REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
SUMMER STARS
JUNE 23 - AUGUST 15, 2025
Monday – Friday, 9am – 1pm
A fun weekly program for children, ages 8 – 14,
exploring the magic of theater and art!
Summer Stars is MV Playhouse’s small, friendly weekly camp for children ages 8-14. We focus on creating theater and exploring artistic expression through original play-making, music, movement, improvisation, character development and performance. Year-round islanders and summer visitors become friends and learn to work together. We provide engaging individualized and small group experiences. When weather permits, campers perform on Fridays in the idyllic Tisbury Amphitheater! Camp is open to children of all abilities. Summer Stars is staffed by theater professionals and junior counselors who are veterans of the program.
Enrollment may be limited. Some weeks fill up quickly.
No drop-ins.
*Please register using the link below.
We offer scholarships and financial aid. We want every child who has a passion for theater to have the opportunity to attend Summer Stars. Please ask us how we can help to make that happen!
TO REGISTER: Registration Forms below.
*Advance registration is required.
TO REGISTER
FOR CAMP RATES
2025 WEEKLY THEMES
Week One: Folk Tales from Afar
June 23 – 27
Every culture has its own folktales and fables. This week, we’ll go around the globe to discover and perform some of these culturally significant stories.
Week Two: Poetry & Performance & July 4th Parade
June 30 – July 3* (Prorated week)
This week is different! From Monday through Thursday, camp will be held as usual. We’ll write our own original poetry and creative writing pieces to present in an exciting and expressive performance. Our activities will also include creating some decorations for our 4th of July parade float. On Friday, campers are invited to ride on the MV Playhouse float in the Edgartown parade! Camp fees are pro-rated for this week.
Week Three: Ancient Greek Week
July 7 – 11
Where did theater start? Back to Ancient Greece we go to learn about the origins of comedy and tragedy, mask and myth – and have some fun along the way!
Week Four: Shakespeare in the Park
July 14 – 18
‘Tis the week to study and perform Shakespeare!
Week Five: Vineyard Historical Fiction
July 21 – 25
What was it like to live on Martha’s Vineyard in the past? We will explore and perform exciting historical tales from our island.
Week Six: Living Art Museum
July 28 – August 1
Every painting tells a story, and a picture is worth a thousand words. This week, we will bring works of art to vivid life on the stage!
Week Seven: Fairy Tales
August 4 – 8
A Summer Stars favorite — we’ll write and perform our own fabulous fairy tales this week!
Week Eight: Jesters, Tricksters & Fools
August 11 – 15
This will be a madcap week of comedy and pranks and Shakespearean fools all in one original performance piece!
Our 2025 Staff
Elizabeth Hartford - Camp Director
Liz Hartford is delighted to return to MV Playhouse for another magical summer with Summer Stars! Since 2008, Liz has served in many roles at the Playhouse, including Camp Director and actor in both outdoor amphitheater and mainstage productions. Liz earned a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Saint Michael’s College and received classical training from the British American Drama Academy as well as Shakespeare and Company. She has toured, acted and directed across the U.S. with Missoula Children’s Theatre, The National Theatre for Arts and Education and American Family Theatre. Currently, she teaches at Ward After-School Program in Newton, MA where she directs productions with kindergarten through fifth graders, in addition to performing with local theatre companies in Boston. She is also a proud member of Laughter League, the team of healthcare clowns at Boston Children’s Hospital. In addition to Summer Stars, you can catch Liz on the mainstage as Miss Hall in “Chilmark!”
Malika Khelalfa - Senior Counselor
Malika Khelalfa was born and raised on the Vineyard and returns to Summer Stars this year as Senior Counselor. She first started as a camper and then as a junior counselor. Malika’s first role at MV Playhouse was at age 3 in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As a child, she also played Gerda in The Snow Queen. Most recently she has performed with The Fabulists. She is a 2025 graduate of MVRHS and an incoming freshman at American University.