Riverside’s Playmaking Project is inspired by the 52nd Street Project from Hell’s Kitchen in NYC. Founded in 1981, The Project brings children together with adult theatre-makers and is designed (in fact, it is encouraged) to be replicated in other communities across the country. The goal of our project is best summed up by the original founders:
“the project is about making children proud of themselves. The project is not about teaching children to act, although they will learn to. It is not about teaching them to write plays, although they will learn that as well. What it is about is giving a kid an experience of success. It is about giving a kid an opportunity to prove that he or she has something of value to offer, something that comes from within that they alone possess, something that cannot be taken away.”
SUMMER 2026 CAMP ON SALE Jan 31st!
Summer Riverside Playmaker Camp Description
Riverside Theatre is thrilled to offer this incredible playwriting experience over the summer in a one week camp. Over the week, kids will work with local playwrights and teaching artists to develop their very own plays. Once each student has written their own play, they will then hand that play off to professional theatre artists who will take their words and bring them to life on stage. The finished plays will enjoy a two-day run on the Riverside Theatre mainstage.
Where
- Camp each day will be held at Riverside Theatre in the lobby and the theatre
When – Summer 2026
- Camp Dates: July 13-17th
- Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
- This summer we are also offering an extension opportunity for families that need a little more time. Morning extension starts at 8:00am. Afternoon extension lasts until 5:00pm.
- Performance Dates: July 24th at 6:30pm and July 25th at 10am
- Performances: The official performance of student plays by professional actors will take place a week after camp closes. Tickets to these performances are for sale to anyone in the community.
Who:
- Campers: The program will be open to students entering 3rd grade through those entering 6th.
- Food: Riverside will provide two snacks each day. Students will be responsible for bringing their own lunch.
- Accessibility: Riverside Theatre is fully accessible with elevator access to 3rd Floor
Tuition & Scholarships:
- Cost: Tuition for the week is $400. Adding on before/after care is an additional $100 for the week. Each student will receive a Riverside t-shirt and 2 complimentary tickets to be used by their family at either performance. Scholarships are also available.
- Scholarships: To apply for a summer scholarship, please use this link. Scholarship applications should be completed BEFORE registering for camp. For information about scholarships or tuition, please contact Kathleen Johnson: Kathleen@riversidetheatre.org
About the Lead Instructor
Kathleen Johnson is Riverside’s Director of Outreach & Education. She has been teaching improv, theatre arts, and communication throughout the midwest for the past 15 years. She attended Notre Dame University and earned her BA in Theatre and English. She went on to earn her Masters of Arts in Teaching from the University of Iowa. She studied improv from performers at Second City Improv, Improv Olympic, and Huge Improv Theatre, has performed on short form and long form improv troupes, coached adult improv teams, and has led dozens of improv classes and corporate improv workshops.