Summer Intensives
An elevated summer camp for the young artist who wants to be challenged, make friends, and have fun.
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DANCE
Session 1
Two-week intensives
June 8 - 18
Weekdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dance
Grades 7, 8, 9
This dynamic program will immerse you in the day to day training of The Chicago Academy for the Arts Dance Department. This Summer Intensive will focus on ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary techniques as well as improvisation, partnering and body conditioning. Students will also learn repertoire performed by the Chicago Academy for the Arts students. Classes will be taught by Academy faculty, master teachers, and current working professionals from companies like Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Giordano Dance Chicago, and Visceral Dance Company.
For students heading into 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in the fall of 2026.
Cost: $995
Dance
Grades 4, 5, 6
This engaging program is perfect for the younger dancer. If you are just starting out and want to know what it takes to one day attend The Chicago Academy for the Arts this is the dance program for you. We will guide dancers through proper body mechanics using conditioning, ballet, jazz and modern dance. This program will also help younger dancers explore their creativity and collaborative skills with improvisation tools that prompt students to begin thinking for themselves and putting those thoughts into movement while building confidence.
For students heading into 4th, 5th, or 6th grade in the fall of 2026.
Cost: $995
Session 2
One-week intensive
June 22 - 26
Weekdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Choreography
Description and registration coming soon.
Media Arts
Session 1
Two-week intensives
June 8 - 18
Weekdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Students will explore the twelve principles of animation through a variety of technical and creative projects. By developing storyboards, illustrations, and character designs, they will be able to experiment with classic 2d animation techniques.
Using accessible tools and industry-standard software, students will plan, design, and animate their own short animations.
On the last day of the program, students, friends, and family will come together for a screening of their projects.
For students heading into 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in the fall of 2026.
Cost: $995
2D Animation
Students will work collaboratively to explore storytelling through film and photography. They will learn the basics of using a DSLR camera, composition, lighting, and how to visually tell a story.
They will dive into the pre-production, production, and post-production processes including script writing, audio recording, filming, color, and editing.
At the end of the 2 weeks, there will be a screening of students’ short films. All are welcome to join!
No prior experience is necessary, but students should be prepared with a readiness to collaborate, and a passion for learning!
For students heading into 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in the fall of 2026.
Cost: $995
Film & Photography
Session 2
One-week intensive
June 22 - 26
Weekdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Creative Writing
Description and registration coming soon.
MUSIC
Session 1
Two-week intensive
June 8 - 18
Weekdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Songwriting for Creative Musicians
Join passionate young musicians to create powerful original music!
Students in the Music Department Summer Program will work collaboratively to create, record, and perform an EP of three original songs in The Academy's professional recording studio. The music created will be powerful and express the emotions and thoughts young people have about topics of their choice.
Each day, students will take classes in songwriting, composition, instrumental/vocal technique, and musicianship.
For students heading into 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in the fall of 2026.
Cost: $995
Session 2
One-week intensives
June 22 - 26
Weekdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
String Intensive
Description and registration coming soon.
Piano Intensive
Description and registration coming soon.
Voice Intensive
Description and registration coming soon.
musical theatre & Theatre
Session 1
Two-week intensive
June 8 - 18
Weekdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
History Has Its Eyes On You
A Musical Review
Spend the summer and explore transformative works in American Theater and Musical Theater! This performance core intensive provides theater/musical theater training, joy, and ensemble building for the future artistic leaders of our world (your youth!). The program culminates in a final showcase presented by the full ensemble, taking the audience down memory lane of theater history and allowing us all to imagine what the future can be.
For students heading into 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in the fall of 2026.
Cost: $995
Session 2
One-week intensive
June 22 - 26
Weekdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Songs & Scenes
Professional coaching
Description and registration coming soon.
The Art of the Self Tape
On Camera Acting
Are you ready to level up your on-camera acting skills? Whether you’re curious about how self-tape auditions work or dream of someday signing with a talent agent and acting in TV or movies, this week-long camp is the perfect place to start.
Students will learn how to create confident, professional on-screen auditions with every take. Industry professionals will share insider tips on auditioning for commercials, television series, and performing polished monologues on camera.
Perfect for curious beginners and experienced young performers alike!
For students heading into 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade.
Cost: $550
Session 1
visual arts
Two-week intensive
June 8 - 18
Weekdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, and Sculpture
Students will work from observation and their imagination, expressing their ideas in both two and three-dimensional forms in painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Special activities will include a museum visit to discuss and emphasize the connections between art history and contemporary art. The week will culminate in a collaborative exhibition of student work in our department’s gallery.
This program is a perfect opportunity for students of various levels of experience – from those who may have had few formal classes to those who already have a developed interest – to further discover and challenge their potential and passion for making art.
For students heading into 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in the fall of 2026.
Cost: $995
Students will deepen their understanding of composition, proportion, perspective, and value while strengthening their observational drawing skills. The course introduces students to develop their artistic voice and self-expression through their practice. Students will experiment with materials such as graphite, ink, charcoal, and conté, exploring a wide range of mark-making techniques. Studio work will include drawing from observation through still life, portraiture, and perspective. The course concludes with a gallery presentation showcasing student work created throughout the session.
The advanced drawing program is designed for students with previous drawing experience and established skills.
For students heading into 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in the fall of 2026.
Cost: $995
Advanced Drawing
Session 2
One-week intensive
June 22 - 26
Weekdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Chicago Architecture
Description and registration coming soon.
Life Changing experiences
Students in the Middle School Programs have the unique opportunity to study with working professional faculty who are leaders in their fields.
Our educators include performers from the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, dancers from The Joffrey Ballet, award-winning filmmakers, and more.
With guidance from these accomplished artists, students receive hands-on training that offers a deep, real-world understanding of the arts.
Professional Arts Instructors
In The Academy’s Middle School Programs, students don’t just learn about technique— they apply it.
Whether they are producing an EP in our Music Program or preparing an audition-ready monologue in the Theatre/Musical Theatre Program, application is at the heart of each department’s curriculum.
Hands-on
Art-Making
Community is a key part of The Academy Method.
Through project collaboration and shared experiences, students in the Middle School Programs start building their artistic networks earlier than other young artists— many leaving with lifelong friends.
Peer Collaboration
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS FAQ
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The Saturday Program is for students currently in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade regardless of age.
The Summer Program is for students heading into 7th, 8th, or 9th grade, also regardless of age.
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The Saturday Program is $475 for both sessions or $250 for one session.
The Summer Program is $995.
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Yes. Please email Program Coordinator Sarah Grant to pay your registration fee in installments.