Frequently Asked Questions

The mission of US Performing Arts Camps is to promote and develop the growth of performing artists in America.

Q: What are the faculty's qualifications?
A: Most of our programs are directed as a recruiting outreach by the university department where they are located and draw from their highly distinguished faculty. All our directors and faculty are selected for their artistic and professional accomplishments as well as for their teaching and mentoring skills. See our Experts section for faculty bio's.
Directors and Faculty are subject to change without notice.

Q: What is the student/teacher ratio?
A: Our ratio of faculty/mentors to camper is 1 to 10.

Q: How are students grouped?
A: In some dance technique and acting classes students will be grouped by ability and experience. In those classes where students benefit most by a collaborative experience and peer interaction there will be an array of abilities. Students attending dance classes will be assessed and grouped on technique, not years of experience. The low faculty/student ratio will enable the instructor to give individual attention to each camper.

Q. What do some of the past camper's families say about the camps?
A:"I was so impressed with the professionalism this camp had to offer. My daughter, Carolyn, has been to other acting camps, but this one goes a step beyond any others encountered. It was completely organized, in a safe and clean environment with great accommodations and food, in addition to top-notch training, all well worth the investment."
Dorothy Cannon Madans, Charlotte, NC

"Our family's experience with the US Performing Arts camp was superb! Our daughter attended the Dance camp on the UCLA campus. It was very professional, well-organized, kid-centered and tons of fun."
The Lowe Family, San Rafael, CA

Q: Will my child be safe?
A: The safety and well-being of our campers is a top priority of our directors and staff. Campers are supervised 24 hours a day. The mentor staff lives in the residence halls with the campers and joins in all their evening activities.

Q: What about drugs and alcohol?
A: Drugs, alcohol, smoking, and sexual activity are strictly forbidden and constitute, along with general misconduct, grounds for immediate dismissal from camp without a refund.

Q: Will there be off campus trips?
A: Yes, some of the camps will be taking curriculum-enhancing field trips. These trips will be completely supervised within our faculty/student ratio in safe vans or buses with approved drivers.
Some camps will also include fun day-trips to area attractions.

Q: What recreational activities will be available?
A: Each of our residential campsites offers full recreational facilities, including swimming, for use by our campers. Campers will have time to enjoy these supervised recreational activities.

Q: Can my student attend the camp as a day student?
A: A benefit to attending a US Performing Arts program is the opportunity to "try on" a college experience. Therefore, most our university and college camps are residential programs. We offer extended day programs in New York City, , and at Univerity of New Mexico. Please read about it on the website.

Q: How are the room accommodations?
A: US Performing Arts Camps are located on the finest campuses in the country. The residence halls offer up-to-date, clean and safe rooms for our campers' accommodations. Most of our accommodations are double occupancy although occasionally we will group students in a triple room due to the number of campers and gender breakdown. Campers can request a roommate and we will attempt to honor the request.

Q: Will my child like the food?
A: All of our college campuses offer a wide variety of exceptionally outstanding food. Every camper should be able to find good nutritional choices that they will enjoy eating.

Q: Will my child need to bring any equipment from home?
A: Yes, some of the camps will publish a list of items (clothes, shoes, and equipment) that they would like their students to bring with them. For example, the Playwriting/Screenwriting Camp recommends that each student bring a laptop computer and tape recorder with them. The acting and musical theater camps also suggest their campers bring a small tape recorder. Other camps may also list some requests in their Registration Packet.

Q: What are the Lab Fees?
A: Lab fees are used for tape stock, DVDs, and editing room facilities and equipment associated with some of the media camps.

Q: Can you recommend an amount of spending money for the week?
A: Our experience suggests about $60 for the week. This will include any souvenirs, or special activities and a camp picture. Students often like to make purchases at the Student Bookstore. Campers staying over the weekend to attend another camp will have the option of pre-registering and paying for special weekend activities. Movie money for anyone staying over the weekend is also recommended.

Q: What if my child wants to participate in more than one camp?
A: Many of our campers take multiple camps. Campers may choose to enroll in as many additional camp weeks as they would like to maximize their learning experience and fun! There is an additional fee of $100 per night for resident campers who stay for the weekends between consecutive camps. This fee covers room and meals. Campers staying over between sessions are fully supervised and participate in organized activities. If attending more than one week, the $150 non-refundable registration fee will only need to be paid once per camper.

Q: What will the Information Packet include?
A: Immediately after registering you will receive an email confirmation that you are registered in the camp of your choice. In late May or early June you will receive an Information Packet that will include all of the particulars for your specific camp. It will contain all the information you need for arriving at camp, performance and certificate ceremony, camp phone numbers, health forms, transportation needs, policies, checklist of things to bring, travel form, roommate request, and any other particulars the director may need you to know. It will also include airport arrival and departure instructions.

Q: Is transportation to and from the airport available?
A: Yes, transportation is available at all sites, but only to specific airports. Call 1.888.497.3553, check the website for details, or see the Information Packet for transportation details before making travel arrangements.

Q: What does tuition include?
A: Tuition includes program, room, and meals exept where noted.

Q: Is there an additional charge for college credit?
A: Yes, there is an additional charge per unit for college credit.

Q: Can I enroll in a program without taking it for college credit?
A: Yes, the tuition quoted is for the program without college credit.

Q: When can I enroll for college credit?
A: You will receive a notice when information for college credit is ready.

Q: How long have your camps been in business?
A: US Performing Arts is the operator of US Performing Arts Camps. We have partnered with America's top universities for the past seven years to give you a combined history of many years of providing young people with access to the training and skills they need to perfect their craft.

Q: Can my student meet friends/family off campus in the evening during the week?
A: No, students can not meet friends/family off campus in the evening during the week. Activities, homework, and rehearsals are scheduled in the evenings and the students need to be present to fully participate.

Q: What about cell phones, iPods, and other electronics?
A: All electronics are welcome, but US Performing Arts is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Students are allowed to bring cell phones to camp. However, all cell phones will be left with mentors during the day. No exceptions. Students will have access to their cell phones in the evenings. This policy is for the students safety and is to ensure that there are no distractions or interruptions during class.
If an emergency situation arises, parents may contact the resident director at the number provided in the information packet.

Q: What does the separate Residence Fee in NYC include?
A: A separate Residence Fee for our NYC one week programs is an additional $700 per week. Students are housed in the one of the suite-style Residence Halls of The New School which includes double occupancy housing and breakfast and dinner each day. Lunch is provided each day as part of the tuition fee. The Room & Board Fee also includes arrival the night before the programs begin so students have the opportunity to "settle in." Students are closely chaperoned Also included are metrocard transportation fees, planned evening activities, including tickets to shows. Students are fully chaperoned and closely supervised.

Q: Why does the Residence Fee for the Atlantic Acting School's 4 week program cost more than the one week programs?
A: A separate Residence Fee for the Atlantic Acting School 's 4 week Summer Teen Ensemble is an additional $750 per week. The fully chaperoned residency during the four week program includes weekend stays. Students are housed in the one of the suite-style Residence Halls of The New School which includes double occupancy housing and three meals each day. The Room & Board Fee also includes arrival the night before the programs begin so students have the opportunity to "settle in." Students are closely chaperoned Also included are metrocard transportation fees, planned evening and weekend activities, including tickets to shows. Students are closely supervised..