Every session at Camp Coleman, something extraordinary takes center stage—a full-scale musical production created, rehearsed, and performed by campers in just 25 days. It sounds impossible, but it’s tradition. And every time, they pull it off.
This summer’s first session brought Moana Jr. to life. This session? We’re heading to Agrabah for Aladdin Jr., complete with shimmering costumes, bold harmonies, and a moving magic carpet constructed entirely by camper hands. (Seriously, it rolls.)
Each Jr. production is auditioned, but every camper gets a role—because at Coleman, there are no small parts. Some campers sing under spotlights. Some glue gems to turbans or run the soundboard in the back. Every role matters, and every camper shines.
Musical theater at Coleman is powered by our Tarbut program, which offers three focused tracks:
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Drama campers dive into acting, blocking, choreography, and vocal performance. Whether they’re playing the Genie or a background dancer in the marketplace, they’re learning to work as an ensemble and bring a story to life. This session, one standout performer is Camille, who’s embracing the role of Genie with infectious energy. She’s trying out new accents, incorporating tap dancing, and, most impressively, lifting up her castmates—helping them rehearse their lines and cheering them on backstage.
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Technical Theatre Arts is the creative powerhouse behind the scenes—designing and building sets, crafting costumes, and painting props. Campers in this track this session built the set piece for the magic carpet, covered it in glitter and gold, and figured out how to make it glide across the stage.
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Technical Theatre AV runs lights, mics, and sound cues from the booth in our Bobby Harris Center for Performing Arts and Experiences—a professional-grade facility that gives our campers the tools to produce something truly incredible.
The most mind-blowing part? The cast only rehearses all together a handful of times. Most rehearsals happen by unit, with different scenes being prepped independently and then snapped into place like puzzle pieces. Somehow, it works. And somehow, it’s always a little bit magical.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible staff, who somehow manage to direct, build, choreograph, and tech an entire show with rotating groups of campers in under a month.
Coleman musicals are just one part of our broader performing arts offerings—but they hold a special place in the heart of camp. Past productions have included Shrek Jr., Frozen Jr., High School Musical Jr., and many more. You can watch highlights from previous years on our YouTube channel, where Coleman’s musical legacy lives on.
Here, the spotlight doesn’t belong to one person—it belongs to every camper who steps up, plugs in, paints a set, or sings their heart out. Because when it all comes together on opening night, you realize: this isn’t just camp. It’s a standing ovation waiting to happen.
