Registration for 2023 is now OPEN!
SUMMER STARS
JUNE 26 - AUGUST 18, 2023
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.
Star Membership
A “Star Membership” is required for each camper attending Summer Stars. Star Memberships are an annual tax-deductible donation of $50 per child. Membership is valid for a full year from the date you sign up and applies to all Playhouse children’s programming. A Star Membership also provides discounts for all child-friendly Playhouse performances.
*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 and Star Membership Forms below.
*Please fill out BOTH forms to complete registration.
*Advance registration is required.
For Registration:
For Star Membership Registration:
For Camp Rates:
WEEKLY THEMES 2023
*Themes are subject to change
Week One: Folk Tales from Afar
June 26 – 30
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: 4th of July Parade and Poetry & Performance
July 5 – 7* (Prorated week – no charge for July 3 & 4)
This week is different! On Monday, campers are invited to help finish decorating our parade float and on Tuesday, they can ride on the MV Playhouse float in the parade! Then, for three days, it’s the week to express yourself! We’ll write our own original poetry and creative writing pieces to present in an exciting and expressive performance. Camp fees are pro-rated for this week.
Week Three: Ancient Greek Week
July 10 – 14
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 17 – 21
‘Tis the week to study and perform Shakespeare!
Week Five: Vineyard Historical Fiction
July 24 – 28
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: Acting Out Art
July 31 – August 4
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 7 – 11
A Summer Stars favorite — we’ll write and perform our own fabulous fairy tales this week!
Week Eight: Theater for Change
August 14 – 18
This week we’ll examine how theater can help promote positive change in the world, and create performances based on issues important to our campers.
Meet Our Staff!
Katherine Reid, Camp Director
A native islander and University of Vermont Theatre, Art, and Anthropology graduate, Katherine has been playing and working at MV Playhouse since age 8. She has served as Camp Director since 2018 and has worn many hats at the Playhouse and throughout her theatrical career, on and off stage. In addition to Children’s Programming, Katherine serves on the Marketing & Development team. She is so excited for another great season of Summer Stars!
Liz Hartford
Liz Hartford is no stranger to the Playhouse, having served in many roles since 2008 including as director of Summer Stars. Over the years, she has appeared in Playhouse productions at the Tisbury Amphitheater and on the Patricia Neal Stage. With a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Saint Michael’s College, Liz has toured the U.S., and directed with the Missoula Children’s Theatre. Currently, she teaches at an after-school program where she directs up to 50 kindergarten through fifth graders at a time. In addition, she performs with local theatre companies in Boston. This year she joined the team at Boston Children’s Hospital as a healthcare clown, and is loving it. Liz is thrilled to return to the island and Summer Stars for the summer of 2023!