Does my child need experience in the arts to participate in a camp at the Wortham Center?
No experience is necessary for any camp at the Wortham Center, only an open mind! If your child is just starting out in the arts, Creative Arts Camps allow kids to sample many different arts forms in a low-pressure environment.
What spaces will be used for camp?
Wortham Center has three state-of-the-art learning and performance spaces, all of which will be used during summer camps.
- Tina McGuire Theatre: an intimate black box theatre where daily classes and the final showcase will be held
- Henry LaBrun Studio: a fully-equipped dance and movement studio perfect for classes and activities
- Diana Wortham Theatre: our main theater space, a 500-seat venue where students will take a behind-the-scenes look at a professional roadhouse.
Campers will also have a chance to enjoy the sunshine with supervised breaks and activities in our back courtyard.
Where do I drop off and pick up my child at the Wortham Center?
Drop-off and pick-up begins 30 minutes before start of camp and ends 30 minutes after camp concludes behind the Wortham Arts Center on S. Market Street, between Court Plaza and Eagle Street, directly across from the police/fire department. Please see this map for reference.
At drop-off, Wortham team members will be on S. Market Street to welcome and check in each student. Parents are welcome to just drop off or find street parking and walk your child to be checked in. The same traffic pattern will be followed at the end of day for pick-up.
On the final day, campers will host an open house sharing for family and friends. Parking tips for the Friday Sharing can be found here.
What times can I drop off and pick up my child?
Drop off begins no earlier than 8:30 am, or 30 minutes before the start of camp.
Pick up ends 30 minutes after camp ends.
What should my child bring to camp?
Campers should bring a water bottle, a snack that does not need to be refrigerated, a lunch that does not need to be refrigerated, and any materials that have been assigned during their camp experience.
We respectfully ask that toys, phones, stuffed animals, electronics, or other items that will distract other campers from daily activities be left at home.
What should my child wear at camp?
Campers should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that allows for movement and creative play both indoors and outdoors. Since campers will spend time in air-conditioned spaces as well as outside in the summer heat, layers are encouraged. Please dress children in clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for running, jumping, dancing, stretching, climbing, and floor activities. Campers are encouraged to wear their camp t-shirt as often as possible throughout the week and are required to wear it on the final day for the Open House Sharing.
How can I pay for camps?
Payments can be made online or by calling the Box Office at 828-257-4530 x1.
Can I get a refund for camp?
All sales are final. No refunds can be processed for Summer Camps.
Are scholarships available for Summer Camps?
Arts For All Kids scholarship opportunities exist to help ensure accessibility for families experiencing a range of financial circumstances. For more information, contact Shana Tucker, Director of Education & Engagement, shana@worthamarts.org.
If I apply for a scholarship, do I also need to register for camp?
If you plan to apply for scholarship assistance, please complete the scholarship application first; do not pay for camp until you have received notification on the status of your award. Scholarships are processed on a rolling basis based on availability. Families will be notified of their awards via email, with instructions to complete the Registration Form to officially enroll your camper. If there is a balance due for partial scholarship, the Box Office will also send an invoice and be in touch via phone to assist you in paying the registration fee. Once the fee is paid, your camper is officially registered and enrolled in camp.
As a parent or guardian, am I allowed to sit in on my child’s camp?
Our camps are closed to parents and visitors to create a safe and focused environment. Friends and family are welcome to join us on the last day of camp for a final sharing and showcase. Please contact Shana Tucker, Education & Engagement Director at shana@worthamarts.org have a conversation about how we can help create the most positive camp experience possible for your child.
My child is very advanced for their age. Can they take camp with an older group?
Students are intentionally divided into age-appropriate classes based on emotional and cognitive development. Additionally, we choose content that is exciting and relevant to each age group. For these reasons, we stick to the age and grade parameters set for each program.
Do you have additional questions? Email shana@worthamarts.org.
