Performing arts theater troupe 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 all ages. They offer a variety of summer camp experiences for youth grades 1-12 for a fee. Camp scholarships are available, contact the organization for details.
Schiller Park: 1000 City Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 444-6888
theactorstheatre.org
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.
Main Office: (614) 229-4860
Free Soar on Saturdays Classes with King Arts Complex: (614) 586-8635
balletmet.org
Offers choir opportunities for adults and youth of all skillsets and backgrounds to perform classical choral music, jazz, and more. 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
Promotes 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
Community center serving the Near East neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. They can help families navigate resources to get help with food, healthcare, employment and housing. They offer housing/rent assistance, soft skills training, employment assistance, financial education, and parenting workshops for adults. Programs for youth include after-school programs, Summer Challenge Day Camp for Grades K-5, and childcare through partnership with Columbus Early Learning Centers. The Village Central Senior Program provides transportation services, wellness programs, and social events for adults ages 60+. ACE, Academy for Community Entrepreneurs, offers technology and professional development classes. TRANSIT ARTS provides free, year-round cultural arts workshops such as dance crew, music, and fine arts for ages 12-21.
Offers year-round vocal instruction and music education for young singers Grades 1-12 in Central Ohio to learn healthy singing and performance skills. No experience is required and financial assistance is available. Find tuition details and registration details online.
Broad Street Presbyterian Church: 760 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 220-5555
columbuschildrenschoir.org
Provides performing arts programming for youth ages 3-18, including 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. The Conte Pass Program offers scholarships of up to 80% off of tuition for two years for families with documented financial need and program acceptance by audition. Visit the website to register for classes and scholarship opportunities.
177 East Naghten Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-6672
columbuschildrenstheatre.org
Offers a number of non-degree courses for the Central Ohio community, in addition to undergraduate and graduate art programs. Community classes include Saturday Art Classes for all ages each spring and fall. Creative Summer Workshops are various day camp experiences for adults or artists grades 1-12 in fine arts and STEAM. College Preview is a three-week residential program for students grades 10-12 to learn more about an art and design career, take classes, and receive mentorship from creative professionals. Both talent and need-based scholarships are available for Youth & Community Learning Programs. Learn more and register online.
60 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-9101
ccad.edu/take-class/youth-art-classes
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, story times for kids, and community events. Programs include:
(614) 645-2275
All Library Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
Upcoming Events: events.columbuslibrary.org/events?
Website: columbuslibrary.org
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. Open Studio hours every Saturday, Homeschool Workshops for Grades 1-8, Studio Thinking Workshops for Grades K-12, and Open Studio during school breaks are free programs for youth included with museum admission. They also offer Summer Art Workshops for Grades 1-5 for a fee, with need-based scholarships available.
480 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-6801
columbusmuseum.org
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 43220
(614) 309-2546
cmaacademy.org
Columbus School for Girls hosts week-long IDEAS 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 in camp fees. Discounts are available for siblings and groups.
65 South Drexel Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(844) 516-2267
summercampatideas.com
An integrative dance class for students with special needs. These classes teach rhythm, balance, coordination, and choreography. Instructors are trained to apply fun and functional dance movement to aid in reaching developmental goals. Classes are held at Leap of Faith Dance Company, a faith-based dance studio in Westerville, Ohio. The studio offers a variety of dance classes and a summer camp. Scholarships are available.
355 Cherrington Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 901-8325
leapoffaithdancecompany.com/dance-ability
A 8-day residential writing program for rising high school juniors and seniors who love to write. Students stay on-campus and participate in small-group workshops, individual writing, and one-on-one conferences with faculty to explore different writing styles. Financial assistance is available on an as-needed basis and does not cover transportation costs. Interested students must complete an application with a creative writing sample and letter of recommendation.
100 West College Street, Granville, Ohio 43023
(740) 587-6207
reynolds.denison.edu
Offers a variety of drama programs including school-based classes, community classes, and summer camps. Summer camps and weekly drama classes are available for ages 6-12. Community classes are held at various community centers across Columbus. Visit the website for schedules and registration.
(740) 201-1070
dramakids.com
Provides a variety of services for youth, individuals, and families affected by adoption, foster care, and kinship care (AFK). They host free monthly support groups for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers (AFK Parents), separate support groups for adult adoptees and foster care alum (AFK Adults), and educational opportunities for child welfare professionals. They provide art therapy and mental health coaching for AFK youth. Creative Processing Art Workshops are monthly opportunities for AFK youth and adults. Services for families include coaching and consultation, and their website has informational resources. Scholarships are available for some services.
122 South Terrace Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 600-6183
encompassadoptees.org
Offers family-friendly exhibits and classes in gardening, cooking, fine art, and wellness for all ages. Check the online 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. Visit the website for a full list of Admission Discount programs. Programs for youth include Homeschool days, Summer Camps for ages 3-8, and Teen Corps paid summer work experience for ages 13-18.
1777 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 715-8000
fpconservatory.org
Dance company and studio in Clintonville, Ohio with classes in a variety of dance styles. They offer somatic movement for ages 2-5, ages 6-13, 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 3-11. You can also book a trial class before enrolling.
5080 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(380) 222-4196
hixondance.com
Non-profit dedicated to producing, performing, and promoting jazz. Community performances include PB&J Jazz concerts meant to introduce young children and families to different styles of jazz. They offer Jazz workshops for youth and adults to develop instrumental or vocal skills. They host a Community Jazz Band for adults, and Columbus Youth Jazz ensembles for Grades 7-12. Columbus Youth Jazz Summer Workshop offers 2-3 week camps for instrumental and vocal jazz for grades 7-12. Need-based scholarships are available for Summer Workshop fees.
769 East Long Street 4th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 294-5200
jazzartsgroup.org
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.
Offers a supportive literary community for young writers 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. Interested students must apply with a personal statement, transcript, and letter of recommendation. Financial aid is available.
102 West Wiggin Street, Gambier, Ohio 43022
(740) 427-5208
kenyonreview.org/high-school-workshops
Offers programs to connect community through the arts, and to highlight cultural contributions of African Americans. Youth programs include after school, school break camps in the spring and winter, and summer camp for children ages 5-13. They also host community events throughout the year, including 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
Provides faith-based, quality arts programs for individuals and families. They offer entrepreneurship services, a monthly live concert series, and host the annual Kingdom Image Awards to support cultural diversity in Central Ohio. Kingdom Kidz after-school program for ages 5-13 offers art exploration, life skills, and fun. The after-school program is free for middle schoolers and low-cost for elementary schoolers. Transportation options are available. Kingdom Kidz Summer Camp is available for ages 5-13 and scholarship opportunities are available. Kingdom Kidz Mentor Program is available for ages 6-18. Visit the website to find details and apply for programs.
2501 Mock Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
614-835-7743
kiarts.live
Offers music and movement classes for children from newborn to 9 years old, with a focus on joyful learning and and family connection. 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.
3852 Hard Road, Dublin, Ohio 43016
(614) 845-2923
learnsingandgrow.com
Arts center offering art exhibits, performances, and programming for families. They offer art classes for all ages 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
Experiential learning program through the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Central Ohio. Participants must be high school juniors and seniors from a participating school district in Franklin County. Interested students from non-participating school districts should contact the organization directly to explore independent funding options. Accepted students attend the program for a half-day for one or two years, and explore the humanities through hands-on projects, field trips, cultural events, and working directly with local organizations. Students must complete an online application and submit two recommendation the year before they plan to attend the program. Visit the website for details.
escco.org/MosaicHumanities-BasedEducationExperience.aspx
Promotes fine craft artists and hosts art exhibitions for the community. They offer art classes for youth, families, teens, and adults year-round. Summer Camps are available for grades 1-6 and Teen Workshops. They also offer workshops and grants for professional artists.
1665 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 486-4402
ohiocraft.org
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. Eligibility and fees vary by camp, visit the website for details.
1900 College Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-7664
music.osu.edu/outreach/ysmp
A week-long summer writing program for rising juniors and seniors of Columbus City Schools, charter schools in the city of Columbus, or an Ohio public school. Students live on campus during the program. 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 on a statement of intent and writing sample (not grades).
Department of English: 164 Annie & John Glenn Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-6065
english.osu.edu/grad/mfa/young-writers-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.
Schoonover Center 200: 1 Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701
(740) 593-2587
ohio.edu/scripps-college/journalism/special-programs/hsjws
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
Offers a music education residential summer experience for 9-12th graders. The camp is for composers, pianists, guitarists, singers, players of string, wind, brass, and percussion instruments. Students experience daily one-on-one lessons, music technology, music history and more. Interested students must submit an audition recording. Scholarships are available.
1 South Grove Street, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 823-1020
otterbein.edu/events-conferences/summercamps/music-camp
A year-long college preparation program for high school juniors from limited-income backgrounds with an interest in journalism. Students participate in online workshops and lectures with journalists, then stay on the Princeton campus in-person for several weeks during the residential intensive portion of the program. Students are also matched to a personal college adviser to help with the college application process. The cost is free and includes housing, meals, and travel to and from Princeton. Applications typically open in December and close in February.
36 University Place, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544
609-258-0219
psjp.princeton.edu
Part of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department network, they offer year-round art classes, workshops, exhibitions, and meeting spaces. Week-long or 7-8 week class sessions for youth and adults include ceramics, enameling, painting, and much more. Conversations & Coffee meets every other Thursday for artist talks and community discussion. Class fee assistance is available, apply online.
139 West Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-7047
culturalartscenteronline.org/classes-workshops/art-classes
The historic Lincoln Theatre offers year-round performances, community programming, and professional development for artists. Patternz Summer Camp offers one-week camps for ages 6-13 to spark creativity and gain confidence through multiple art forms; including dance, theater, music and visual arts. They also offer free Artist Production Development Workshops, Expand Your Horizon Incubation Program for emerging artists, and Community Conversations.
769 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 384-5640
lincolntheatrecolumbus.com/patternz
Columbus theatre company offering community performances, educational opportunities, and programs for youth. The Studio 8 Arts Program offers Central Ohio high school students the opportunity to gain experience in performance arts and production arts. The Arts Immersion Program is a two-week intensive study for ages 15-21. Programs are free and allow students to earn work-based learning credit for graduation. Programs culminate in live, full-length performances. Interested students must apply and audition for programs.
503 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 416-7625
shadowboxlive.org/education/education-overview
Offers year-round violin, viola and cello programs for students 3 years old-high school. 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. Register online.
Main Branch at Redeemer Lutheran Church: 1555 South James Road, Columbus, Ohio 43209
North Branch at Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church: 7521 South Old State Road, Lewis Center, Ohio 43085
(614) 216-1343
suzukimusiccolumbus.org
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 for a fee. Each session is a blend of music and visual art experiences that actively involve children of all abilities. They also offer sessions for adults. Register online.
129 Orangewick Drive North, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
(937) 645-7641
theartofmusicllc.com
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, and Young Writers’ Studio for grades 9-12. Scholarships are available, contact the organization for details. Flip the Page Teen Literary Journal offers an opportunity for Central Ohio teens ages 13-19 to publish their work each year.
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
Offers Flamenco Dance, Castanets, Technique and Choreography, Kids Ballet, Latin Dance and more. They offer year-round private lessons and classes for ages 8 and older. The Fiesta Fusion Kids Camp is a half-day summer program blending Spanish language, dance, and catwalk training for ages 8-12. Visit the website to register.
133 North Chillicothe Street, Plain City, Ohio, 43064
(614) 327-6441
uwilldance.com
Ohio State University art gallery offering experimental exhibitions and increasing community access to art. They offer engaging exhibitions, community events, art-home art activity ideas, and more.
50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43215
(614) 292-8861
uas.osu.edu
A youth orchestra supporting underserved, urban, African American and minority youth to become string musicians. Membership requires an audition and monthly fee. Musicians ages 11-18 located in Columbus are eligible to audition. They offer Half Notes group for intermediate musicians and Premier Group for advanced musicians. Musicians perform classical, sacred, R&B, hip-hop, and contemporary styles. They perform at events and venues around the community. Visit the website for audition requirements or to support their next performance.
57 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
urbanstringscolumbus.org
Provides free creative workshops to bring people together and turn their experiences and emotions into visual or musical art. The WAV Club is a free after school program for Grades 4-8 to express themselves. They host a variety of weekly art workshops for all ages year-round. They also host specialized programs at 6 middle schools, women’s prisons, for victims of human trafficking, and adults with developmental disabilities. 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
Independent school offering Pre-K through 12th grade education and after school programs. Tuition assistance is available for families based on demonstrated financial need. 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 to participate in summer programs. Fees vary by camp and are due at time of registration.
3650 Reed Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 457-7883
wellington.org/summer
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