Embark on a transformative summer journey at Bijou Theatre Summer Camps and Workshops, where education meets the stage in a uniquely enriching experience. Tailored for students aged 6-17, our programs go beyond performance, offering a holistic approach to learning through the art of theatre. Picture yourself honing your skills and taking center stage in one of Tennessee’s oldest theatres, a setting that breathes history and inspiration.

At Bijou, we believe in the profound educational benefits that theatre imparts on young minds. From building confidence and fostering teamwork to enhancing communication skills, our camps are designed to empower youth through the expressive medium of performance arts. It’s not just about making friends and creating memories (although you’ll do plenty of that too!), but also about cultivating a lifelong appreciation for creativity and the arts.

Join us for an educational adventure where every moment is a stepping stone towards personal growth, artistic discovery, and a deeper understanding of the transformative power of theatre. Elevate your summer with Bijou Theatre, where the stage is your classroom and the lessons extend far beyond the spotlight.

Thank you for another successful year of summer programs!

Week Long Camps:

The Bijou Young Friends Summer Musical Camp **THIS CAMP IS FULL.**
Ages: 9-13
Dates: June 3^rd – June 7^th from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily
Cost: $300
Focus: Vocal Techniques, Dance Basics, Acting Basics, Musical Theatre, Improvisation

Description: This week’s camp session will focus on the world of musical theatre with dancing, acting, and singing. Students will learn to apply characterization to songs and dances, learn beginner singing techniques, learn two choreographed dances, and more. Students will work together to create a showcase for family and friends to be held after camp with selections from The Wizard of Oz (The Jitterbug), The Little Mermaid Musical (Poor Unfortunate Souls), and Annie (Hard Knock Life). This fun-filled week will also include a sing-along, theatre games, lessons from guest artists, a karaoke pizza party, and much more!

The Bijou Musical Boot Camp
Ages: 13-17
Dates: June 17^th  – June 21^st from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily
Cost: $350
Focus: Vocal Techniques, Advanced Lyrical Dance Routines, Acting Techniques, Stage Direction

Description: The Bijou Musical Boot Camp isn’t for your average student; it’s specifically designed for students who live, breathe, and dream all things Broadway. Students will be challenged with advanced acting, dancing, and singing lessons while preparing a performance featuring songs from Dear Evan Hansen (You Will Be Found), Something Rotten (A Musical), Newsies (Seize the Day), and Wicked the Musical (No One Mourns the Wicked).

Students will need to have prepared 16-32 bars of any musical theatre song with a backing track and a 60-second monologue before camp begins. These materials must be memorized as they will be used during college audition workshops.

**NEW CAMP ALERT** The Bijou Lil’ Buddies Summer Camp **THIS CAMP IS FULL.**
Ages: 6-9
Dates: July 8^th – July 12^th from 9:00 am-2:00 pm daily
Cost: $300
Focus: Acting Basics, Improvisation, Visual Arts, Memorization, Literacy

Description: We had so much fun learning and performing with the older kiddos; we had to create something for the youngest of our rising stars!  During this fun-filled week, students will get creative as they bring to life fairy tale classics, help turn them into a script, and perform them for friends and family. Students will learn about acting basics, set design, artistic expression, and more!

The Bijou Young Friends Summer Acting Camp **THIS CAMP IS FULL.**
Ages: 9-13
Dates: July 22^nd – July 26^th  from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily
Cost: $300
Focus: Theatre Basics, Improvisation, Creative Writing, Scene Study

Description: This fun-filled camp will focus on acting basics to fine-tune your budding performer’s skills! From improvisation games to scene studies to writing a brand new script, your students will leave the week feeling more confident and creative on stage. For this year’s end-of-the-week performance, students will work together to create a comedic parody that focuses on the storied history of the Bijou Theatre.

Something Wicked This Way Comes Workshop – **THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED**
Ages: 9-13
Dates: July 20^th from 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Cost: $60
Focus: Theatre Basics, Shakespeare Studies

Description: Studying Shakespeare is critical in a young actor’s education. Join us as we dig deep into the prose of history’s greatest playwright by using the Bard’s most magical, fantastical characters as a learning guide.

What you need to know:
Children will need to bring a bagged lunch and a water bottle.  Comfortable, movable clothing and shoes are required. Sandals, flip-flops, and gum are not allowed.

Each week-long camp will conclude with an exceptional performance at the Bijou Theatre at 2 pm on the last day of camp.

Friends and family are invited!

Camp Rules & Guidelines:
Creating a safe and welcoming environment for our summer camp students is vital to our staff and instructors. Please read through these rules and guidelines thoroughly with your camper to ensure a positive experience for all:

• The theatre is a judgment-free zone. Bullying or disrespectful comments will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal from the camp.
• Always listen to the instructors and camp directors. The Bijou Theatre is a historic building that houses many pieces of expensive equipment. Failure to listen to safety rules when given could result in broken equipment or personal injury.
• Learn from your classmates and respect their different ideas and opinions. In the performing arts world, there is a general rule that you should learn from all. No idea is too little, and all views should be respected.
• Wear appropriate clothing to camp. No sandals or flip-flops are allowed – closed-toed shoes only. Please make sure students wear outfits that are easy to move in.
• Respect instructors’ casting decisions and applaud fellow campers if they received coveted roles, dance solos, or vocal parts. Every camper will get a unique opportunity to shine.
• Attendance is crucial for camp! Each week focuses on an ambitious lesson plan that results in a public performance at the end of the week. One missed day can drastically impact the efforts of other campers.
• Come to camp with a positive attitude and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. That activity that scares you the most just might become your favorite or biggest skill!

Meet Your Camp Director:
The Bijou’s Operations Manager, Nathan McGhee, will conduct this year’s camps and workshops.

McGhee has been involved in the theatre world for almost twenty years across the region. Locally, he has worked with (onstage and off) the Tennessee Stage Company, Encore Theatrical Company, Morristown Theatre Guild, Theatre Knoxville Downtown, and Flying Anvil Theatre. Some notable performances have included Macbeth (Witch), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Brad), and Sweeney Todd (Tobias). He holds seven years of dance experience and three years of vocal training. McGhee also boasts numerous national acting titles in forensics, speech and debate, and storytelling competitions.

After studying Theatre Education, he has hosted numerous camps, workshops, and educational initiatives across the region with various nonprofits and Knox County Schools. He has also directed multiple children’s theatre productions (The Hobbit: The Musical, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Harriet Pohter the Musical, etc.) and regularly coaches acting students for local and college auditions.  He is incredibly excited to get back into the world of theatre and to help guide (and have lots of fun!) our community’s rising stars.

For questions or concerns, please get in touch with Nathan McGhee at nathan@knoxbijou.org or 865-522-0832 ext. 207.