The Princeton Garden Theatre is excited to introduce the Garden Theatre Film Camp, a week-long camp experience open to children entering 5th, 6th, and 7th grades this fall. While engaging in hands-on activities and screening short films, campers will explore film history and visual literacy through key cinematic elements, such as story, color, sound, and camera technique. Additionally, campers will have the opportunity to hone their director’s eye (and ear) during storyboarding and sound design sessions, as well as when creating short videos using intuitive filmmaking software. This 5-day program will impart a discerning sense of storytelling and the visual arts that will not only serve budding filmmakers and content creators but any young person who wants to be a conscientious consumer of all media.

The camp will run from Monday, July 15th, to Friday, July 19th, from 9 AM to 2 PM. Tuition is $425 for the general public and $400 for theater members. Registration is CLOSED.

If you have any questions about the camp, please email Julia Mahony.

How many campers will there be? We will have 10 to 15 campers.

When is payment due? Payment is due at the time of registration.

Is lunch provided? Campers should bring a bagged lunch with them. We are able to keep the lunches refrigerated as well as heat them up in a microwave.

Will there be outdoor activities? On days when the weather allows, we will eat lunch outside. For activities where campers are taking pictures or capturing sound, we may also go outside as well.

Do we need to provide our own cameras or devices? While you do not need to provide your own equipment, campers are encouraged to bring and use their own devices for particular activities, as familiarity with these devices should encourage further creation at home. We will also have a set of camp devices to work with.

Should you bring water bottles? Yes.

Do you have a refrigerator to keep lunches cold? Yes.

Are there snacks provided? Popcorn and other light, prepackaged snacks will be provided. Campers are welcome to bring their own snacks in addition to lunch if they’d like.

What else should my child bring to camp? Your child should wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move around in. A sweatshirt and sunscreen are recommended – layering will be useful as outdoors will be warm but the AC makes the theaters cool.

Do you offer after care between 2pm and 5pm? Unfortunately we are not able to offer aftercare.

Who will be running the camp? Julia Mahony, the Garden Theatre’s Educational Programs Coordinator and, Kyle Stenger, the theater’s Outreach Director, will be in charge of running the camp. Julia holds an MA in English Literature and has worked as a teacher with students ranging from elementary school to college. Most recently, she taught at Princeton Charter School. Kyle holds an MA in History and has spent the better part of the last decade successfully steering the Garden as head manager. They will be joined by counselors selected from theater managers and staff who have extensive experience working with children. All camp staff will be required to pass a background check. Popcorn and other light, prepackaged snacks will be provided. Campers are welcome to bring their own snacks in addition to lunch if they’d like.

Where do I find out more about day to day activities? Parents of registered campers will be given a sample itinerary featuring potential short films and clips that will be screened. More details on the activities and lessons will be forthcoming as we approach the camp’s start date.