Registration for the 2026 Introduction to the Performing Arts Camp is now open.
Winner of Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society’s Excellence in Programming Award Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s citywide camp, Introduction to the Performing Arts, is a specialty camp for children ages 6 to 11 (must be 6 years old by July 1, 2026) who have an expressed interest in the Performing Arts.
Children will have the opportunity to take classes in movement, drama, & music. The campers will also perform in a presentation at the Dell Music Center during the last week of camp. This unique experience gives youngsters the chance to perform in a professional space. Campers will also take performing arts related field trips.
Camp is held daily from 9AM – 2PM from July 6th to August 14th of 2026. Lunch and snack will provided daily.
The cost of the camp is $300.00 for the entire six weeks. Aftercare till 5pm is available for an additional $30 per week or $150 for all six weeks if paid before camp begins (one free week).
Locations
There are five sites for the 2026 Introduction to Performing Arts Camp:
Hawthorne Cultural Center at 12th & Carpenter Streets (SOUTH)
Holmesburg Recreation Center at 3500 Rhawn Street - at Dittman (NORTHEAST)
ML King Recreation Center at 22nd & Cecil B Moore Avenue. NOTE: This is Dance Only camp (NORTH)
Laura Sims Skate House at 63rd & Walnut Street (WEST)
(please click Darhoff/Myers on the registration form for Laura Sims Skate House)
Kendrick Recreation Center at 5800 Ridge Avenue in Roxborough (NORTHWEST)
(please check Waterview on the registration form for Kendrick)
For new campers, we request a birth certificate and a letter of recommendation from a teacher, neighbor or relative who believes a performing arts camp is a good fit for the child. We would also like to meet the child at our in-person registration meeting.
Thanks for your interest. Questions? Contact JJ Prospeich, Performing Arts Coordinator at 215-685-3585 or email: Joseph.J.Prospeich@phila.gov
To register, scroll to the bottom of this webpage. Under Performing Arts Camp, click "forms". Scroll to the Introduction to Performing Arts form and click it. You will be taken to the registration page.