Nantucket Activities: Guide to Summer Arts Programs for Kids & Teens
For young people, summer on Nantucket might mean carefree days of sailing, tennis, or the beach. But what if your child would rather be on stage rather than on the water? Nantucket has you covered – there are numerous first-rate arts programs available to kids and teens looking to explore their creative side.
Check out our list of Nantucket’s arts organizations offering summer programs and classes in 2022:
1. White Heron Theatre Company
The White Heron Student Company allows young artists to be immersed in high level musical theatre training led by a skilled team of theater professionals of all backgrounds who work at top companies nationwide.
Students take advanced acting courses in the mornings followed by rehearsals for a devised showcase in the afternoons. We also offer additional performance opportunities for all 2022 Student Company members and all student company alumni in our new “Late Night Cabaret” series.
The student company will explore a plethora of contemporary and classic musical theatre styles combined with a solid emphasis on current trends, from those on Broadway to those in the music scene off the stage. And, long after summer ends, the education faculty will be there to help guide ambitious young theatre artists in their professional and personal aspirations.
Ages: 13-19
Dates: July 5-August 7, M-TH: 9:30am-4:30pm, F: 9:30am-12:30pm.
Visit whiteherontheatre.org/education to learn more and apply.
2. Dreamland Stage Company
Dreamland Kids Sessions: Ages 4-8. Dreamland Kids will create magical moons, starry skies, dreamcatchers, windchimes and more as they embark on the great adventure of play-making.
Dreamland Youth: Ages 8-18. Young actors hone their capabilities and strengths as performers as they work with our team of director/choreographers, and music directors to rehearse and perform a full-scale musical production. 2022 Productions: “Madagascar Jr.” and “Into the Woods Jr.”
Dreamland Teens: Ages 13-21. Our most rigorous program for performers, Dreamland Teens, is designed for students ready to take their skills to the next level as they work perform a full-scale professional musical production. 2022 Production: “Working”
Ages: 4-21
Dates: Ranging from June 27-August
Visit nantucketdreamland.org to learn more and register.
3. Theatre Workshop of Nantucket
This is a five-week program in which students will work on a full-scale production directed and choreographed by theatre veteran, Jennifer Hemmphill. Jenn played Donna in Theatre Workshop’s 2017 production of Mamma Mia! and spent three years performing in the show on Broadway and two additional years on the national tour. Jenn is currently the Dean of Performing Arts at Stephens College. Students will also work closely with a professional music director in a show supported by the professional TWN creative team and staff. It will culminate with performances on our stage at Bennett Hall.
Students will work in a series of master classes with Broadway actor, Grammy nominee, and Workshop regular Heidi Blickenstaff, along with other theatre professionals.
Ages: 13-18
Dates: July 12-August 12, T-F: 10:00am-2:00pm
Visit theatrenantucket.org to learn more and register.
4. Nantucket Community Music Center
The Nantucket Community Music Center offers a range of programs for children, teens and adults. Young students ages 5-9 can join “Piano Adventures” an intro to piano, students 12+ can join a Rock Band camp experience, or students can take private or semi-private classes. More programs and details to come in 2022.
Ages: 5+
Visit nantucketcommunitymusiccenter.org to learn more.
5. Nantucket Island School of Design & the Arts
NISDA offers a variety of art classes and workshops for kids, teens, and adults. Topics include photography, creativity and design, interdisciplinary curriculum, clay classes, painting and drawing, kinder arts, and generations together (ages 3-103).
Ages: 3-103
Visit nisda.org to learn more about what is available for kids and teens this summer.
6. Artist’s Association of Nantucket
The Artists Association of Nantucket offers year-round art education for students of all ages and levels. The Visual Arts Center is home to our “greener” eco-friendly studios for ceramics, printmaking, painting, drawing, mixed media, children’s classes, rental studios, a gallery, and resident apartment. We believe that active participation and learning experiences in the arts are essential to building a vibrant community and more compassionate world.
Ages: all ages
Visit nantucketarts.org/classes to learn more.
7. Nantucket Ballet
Nantucket Ballet is dedicated to providing the highest quality dance instruction for students year-round since 2014. They challenge students technically and artistically and hope to inspire joy in movement at every age and level. The summer session will run from June 27th to August 26th. They offer classes for all ages including Tiny Toes (dance and crafts for ages 3+) Ballet, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary Dance, Private Lessons, and Dance Fitness Classes.
Ages: 3+
Visit nantucketballet.com to learn more.