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Arts Programs

Actors’ Theatre of Columbus (ATC)

Performing arts theater troupe based in Columbus providing actors of all experience levels a place to strengthen their performing skills. They offer year-round community productions, workshops and classes for adults, and workshops and summer camps for children and teens.
1000 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 444-6888
theactorstheatre.org

BalletMet

Professional ballet troupe offering year-round performances and dance education. They offer various summer camps and classes for toddlers, children, and adults of all skills levels to learn creative movement, ballet, jazz, modern/contemporary, tap, yoga, and more. They also offer intensive learning experiences for advanced dancers. Scholarships are available and some classes are free for the community. Find program details and register online.

  • BalletMet Dance Centre Downtown: 322 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
  • McConnell Arts Center of Worthington: 777 Evening Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085

Main Office: (614) 229-4860
Free Soar on Saturdays Classes with King Arts Complex: (614) 586-8635
balletmet.org

Capriccio Columbus

Capriccio Youth Choir (CYC) provides year-round programming for youth grades 2-12 to develop singing skills, knowledge of music theory, and improve vocal technique through high-quality music education. The Summer Institute is held each July, open to any singer entering grades 2-12 the following school year who want to explore choral music and enhance their singing skills. Financial assistance and sibling discounts are available. Visit the website for contact information.
PO Box 1225, Worthington, Ohio 43085
capricciocolumbus.org/choir/cyc

Center for Architecture & Design

Non-profit promoting accessible architecture and design in Central Ohio. Youth Design Programs include one-week summer camps for Grades 3-8 to experience design through hands-on activities, tours, field trips, presentations, and imaginative games. The High School Design Studio is an immersive two-week experience for  Grades 9-12 in a collegiate-level studio environment to learn from design educators and professionals in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, city and regional planning, interior design, graphic design, industrial design, and engineering. Financial scholarships are available. Find details and apply online.
50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 469-1973
columbuscfad.org

Central Community House

A neighborhood-based community center that serves the near east and near south neighborhoods of Columbus, Ohio. Programs for families include soft skills training, employment assistance, financial education training, emergency housing/rent assistance, nutrition programs, utility services, health care, parenting workshops and more. They partner with Columbus Early Learning Centers to provide childcare. Programs for youth include after-school, summer day camp for kids ages 5-13, and the TRANSIT ARTS center which provides free music and art classes. Village Central Senior Program helps adults ages 60 and older maintain independence and combat isolation by providing transportation services, wellness programs, home repairs, organized social events, community engagement and more. They also have a business training program called  ACE, Academy for Community Entrepreneurs.
1150 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Front Desk/Intake: (614) 252-3157
Village Central Senior Program: (614) 545-2703
TRANSIT ARTS: (614) 732-0198
cchouse.org

Columbus Children’s Choir

Offers vocal instruction and music education year-round to young singers Grades 1-12 in Central Ohio to learn healthy singing, performance skills, and engage in community. No experience is required and financial assistance is available. Register online.
Broad Street Presbyterian Church
760 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 220-5555
columbuschildrenschoir.org

Columbus Children’s Theatre (CCT)

Provides performing arts programming for youth ages 3-18. They offer traveling shows for schools and audition-based, year-round performances for various skill levels. Education opportunities include year-round classes and full-day summer camps for youth to learn acting, writing, costuming, and more. They also offer private lessons in acting, singing, and dance. Scholarships are available. Register online.
177 East Naghten Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-6672
columbuschildrenstheatre.org

Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD)

Offers Creative Summer Workshops for adults and Grades 1-12 to explore their creativity and receive professional art instruction. Classes include art and design, botanical art, printmaking, fashion design, animation, comics, and much more. They also offer Saturday Morning Art Classes for Grades 1-12, and a Pre-College Art residential program for students Grades 10-12 to earn college credit and receive mentorship. Scholarships are available. Register online.
60 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-9101
ccad.edu/take-class/youth-classes-workshops

Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)

CML is an award-winning library and amazing resource in the community. With 23 locations throughout Franklin County, they provide a lot more than just books, including lots of free online resources, specialized programs, and community events.

  • School Help: K-12 students can get after-school homework help, K-3 students can get extra reading practice with Reading Buddies in person or online, HelpNow offers 24/7 online homework help and test prep, and some locations host After School Snacktimes.
  • Kindergarten Readiness: Find Storytimes, Play to Learn, and Kindergarten readiness classes for ages 0-5. They also have Skill Builder videos with activities you can do together at home.
  • Teen Programs: YouMedia Discord for ages 13-17 to work on music, podcasts, videos, and more with skilled mentors; homework and test prep help, and monthly Teen Spotlight videos.
  • Adult Education: They offer ESOL and GED referrals; free technology business, and coding classes; history and genealogy experts, Digital Navigator staff can help you access hardware and software, and Excel Adult High School allows adults to get their high-school degree in an online, self-paced program.
  • Adaptive Services: Request accommodations, adaptive audio and visual equipment, and large print reading materials.

(614) 645-2275
Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
columbuslibrary.org

Columbus Museum of Art (CMA)

Offers exhibitions, events, and classes for the community. Veterans and families who receive SNAP/food vouchers, WIC, or Medicaid receive free admission, including special exhibitions. Families can also access free tickets through Columbus Metropolitan Library Culture Passes, Free Admission Sundays, or $5 tickets on Thursday evenings. They offer Open Studio hours for youth every Saturday, Homeschool Workshops for Grades 1-8, Studio Thinking Workshops for Grades K-12, and Summer Art Workshops for Grades 1-5.
480 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-6801
columbusmuseum.org

Columbus Music & Art Academy

Offers the Columbus International Children’s Choir, art classes, music theory classes, and singing lessons for kids ages 4-18 from Central Ohio communities. Merit-based and financial aid scholarships are available to cover a portion of class fees. They also offer options to schedule a trial class.
Bethel International United Methodist Church
1220 Bethel Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 309-2546
cmaacademy.org

Columbus School for Girls (CSG) Summer Programs

Columbus School for Girls hosts IDEAS Camps, a summer camp for boys and girls ages 3-12 years old. Campers experience art, science, athletics, technology, and more fun activities centered around a weekly theme. Extended care and snack are included.
65 South Drexel Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(844) 516-2267
summercampatideas.com/

Drama Kids of North Columbus

Offers a variety of drama programs including school-based classes, community classes, and summer camps. School-based programs are available at Delaware, Dublin, Olentangy, Upper Arlington, Westerville, and Worthington school districts and are open enrollment. Summer camps and a variety of drama classes are available for Grades K-12. Community classes are available are held at various Recreation & Parks centers, go online for a full schedule.
(740) 201-1070
dramakids.com/north-columbus-oh

Encompass Adoptees

Hosts free monthly support groups for adoptive and foster parents and kinship caregivers, and also separate support groups for adult adoptees and foster care alum. Offers a monthly art studio for foster and adopted youth. Hosts monthly educational webinars for parents, professionals and adult adoptees / foster alum. Serves young adults beyond age 18 as well. Scholarships are available. They also provide coaching and counseling services.
122 South Terrace Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(502) 873-6723
encompassadoptees.org

Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Offers family-friendly exhibits, classes, workshops, and summer camps in gardening, cooking, fine art and wellness. Check the website Calendar for upcoming events and classes, which are sometimes free. General admission is free on the first Sunday of the month for Community Day. Active or Retired service members get $1 off each ticket. SNAP, EBT, WIC and Medicaid recipients get tickets for $3 each with ID and proof of participation.
1777 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 715-8000
fpconservatory.org

Hixon Dance

Dance company and studio in Clintonville, Ohio. They offer classes in a variety of dance styles and somatic movement for ages 2-5, ages 6-12, teens, and adults. ChoreoLab is a student performing ensemble for students to create and perform a dance together. They also offer online classes, private lessons, and week-long summer camps for ages 3-10. You can also book a trial class before enrolling.
5080 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(380) 222-4196
hixondance.com

Jazz Arts Group

Non-profit dedicated to producing, performing, and promoting jazz. Their community performances include PB&J Jazz concerts meant to introduce young children and families of all ages to different styles of jazz. They offer Jazz workshops for kids and adults to hone instrumental or vocal skills. They host a Community Jazz Band for adults, and Columbus Youth Jazz for Grades 7-12. Find program details and register online. Scholarships are available for summer workshop fees.
769 East Long Street 4th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 294-5200
jazzartsgroup.org

Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Columbus

Provides a wide range of recreation and cultural arts opportunities in an inclusive environment defined by Jewish values and culture. All are welcome to participate in their programs. Programs include teen recreation, summer and spring break camps, after school programs, preschool and daycare, fitness classes, theater, and more.
1125 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-2731
columbusjcc.org

King Arts Complex

Connecting community through the arts, they offer visual and performing arts summer camp and “school break” camps in the spring and winter for children ages 5 to 13. They also host community events, such as the Heritage Music Festival, MLK Day Open House and art exhibits at their Elijah Pierce Gallery.
835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 645-5464
kingartscomplex.com

Learn, Sing, and Grow

Offers music and movement classes for ages 4 months to 5 years old. Kindermusik uses dance, storytelling, movement, singing and music to help develop confidence and coordination, improve attention skills, enhance rhythm, creativity and more. Classes have a fee and are offered year-round.
28 North High Street, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 845-2923
learnsingandgrow.com

McConnell Arts Center of Worthington

Arts center offering art exhibits, performances, and programming for families. They offer art classes throughout the year, and summer camps for children and teens. Go online for fees and registration details.
777 Evening Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 431-0329
mcconnellarts.org

Mosaic

Experiential learning program through the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Central Ohio for high school juniors and seniors from public schools in Franklin County. Students attend the program for a half-day for one or two years, and explore the humanities through hands-on projects, field trips, and working directly with local organizations. Go online for application details.
escco.org/MosaicHumanities-BasedEducationExperience.aspx

Ohio Craft Museum

Promotes fine craft artists, offers exhibitions and art classes for the community. They have arts and craft classes, workshops, and summer camps for children, teens and families throughout the year. Go online for fees and registration.
1665 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 486-4402
ohiocraft.org

Ohio State University (OSU) Youth Summer Music Programs

Offers a variety of summer programs for middle school and high school instrumental and vocal musicians. Programs include Jazz Camp, Vocal Arts Camp, OSU Marching Band Clinic, Music Leadership Intensive, and many more. Go online for fees and registration details.
1866 College Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
music.osu.edu/outreach/ysmp2024

Ohio University (OU) High School Journalism Workshop

A summer residential program that offers high school students opportunities to learn the latest journalism techniques and a chance to earn college credit. They offer various session tracks, including broadcast, photojournalism, sports, advertising, podcasting and more. Scholarships are available. Visit the website for contact information.
20 East Union Street, Athens, Ohio 45701
(740) 593-2587
ohio.edu/scripps-college/journalism/special-programs/hsjws

Ohio University Summer Arts Programs

Summer programming through Ohio University’s College of Fine Arts includes pre-college programs for students ages 14-18, Arts for Youth in elementary and middle school, Summer Music Academy for high school musicians and vocalists, and Summer Dance Institute residential experience. Scholarships and financial aid are available. Find program and registration details online.
54 East Union Street, Athens, Ohio 45701
(740) 593-1808
ohio.edu/fine-arts/summer-arts-programs

Otterbein Summer Music Experience

Offers music education to rising 9th through 12th grade composers, pianists, classical vocalists, strings, wind, brass players and percussionists. Students have opportunities to get an introduction to college music training, daily one-on-one instrumental or vocal lessons, musicians’ health, music technology, music history and more. Scholarships are available.
170 West Park Street, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 823-1219
otterbein.edu/events-conferences/summercamps/music-camp

Patternz Summer Camp at The Lincoln

The historic Lincoln Theatre offers year-round performances, community programming, and professional development for artists. Patternz Summer Camp consists of multiple one-week camps for ages 6-13 to spark creativity and gain confidence through multiple art forms, including dance, theater, music and visual arts.
769 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 719-6936
lincolntheatrecolumbus.com/patternz

Princeton University Summer Journalism Program

An intensive, multi-week, residential program for high school juniors from limited-income backgrounds with an interest in journalism. The cost is free, including housing, meals, and travel to and from Princeton. Go online for eligibility and application information.
36 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08544
609-258-0219
psjp.princeton.edu

Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center

Part of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, they offer art classes, workshops, exhibitions, and meeting spaces. They offer year-round week-long and 7-8 week class sessions for youth and adults, which include ceramic, enameling, painting classes and much more. Conversations & Coffee meets every other Thursday for artist talks and community discussion. Class fee assistance is available, find details apply online.
139 West Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-7047
culturalartscenteronline.org/classes-workshops/art-classes

Reynolds Young Writers Workshop

A 8-day residential writing program for high school students (rising juniors and seniors) who love to write. The workshop is held at Denison University. Need-based financial assistance is available.
100 West College Street, Granville, Ohio 43023
(740) 587-6207
reynolds.denison.edu

Shadowbox Live

Local theatre company offering performance art performances and educational programs. Studio 8 Arts Program offers high school students the opportunity to gain professional experience and mentorship in performance arts and production arts. Applicants must audition and the experience ends with full-length performances.
503 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 416-7625
shadowboxlive.org/education/education-overview

Suzuki Music Columbus

A nonprofit organization that offers year-round violin, viola and cello programs for students as young as 3 years old. The Suzuki method applies principals of language learning to music and parent participation to encourage character development and musical mastery. Fees are reduced in the summer months. Find program details online.

  • Main Branch: Redeemer Lutheran Church
    1555 South James Road, Columbus, Ohio 43209
  • North Branch: Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church
    7521 South Old State Road, Lewis Center, Ohio 43085

(614) 216-1343
suzukimusiccolumbus.org

The Art of Music

Uses movement, music, and art to bring kids together and provide an enriching experience. They offer year-round 6-week sessions, small groups, and summer camp for ages 1-21, as well as adult groups. Each session is a blend of music and visual art experiences that actively involve children of all abilities. Find program details and sign up online.
129 Orangewick Drive North, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
(937) 645-7641
theartofmusicllc.com

The Young Writers Workshop

Offers a supportive literary community for young writers, based at Kenyon College. They offer summer residential workshops, and online workshops in summer and winter. Workshops are for high-school students ages 16-18 who are eager to become better writers and insightful thinkers. Financial aid is available.
102 West Wiggin Street, Gambier, Ohio 43022
(740) 427-5208
kenyonreview.org/high-school-workshops/

Thurber House

Nonprofit literary arts center in Columbus offering community events, creative writing workshops and classes, publishing opportunities, and more. Youth programs include Summer Writing Camp for grades 2-9, Young Docents for grades 5-6, Young Writers’ Studio for high schoolers, and Flip the Page Teen Literary Journal. Scholarships are available for students needing financial assistance.
Thurber Center Program Space: 91 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Thurber House Historic Museum: 77 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 464-1032
thurberhouse.org

Transit Arts

An open studio for youth ages 12 to 21. They offer mentoring opportunities, opportunities to perform and exhibit artwork throughout Columbus, and free workshops in performing, visual, writing, or media arts. Visit the website for additional contact information.

  • Transit Arts Studio: 294 Wilson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (614) 732-0198
  • Central Community House: 1150 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (614) 252-3157

transitarts.com

U Will Dance

U Will Dance Studio offers Flamenco Dance, Castanets, Technique and Choreography, Latin Dance, and more. They offer year-round classes for ages 8-adult. The Fiesta Fusion Kids Camp is a half-day summer program blending Spanish language, dance, and catwalk training for ages 8-12. Go online for program details and fees.
(614) 327-6441
133 North Chillicothe Street,  Plain City, Ohio, 43064
uwilldance.com

 

Urban Arts Space

Ohio State University art gallery offering experimental exhibitions and increasing community access to art. They offer many engaging exhibitions, community events, and youth programming. The Summer Art Camps for youth are free for families. Contact the organization for details.
50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43215
(614) 292-8861
uas.osu.edu/learn-create/education-programs

We Amplify Voices (WAV)

Non-profit that hosts healing-centered, creative workshops for school age youth, teens and adults in recovery, women in prison, and survivors of human trafficking in Central Ohio. Their workshops bring people together with artists to turn their experiences and emotions into visual or musical art to share with the community.  Their youth program, WE The Change, is offered at 6 middle schools as an after-school and summer program. They also host free art workshops for all ages at their West Side Studio every other week. Go online to register for workshops, volunteer as an artist, or to stream their music.
1327 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 525-0369
weamplifyvoices.org

Wellington School Summer Program

Independent school for Pre-K through 12th grade. They offer after school programs and their Summer Program is open to all families. The Summer Program offers half-day or full-day experiences, with after-care options. Camp offerings include creative and performing arts, athletics, STEM, and more. Participants do not have to be Wellington School students. Fees vary by camp and are due at time of registration.
3650 Reed Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 457-7883
wellington.org/summer

Wexner Center for the Arts

Contemporary arts center at Ohio State University offering a variety of community programs. Programs for youth include school tours, year-round workshops, and WexLabs studio workshop and mentoring program for teens ages 13-18. Call for details.
1871 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-3535
wexarts.org/education/teens

YouMedia

Day workshops through Columbus Metropolitan Library for teens to gain hands-on experience with music programming, audio recording, videography, video editing, digital art, and more. Teens can participate in-person at select locations, or virtually on Discord. Find locations and times online.
(614) 645-2275
columbuslibrary.org/teens

Young Writers Workshop (YWW)

A week-long writing summer program for rising juniors and seniors of Columbus City Schools, charter schools in the city of Columbus, or an Ohio public school. Students attend daily workshops and courses, interact with visiting writers, and hone their skills in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction writing. The program is free and admission is based solely on a statement of intent and writing sample (not grades).
164 Annie & John Glenn Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-7816
english.osu.edu/grad/mfa/young-writers-workshop


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