Description:
Imagination Station brings storytelling to life with this fun, half-day camp designed for rising K – 2nd grade students! This exciting camp helps our youngest actors dive into the world of improvisation and storytelling through creative play.
Campers will engage in all sorts of acting games, character-building activities, and improvisation exercises designed to spark their imaginations and develop their acting skills, all while they’re having fun. By the end of the week, they’ll have learned how to create unique characters, think on their feet, and collaborate with their peers to tell exciting, original stories.
The week will conclude with a special performance where campers will showcase their newfound skills, improvising stories and scenes for their families to enjoy. Imagination Station is the perfect blend of fun and learning, giving kids a chance to grow as young performers in a supportive, imaginative environment!
Session I: Rising K-2nd Grade
Half Day Camp 9:00am – 1:00pm
(aftercare offered at an additional rate from 1-4pm)
Dates July 20 – July 24
Performance – July 24 at 12:30p
$325 per individual sign-up
or
$275 for two or more sign-ups
Description:
Step into the magical world of **Disney’s Frozen JR. ** in this exciting, immersive musical theatre camp based on the beloved Academy Award®–winning film and Broadway musical.
Frozen JR. brings Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the magical kingdom of Arendelle to life in a heartwarming story of love, bravery, and the power of true friendship. Featuring iconic songs such as “Let It Go,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “For the First Time in Forever,” this adaptation is specially designed for young performers, with age-appropriate vocal ranges, dialogue, and runtime.
Throughout the week, campers will rehearse and perform Frozen JR., learning music, choreography, blocking, and storytelling while developing healthy vocal technique, strong acting fundamentals, and ensemble skills. Students will work collaboratively to bring this magical story to the stage, with an emphasis on confidence-building, creativity, and teamwork.
This camp is ideal for both first-time performers and experienced young actors. Roles are cast thoughtfully with attention to age, experience, and developmental readiness. Every camper plays an important part in telling the story, whether featured or in the ensemble.
The week culminates in a fully staged performance for family and friends, celebrating each student’s artistic growth and hard work.
✨ No prior theatre experience required — just a willingness to learn, collaborate, and have fun!
-
Musical theatre singing with healthy, age-appropriate vocal technique
-
Acting through character, story, and emotional connection
-
Age-appropriate choreography and stage movement
-
Ensemble collaboration and confidence-building
-
Stage etiquette, rehearsal discipline, and performance skills
All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI.
Any video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.
Book by Jennifer Lee
Based on the Disney film Frozen written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee.
Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions.
Session II: Rising 3rd-9th Grade
Full Day Camp 9:00am – 4:00pm
Dates July 20 – July 25
Performances – July 24, July 25
$415 per individual sign-up
or
$370 for two or more sign-ups
Description:
Travel from imperial Russia to the elegance of 1920s Paris in this immersive, performance-focused musical theatre camp featuring Anastasia: Youth Edition.
Based on the beloved animated film and the acclaimed Broadway musical, Anastasia: Youth Edition tells the sweeping story of Anya, a young woman on a journey to uncover her past and claim her future. With lush music, rich storytelling, and complex characters, this show offers teen performers the opportunity to explore themes of identity, courage, resilience, and belonging through musical theatre.
Throughout the two-week camp, students will rehearse and perform scenes and songs from Anastasia: Youth Edition, developing vocal strength, emotional depth, character connection, and ensemble awareness. Rehearsals emphasize professional rehearsal practices, collaboration, and artistic growth in a supportive, age-appropriate environment.
This camp is designed for older students ready to take the next step in their musical theatre training. Campers will engage in deeper character analysis, storytelling through song, scene work, and movement, while refining stage presence and performance confidence. Roles are cast with thoughtful consideration of age, experience, and vocal readiness, ensuring every student is challenged and supported.
The camp concludes with a fully staged performance for families, showcasing each performer’s growth, discipline, and commitment to the ensemble.
This camp is ideal for students who love storytelling and are eager to deepen their musical theatre technique and performance skills.
-
Musical theatre vocals with emphasis on healthy, sustainable technique
-
Character development and emotionally grounded storytelling
-
Scene work, blocking, and purposeful movement
-
Ensemble collaboration and stagecraft
-
Confidence, discipline, and artistic expression
All authorized performance materials are supplied by Concord Theatricals.
Any video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Book by Terrence McNally
Based on the Twentieth Century Fox Motion Picture Anastasia.
Audition Details:
To participate, students must submit a video audition to elle.ames@good-shepherd.net. Submission date to be decided.
Auditions should include:
- A 16–32 bar cut of a song that showcases your voice (not from
Anastasia). - A 1-minute monologue (also not from the show).
Stay tuned for more details.
Performances:
- One show on Friday, Aug. 7
- Two shows on Saturday, Aug. 8
Location: The Church of the Good Shepherd, Burke, Va
Spaces are limited, and this show is sure to be a highlight of the summer.
Questions?
Contact Elle Ames at elle.ames@good-shepherd.net.
Two Week Intensive
Rising 8th – 12th
Full Day Camp 9:00am – 5:00pm
Dates July 27 – August 8
(No Camp on Aug. 1 or Aug. 2)
Performances –
Friday the 7th at 7p
Saturday the 8th at 2p & 7p
$615 per individual sign-up
or
$570 per student when registering two or
more performers from the same household.
Camp Directors
Camp Director, Artistic Director, & Music Director
Elle Ames is a dedicated and passionate theater educator with over a decade of experience. She is an “artist” at finding unique and inclusive ways to nurture artistic growth and celebrates each student’s individuality through various artistic techniques.
As the Founder and President of Ames Performing Arts, Elle offers private voice coaching and performance coaching to students of all ages. She created and continues to teach a variety of original courses at Ames Performing Arts, where she fosters a supportive and creative environment for students to grow artistically. Elle is also a talented performing artist, having participated in numerous theatrical productions along the East Coast. At Good Shepherd, she serves as the Director of Children’s & Youth Music Ministry. Additionally she can be seen performing on stage; most recently seen in A Christmas Story: The Musical, with The Pickwick Players.
Elle also taught original courses and camps at The Little Theater of Alexandria (LTA) from 2020 to 2023, where she created and taught theater classes for young students (K-9th grade), focusing on imaginative play and acting technique.
Elle’s fervent pursuit of a Master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology reflects her unwavering passion and commitment to her personal and professional growth. Her academic immersion has deepened her connection with students and enhanced her own performance experiences. By exploring the nuances of human emotion and behavior, she delivers powerful and engaging performances that resonate with audiences. These skills also translate into her directorial and staging experiences.
One of her greatest sources of pride stems from the profound lessons she has learned from her students. She recognizes the paramount importance of providing a safe environment for students and is committed to methods that make students feel supported by her and their peers.
Artistic Director & Choreographer
TIMOTHY R. KING is a playwright, teacher, and performer in the Washington, DC area. His plays include MacWHAT?! (which was named Best of the Fringe and Best Comedy by DCMTA); Planet Claire, and Snow, like, White and the Dwarfs in venues and programs including DC Fringe, Young Actors’ Theatre, Rabble Crew Productions, Next Day Theatre, Maryland Ensemble Theatre, and Adventure Theatre. Two of his plays (Life is Not Always Beautiful and Malevolence) were finalists in the Shakespeare in the Burg Festival. His short play, Creation, was translated into Danish (Skabelse) and filmed by Team Teatret in Herning, Denmark. Life Is Not Always Beautiful has been published by Smith Scripts. As an actor, favorite roles include Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Frank in Rocky Horror Show, and Lady Macbeth. He has performed at Arena Stage, Folger Theatre, Adventure Theatre, Little Theatre of Alexandria, and Maryland Ensemble Theatre. 2022 marks his 20th year teaching Theatre at Irving Middle School.
Check Out Our Pics From Previous Summer Camps!
