Summer Camp with Filament Theatre
How do you make a brand-new play?
Grab your sunscreen and work with Filament Theatre’s directors, playwrights, and teaching artists to create new plays for young people in a summer of Filament Camps!
Filament Camps focus on amplifying the creativity of young participants. In a Filament camp, participants work with the theatre’s directors, playwrights, and teaching artists to directly influence the plays they’ll come to see throughout the year!
This summer, participants will explore new styles of theatre. They will grow their skills in creative problem solving, teamwork, confident public speaking, analysis of text, speaking directly to the audience, community engagement, and more — all while creating something fun that makes them proud! All camps culminate in a final performance for family and friends
Enrollment info:
2025 Enrollment Opens February 1.
Discounts Available:
Early Bird Pricing – Lock-in our 2024 rates when you enroll by April 30, 2025.
Sibling discounts available – email education@filamenttheatre.org for more information
Half Day Camps for Ages 5 – 8
July 7 – 18 and July 21 – Aug 1
Full Day Camps for Ages 8 – 14
August 4 – 8, August 11 – 15
Half Day Intensive for Ages 15-18
July 7-11
Half Day Intensive for Ages 10-15
July 21 – Aug 1
Check out this year's camps and intensives:
July 7-18 (ages 5-8) | 9am-12pm
Making memories, saving memories, and shaping memories is what our Ingenious Inventions camp is all about. Using objects to create new machines, our campers will come up with what the machines can do, make memories and create stories about them, and then share the machines with friends and family making more memories with their inventions still. Playing with clowning skills, movement techniques, and creatively coming up with new solutions with found objects, campers will be INGENIOUS.
Go to the park for lunch each day and craft an exhilarating immersive performance for family and friends. Throughout camp, work with the professional artists exploring ideas from Filament and Teatro Vista’s recent collaborative production: Memorabilia.
Please note: This is a two-week, half-day camp. Price: $400. Early Bird Price: $375 when you book by April 30.
July 21-August 1 (ages 5-9) | 9am-12pm
Rain, rain, go away, come again, another day.
Exploring the story of water, and growth from beginning to end, campers will build real and metaphorical gardens throughout their Filament camp experience. What stories happen in Filament’s garden, and what new growth can we foster, are just a few of the questions our professional artists will work to answer, using music, sound effects, movement, and crafts to create new gardens for all.
When not exploring the outdoors in our theater, we will be partnering with local businesses to create some sidewalk gardens too. Camp will conclude with a final sharing to show off all our puddles and petals.
Please note: This is a two-week and half-day camp. Price: $400. Early Bird Price: $375 when you book by April 30.
July 21 - August 1 (ages 9-15) | 1pm-5pm
Artists and creators of all disciplines are welcome and you do not need to have worked with Filament in order to participate. At Filament Theatre.
Please note: This is a two-week, half-day experience. Price: $400. Early Bird Price: $375 when you book by April 30.
August 4-8 (ages 8-14) | 9am-3p
SOLD OUT
When the Mars Rover has difficulties in outer space, it is up to our daring team of astronaut artists to save the day. Using real intel from actual space missions, campers will work together to save this Mission to Mars. Explore space while you learn how to build suspense, create original characters, and plan our own Mission to Mars.
Go to the park for lunch each day and craft an exhilarating immersive performance for family and friends. Throughout camp, work with the professional artists exploring ideas from a future Filament show, and curating original ideas to share a performance with family and friends throughout the solar system!
Please note: This is a one-week, full-day camp. Price: $400. Early Bird Price: $375 when you book by April 30.
August 11-15 (ages 8-14) | 9am-3p
NEW SPOTS ADDED!
Join us for a camp where the impossible is possible. Campers will explore all kinds of magic–from magic tricks to Harry Potter to traditions of folk magic from around the world. Together, we’ll learn Filament’s storytelling techniques, discover the ingredients that make magic and fantasy so much fun, and create original new characters and moments of magic. Go to the park for lunch each day and craft surprising and suspenseful original performances. By the end of the week, you’ll be ready to share original stories–and moments of magic–for family and friends.
Please note: This is a one-week, full-day camp. Price: $400. Early Bird Price: $375 when you book by April 30.
Creation Studio
July 7 – 11, half day experience (1pm – 5pm)
Ages 14 – 18
Filament is bringing its unique camp experiences to teens in a weeklong celebration of creativity with the Creation Studio Intensive! Bring you wildest ideas and watch them grow as you collaborate with both the professional artists of Filament and a thoughtful and committed group of your peers. Together, we’ll develop performances and artistic collaborations on a topic of your choosing and learn how professional artists use short artistic residencies to develop and launch new projects. At the end of the week, we’ll share our works-in-progress with family and friends and discuss next steps for developing your work!
Artists and creators of all disciplines are welcome and you do not need to have worked with Filament in order to participate. At Filament Theatre.
Please note: This is a one-week and half-day experience. Price: $200. Early Bird Price: $185 when you book by April 30.
Shakespeare Shenanigans Intensive
July 21 – Aug 1, two week half day experience (1pm – 5pm)
Ages 10 – 15
Please note: This is a two-week, half-day experience. Price: $400. Early Bird Price: $375 when you book by April 30.
Ingenious Inventions
July 7 – 18, two week half day camp (9am – 12pm)
Ages 5 – 8
Making memories, saving memories, and shaping memories is what our Ingenious Inventions camp is all about. Using objects to create new machines, our campers will come up with what the machines can do, make memories and create stories about them, and then share the machines with friends and family making more memories with their inventions still. Playing with clowning skills, movement techniques, and creatively coming up with new solutions with found objects, campers will be INGENIOUS.
Go to the park for lunch each day and craft an exhilarating immersive performance for family and friends. Throughout camp, work with the professional artists exploring ideas from Filament and Teatro Vista’s recent collaborative production: Memorabilia.
Puddles, Petals, & Play
July 21 – Aug 1, two week half days (9am – 12 pm)
Ages 5-8
Rain, rain, go away, come again, another day.
Exploring the story of water, and growth from beginning to end, campers will build real and metaphorical gardens throughout their Filament camp experience. What stories happen in Filament’s garden, and what new growth can we foster, are just a few of the questions our professional artists will work to answer, using music, sound effects, movement, and crafts to create new gardens for all.
When not exploring the outdoors in our theater, we will be partnering with local businesses to create some sidewalk gardens too. Camp will conclude with a final sharing to show off all our puddles and petals.
Out of This World!
August 4 – 8, one week full days (9-3pm)
Ages 8 – 14
When the Mars Rover has difficulties in outer space, it is up to our daring team of astronaut artists to save the day. Using real intel from actual space missions, campers will work together to save this Mission to Mars. Explore space while you learn how to build suspense, create original characters, and plan our own Mission to Mars.
Go to the park for lunch each day and craft an exhilarating immersive performance for family and friends. Throughout camp, work with the professional artists exploring ideas from a future Filament show, and curating original ideas to share a performance with family and friends throughout the solar system!
Think Magic!
August 11 – 15, one week full days (9-3pm)
Ages 8 – 14
Join us for a camp where the impossible is possible. Campers will explore all kinds of magic–from magic tricks to Harry Potter to traditions of folk magic from around the world. Together, we’ll learn Filament’s storytelling techniques, discover the ingredients that make magic and fantasy so much fun, and create original new characters and moments of magic. Go to the park for lunch each day and craft surprising and suspenseful original performances. By the end of the week, you’ll be ready to share original stories–and moments of magic–for family and friends.
About Filament Camps
Through drama and creative play, Filament’s experienced teaching artists focus the days to explore creative problem solving, teamwork, confident public speaking, analysis of classic texts, speaking directly to the audience, and community engagement.
Why Filament Camp?
Filament Camp is special. At Filament Camp, there are no scripts and no assigned roles–each camper creates their own dream role. Campers create their own dialogue, characters, stories, and costumes.
– Filament Camp Testimonials –
Filament Camp Enrollment information:
Price: $400 per camp (unless otherwise stated)
*Early Bird Price $375* Book before April 30 to lock in this year’s camp for last year’s price!
Sibling discounts and scholarships may be available for your camp! email education@filamenttheatre.org for more information
Class size: Maximum 18 participants
With support and guidance from our experienced teaching artists, campers will create their own stories and performances. At Filament, there are no assigned roles or scripts–each camper creates their dream role! Participants will explore creative problem solving, teamwork, confident public speaking, analysis of text, speaking directly to the audience, community engagement, and more — all while creating something fun that makes them proud!
You will receive a detailed welcome email TWO WEEKS before your camp session begins. If you have any questions, we invite you to check out the FAQ’s tab or email education@filamenttheatre.org.
If you need to change your plans, Filament offers a 50% refund up to 2 weeks before the camp begins.
2025 Filament Camp: FAQs
What are your 2025 health and safety procedures?
Please review our health and safety procedures here.
How does Filament camp work?
Filament Camp activities will take place in the theatre and at nearby Dickinson Park. Enrollment will be limited to 18 campers per session. Campers will be supervised by two teaching artists at all times, participate in group activities, and complete additional activities in small groups of 2-3. Campers take breaks for snacks, or lunch if they are enrolled in a full-day program.
Is there a final performance?
At Filament, we like to say that the word “play is both a noun and a verb.” All campers will create a final performance that can be shared, but the performance may include outdoor activities like parades and games, and/or activities like films, podcasts, or artwork. Stay tuned for updates about your child’s final day of camp! You’ll definitely want to play along!
What will my camper’s role be?
With support and guidance from our experienced teaching artists, campers will create their own stories and performances. At Filament, there are no assigned roles or scripts–each camper creates their dream role! Participants will explore creative problem solving, teamwork, confident public speaking, analysis of text, speaking directly to the audience, community engagement, and more — all while creating something fun that makes them proud!
My camper has an IEP. Is this camp for them?
We welcome everyone to Filament Camp and we really, really mean it. Please contact the Education Director to discuss scheduling changes and/or other accommodations that will make your camper feel included, happy, and successful. Email education@filamenttheatre.org
What should we bring?
Please bring two water bottles, a snack, sunscreen and insect repellent. Full-day campers should bring a packed lunch free from common allergens. Campers may be asked to bring some recyclables from home. A complete materials list will be shared via email the week before your camp session begins.
What should we wear?
Please wear clothes that allow you to move freely, shoes that allow you to run and jump, and make sure your clothes can get dirty! You may also want to wear a hat or sunglasses.
What if we will be late/absent?
Please tell your teachers in advance if you will be late/absent/leaving early. Our camp includes daily trips to nearby Dickinson Park and we may ask you to report to the park rather than the theatre. You may email education@filamenttheatre.org with attendance information.
Who can pick-up my camper?
When you register for camp, please list the names of all the adults approved to pick-up your camper(s). You may add to this list at any time by emailing education@filamenttheatre.org. If an adult isn’t on our list, we will telephone for pick-up permission before dismissing the camper. Teaching artists are required to ask for a photo ID if they do not recognize someone at pick-up. Please share this information with all adults who may pick-up your camper(s).
What time can we pick up/drop off?
You may drop off anytime after 8:45am (or 12:45pm for afternoon camps). Please pick-up promptly at dismissal time, as our teachers are also working actors and directors who may have afternoon rehearsals.
What happens if we’re late for pick-up?
Sometimes grown-ups are late! Please call or text your teacher directly if you will be running late. We ask that you plan to be early for pick-up as our teaching artists are almost always going directly to another class, rehearsal, or audition. Thanks for your help!
Filament Theatre Camp Liability Waiver Summer 2025
- I hereby certify that (Participant) is in normal health and capable of participating safely in Filament Summer Camp, has Health Insurance, and that Filament Theatre Ensemble and all other participating agencies are not liable for any accidents while participating in Filament Summer Camp.
- In a life-threatening emergency, if the parent is unreachable, the Filament Staff have parental approval to transport child in an Emergency Medical Service Vehicle to the nearest hospital.
- DROP-OFF POLICY: Drop off begins 15 minutes before the camp day begins. It is unsafe for campers, as well as the program, to have any camper on campus unsupervised before that time. Participants should say “goodbye” outside the theatre, as we have strict limits on indoor capacity. I understand the drop-off policy.
4.WAIVER OF LIABILITY RELATING TO COVID-19: As it is not possible to entirely eliminate the potential presence of the disease, Filament Theatre cannot prevent you [or your child(ren)] from becoming exposed to, contracting, or spreading COVID-19 while utilizing Filament Theatre’s services or premises. Therefore, if you choose to utilize Filament Theatre’s in-person services and/or enter Filament Theatre’s premises you may be exposing yourself to and/or increasing your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK: I have read and understood the above warning concerning COVID-19. I hereby choose to accept the risk of contracting COVID-19 for myself and/or my children to utilize Filament Theatre’s services and enter Filament Theatre’s premises. I accept the risk of being exposed to, contracting, and/or spreading COVID-19 in order to utilize Filament Theatre’s services and premises in-person.
WAIVER OF LAWSUIT/LIABILITY: I hereby forever release and waive my right to bring suit against Filament Theatre and its owners, officers, directors, managers, officials, trustees, agents, employees, or other representatives in connection with exposure, infection, and/or spread of COVID-19 related to utilizing Filament Theatre’s services and premises. I understand that this waiver means I give up my right to bring any claims including for personal injuries, death, disease or property losses, or any other loss, including but not limited to claims of negligence and give up any claim I may have to seek damages, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen.
CHOICE OF LAW: I understand and agree that the law of the State of Illinois will apply to this waiver/contract.
- I hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless and defend Filament Theatre Ensemble and their officers, agents, servants, and employees from any and all claims of every kind, known or unknown, present and future, that I may have arising out of, connected with, or in any way related to the program and my participation therein. My signature and/or e-signature on this form indicates that I have read and understand the above waiver and execute it of my own free will and without any reservation. I, the undersigned, have read and understand the terms of this agreement, and give permission for any and all medical attention to be administered to my child in the event of accident, injury, sickness, etc., including the transport of a child in an emergency medical vehicle to the nearest hospital under the direction of the Filament Theatre Ensemble staff, until such time as I may be contacted. I also assume responsibility for the payment of any such treatment. This release is effective through August 31, 2024.
I HAVE CAREFULLY READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT BY CLICKING AND PAYING REGISTRATION FEES THAT I AM AGREEING TO ALL PROVISIONS OF THIS RELEASE, AND FREELY AND KNOWINGLY ASSUME THE RISK AND WAIVE MY RIGHTS CONCERNING LIABILITY AS DESCRIBED ABOVE.
