Youth Summer Camp

June 22 - August 28, 2026

McCarter’s Summer Camp uses a Devised Theater Approach.

What is devised theater?

Devised theater is a collaborative way of making a play where the performers create the story themselves. Instead of starting with a traditional script, children use their ideas, characters, and imaginations to build an original piece together.

How is Devised Theater different from Scripted Theater?

In scripted theater, children follow a story that already exists.
In devised theater, they invent the story through acting games, improvisation, movement, and group brainstorming. The performance becomes a reflection of their creativity, not someone else’s words.

- Play ensemble-building games
- Invent characters and explore big ideas
- Build scenes through imagination and improvisation
- Work collaboratively to craft an original story
- Rehearse and perform the one-of-a-kind show they’ve created
- Perform! (So much performing!)
- Every child’s voice matters. Each performer helps shape the characters, scenes, and world of the play.
- The story grows from their imagination. No two devised pieces are ever the same! Each devised script is unique to the ensemble that creates it.
- Campers become creators, not just actors. They learn confidence, teamwork, problem-solving, and the thrill of bringing original ideas to life.