since 1991 as both a professional touring company and an educational theatre program. YPTP’s tours have reached over 40 states and beyond with a wide range of activities. Local work includes partnerships with schools and arts centers including The Oregon Zoo, Portland and Beaverton Public Schools, Young Audiences, Oregon State University, and Caldera Arts. YPTP artists are theatre professionals offering expertise in areas ranging from acting to improv, technical theatre, vocal coaching, and stage combat.

What is the Performing Arts Camp?

Our Performing Arts Camp is an intensive two-week experience combining a complete theatrical production process with the unique ensemble-building activities of a summer camp. This year we are returning to Camp Caldera, our long-time home for over 20 years. After a week in the wilderness, we return to Portland to combine with our Tech Ensemble and produce a full-length musical.

What is included in the Performing Arts Camp experience?

All campers stay at Camp Caldera June 15th-25th, creating the production and taking part in a wide range of theatre workshops and activities connecting to the theme of the show. Traditional camp activities include swimming, boating, hikes, and campfires, all in the beautiful setting of the Puget Sound. All meals are included and prepared by a professional staff of nutrition experts. Counselor to camper ratio is approximately 1 to 8. This is in addition to the staff of production and camp specialists, including a certified lifeguard and a qualified camp nurse. The entire camp community will return to Portland via chartered bus on June 25th to prepare for performances in the Marilyn Moyer Theatre (on Jesuit High School’s Campus) June 27th-30th. While transportation back to Portland is included in the camp fee, campers will need to find their own way to camp.  We will help provide carpools as needed.

Who is eligible to participate in the Performing Arts Camp?

Students who are currently Grades 7-12 are eligible to audition.  Fifty to sixty students will be selected to participate in the Senior Ensemble. All performers will have significant involvement in the final production. While skill in both singing and acting are needed, the primary requirement is an advanced level of motivation and a genuine desire to contribute to and learn from this unique experience. The number of new campers selected varies from year to year depending on the number of returning campers and the distribution of ages and genders. 

At the Young People’s Theatre Project, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are. YPTP welcomes students of all races, religions, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations.

 For the safety of the Camp Community, all Senior Campers (and staff) will be required to be fully vaccinated.

How much does it cost?

The tuition for the 2024 Performing Arts Camp is $1500. This covers all expenses, including meals at camp and in Portland, as well as transportation from Camp Caldera to Portland for the final performances. Transportation to camp is each camper’s responsibility, though we will assist in setting up carpools. We have worked to keep our camp tuition competitive and affordable, and accept campers regardless of their ability to pay; scholarships are available upon admission