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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Offers a number of non-degree courses for the Central Ohio community, in addition to offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art and design. Community classes include Saturday art classes for children Grades 1-12 and adults; and weeklong Creative Summer Workshops for children, teens, and adults. 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, specialized programs, and community events.
(614) 645-2275
Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
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. 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
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 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/
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
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
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
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
Provides programs and education on nutrition, wellness and arts in Columbus. Their programs bring together community members of all ages to participate activities such as crafts, open mics, exercise, nutrition / wellness education and more. Go online to volunteer or find their next event.
https://sites.google.com/view/growin-cbus/home
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
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
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
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
Provides faith-based quality arts programs for individuals, families, and communities. 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 offers after-school and summer camp programs for youth ages 6-18 to experience career and art exploration, mentoring, life skills, healthy meals and fun. Kingdom Kidz programs are free for TANF-eligible families (and low-cost for non-TANF families).
2501 Mock Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
614-835-7743
kiarts.live
Offers music and movement classes for children from newborn to 7 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 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 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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
(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, 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
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/
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
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.
Offers Flamenco Dance, Castanets, Technique and Choreography, Latin Dance and more. They offer year-round 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. Go online for program details and fees.
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 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
Provides healing, creative workshops for school-aged 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
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
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
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
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