Mark your calendars and stay tuned for registration details! Questions? Email summercamp@chiarts.org.
đź“… July 7-25, 2025 | ⏰ 9 AM – 2 PM (Monday-Friday)
đź“Ť ChiArts | 2714 W Augusta Blvd., Chicago, IL 60622
ChiArts Summer Experience (formerly known as ChiArts Summer Camp) is back and bigger than ever! This summer, middle schoolers will embark on an immersive three-week journey in the arts, exploring their craft in exciting, hands-on workshops while also collaborating on a full production to be performed on the final day of camp (July 25). Coordinated and taught by ChiArts teaching artists and alumni, this experience gives young artists the chance to create, grow, and discover in a dynamic, pre-professional arts environment.
Who is this experience for?
ChiArts Summer Experience is designed for middle school students (grades 6-8) eager to dive into the arts, and recent 8th-grade graduates. Our Band section will also be welcoming musicians in grades 4-8. Whether on stage, behind the scenes, or creating new work, students will expand their artistic horizons and build lasting connections with fellow young artists.
What to Expect
- A hands-on, holistic arts curriculum in Creative Writing, Dance, Band, Voice, Theatre, and Visual Arts
- Students will dive deep into their art form; writers will craft stories and poems, dancers will refine their technique, musicians will hone their skills, and visual artists will bring creative visions to life
- In addition to developing a feature production (title announcement soon!), students will explore independent projects, collaborate with peers, and engage in artistic workshops
- Creative Writing students will experience a day in the life of a writer through storytelling and immersing themselves in dramaturgy for the show
- Dance and Theatre students will prepare for the stage, learning choreography and acting techniques while also exploring performance beyond the production
- Visual Arts students will not only contribute to set design but also explore a variety of artistic mediums and techniques
- Music students (Band and Voice) will study instrumental scores, play the overture, sing in the production, and develop their vocal and instrumental skillsets through ensemble and solo work
- Mentorship from current ChiArts scholar-artists during the final week
- Hosted at ChiArts, this experience offers a true sneak peek into life as a scholar-artist
Cost & Scholarships
The full cost of the ChiArts Summer Experience is $1,300 for the three-week program. We are committed to making this opportunity accessible to all students and sliding scale scholarships are available. When registration opens, families will have the opportunity to apply for assistance through a simple digital form.
Why ChiArts Summer Experience?
This isn’t just a camp, it’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to train like a ChiArts scholar-artist. Students will experience the holistic teaching that makes ChiArts so special while gaining valuable insights into a pre-professional arts education. Whether or not ChiArts is in a student’s future, this experience will ignite a passion for the arts and fuel creative growth!
ChiArts Summer Experience is hosted by The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) and led by faculty and teaching artists. As Chicago’s first public arts high school, ChiArts provides tuition-free, pre-professional arts training alongside a college-prep academic curriculum. This program is made possible through the generosity of ChiArts Foundation donors, who support accessible arts education for all young artists.