At Limelight Academy, your kids will learn about all the performing arts. This includes:

• Improvisation - we will play improv games that explore a child’s creative thinking. We will also improvise whole scenes over time. This will be a launching pad for kids to get comfortable with their creativity and natural instincts. All acting skills can be built on this foundation.

• Script work - If your child is old enough to read, we will work on breaking down scripts and understanding how to play with the text, as well as memorization. But if your kid is not old enough to read yet, no worries! I can still work with them on simple memorization as well as acting out familiar stories from memory.

• Acting Skills - this will include learning basics such as emoting, cheating out so an audience can see you, projecting your voice, etc. After the basics are covered, we will switch to more technical acting techniques to make their work really shine. We will also do scene work.

• Musicals - Children will learn the difference between straight acting and musicals. They will perform musical numbers complete with voice work and choreography. They will also learn only-dance numbers as another means of expressing creativty through music.

• Art - This will include making puppets, costumes, masks, and more for performances!

• Other Performace Methods - We will mix in a variety of skills like Mime, Playwriting, Live Radio Show, Talent Shows, and more!

Each day will start with a camp circle meeting, then learning workshops, lunch (brought by campers), fun free time (like a recess), and then quiet time to reset before we get into scene and musical rehearsals. We will also have fun themed days throughout the session.

Camp is for grades K-8th with a chance for highschoolers to serve as teen interns.

Camp will be held Monday-Friday, 8am-3pm at The Highgate Manor.

(464 Highgate Road, Highgate Center, VT 05459).

There are two sessions available.

Session 1: June 16-July 11

Session 2: July 14-August 8

Camp Cost is $500 for one 4 week session. Should campers and parents choose to do both sessions (8 weeks), they can do a bundle price of $900.

Families with multiple siblings may also qualify for a discount price.

Payment Plans are available.

A $100 deposit is required to hold your spot (as spots are very limited).

All staff and interns are CPR and First Aid certified, and the camp location has passed all safety requirements.

Hi! My name is Kristi, and I am a professionally trained actress and a mother to a little girl. I started acting at the age of 9 and quickly found the knack for it. I loved being able to express myself and get out of my shell. Acting let me be silly and loud and creative - but ultimately it gave me confidence and a safe space to grow into myself. I went on to do more serious school plays through high school, landing all leading roles. In 10th grade I played Amelia Earhart, and the day I walked on that stage for our first performance, was the day I decided I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. I started teaching at a theatre camp similar to Limelight Academy with kids 1st-8th grade. I was a star staff member, and the camp directors said I had what it took to run my own camp. I taught groups of kids but also individually with all of the age groups. I taught them script interpretation, acting skills, musical numbers with choreography, puppetry, improv, and much more. My kiddos even performed their scenes and musical numbers at local farmers markets and festivals. Teaching these kids the performing arts has always been my favorite job I’ve ever had, and I always dreamed of starting my own camp. (And now I have)!!

When I finished high school, I was accepted to my dream college in NYC. The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) which has been named the #1 performing arts school for the past several years - with more students on Broadway than any other school. I trained professionally with professors who were active in the industry. I learned acting, directing, stage combat, dance, voice acting, and more. But the thing I always say is that above all else, I learned to be a better person. Acting gets you to confront every detail of yourself and do the hard work of accepting it all as it is. The things I learned have continued to grow my confidence as a person and a positive self-image.

Limelight Academy has been a dream of mine for years, and I am delighted to see it come to life. I love passing on the passion, skill, and growth that I myself found at a theatre camp when I was younger.

High schoolers - don't feel left out! We have a limited amount of intern spots available for any highschooler who wants to glean the benefits of camp, as well as an education in directing and child care. Interns are not paid, but attend camp for free and serve as helpers. They will also get their own scenes and performances, Interns will need to get a CPR/First Aid Certification, and attend a training at camp prior to the session starting. Interns can work one or both sessions, depending on spot availability. Not only will you get the camp experience, as well as the extra education as an intern, this position also looks phenomenal on college and/or work resumes. For more info or to sign up as an intern, click the button below: