Frequently Asked Questions
Chicago Summer Camps 2016
What is Compass Creative Dramatics Summer Camp 2016?
CCD's Chicago Summer Camp is a five-day experience for students to come together and have a blast learning about the art of theatre. Each day, we'll prepare for the end-of-week performance through structured rehearsals and exciting theatre-related workshops such as improv, stage combat, and audition skills.
What makes Compass Creative Dramatics Summer Camp special?
Not only is our camp taught by professional actors from the Chicago area, but the kids get an opportunity to perform onstage with them as well. Two of our actor/educators perform right next to the student actors, leading by example and sharing the experience of live performance. They're right there on stage offering support and helping your child shine. We provide all of the elements of the production—professionally designed and produced music, costumes, props, sets, and make-up—all to make this an unforgettable experience for your student!
Who is camp for?
Students entering 1st grade in the fall of 2016 through Spring 2016 grads can register. No theatre experience necessary!
How much does camp cost?
Early Bird Registration open now through April 30: $259
Regular Registration opens May 1: $279
Late Registration opens June 14: $299
Register for BOTH weeks of camp in Chicago and save $100 off your total registration!
*Please note that no refunds will be issued if a family opts to withdraw registration after April 30th
Do you offer any discounts?
Why, yes, we do!
Early Bird Registration Special: Through April 30, you can register your child for $259.
Sibling Discounts: If there are two budding actors in your household, or three, or four, you can receive a $10 discount for each additional child (i.e. 1st child is $259, 2nd child is $249, 3rd is $239, etc.)
Multiple Week Discount: Register for both Jack and the Beanstalk and Wizard of Oz and save $100 off your registration!
Register now, pay later: Paypal offers a "Bill Me Later" option that allows you to register today and not pay for up to 6 months, interest free! So take the stress out of needing to pay up front and choose the "Bill Me Later" option when you register.
What about scholarships?
We've got that covered, too! You can learn about our scholarship program here.
CCD's Chicago Summer Camp is a five-day experience for students to come together and have a blast learning about the art of theatre. Each day, we'll prepare for the end-of-week performance through structured rehearsals and exciting theatre-related workshops such as improv, stage combat, and audition skills.
What makes Compass Creative Dramatics Summer Camp special?
Not only is our camp taught by professional actors from the Chicago area, but the kids get an opportunity to perform onstage with them as well. Two of our actor/educators perform right next to the student actors, leading by example and sharing the experience of live performance. They're right there on stage offering support and helping your child shine. We provide all of the elements of the production—professionally designed and produced music, costumes, props, sets, and make-up—all to make this an unforgettable experience for your student!
Who is camp for?
Students entering 1st grade in the fall of 2016 through Spring 2016 grads can register. No theatre experience necessary!
How much does camp cost?
Early Bird Registration open now through April 30: $259
Regular Registration opens May 1: $279
Late Registration opens June 14: $299
Register for BOTH weeks of camp in Chicago and save $100 off your total registration!
*Please note that no refunds will be issued if a family opts to withdraw registration after April 30th
Do you offer any discounts?
Why, yes, we do!
Early Bird Registration Special: Through April 30, you can register your child for $259.
Sibling Discounts: If there are two budding actors in your household, or three, or four, you can receive a $10 discount for each additional child (i.e. 1st child is $259, 2nd child is $249, 3rd is $239, etc.)
Multiple Week Discount: Register for both Jack and the Beanstalk and Wizard of Oz and save $100 off your registration!
Register now, pay later: Paypal offers a "Bill Me Later" option that allows you to register today and not pay for up to 6 months, interest free! So take the stress out of needing to pay up front and choose the "Bill Me Later" option when you register.
What about scholarships?
We've got that covered, too! You can learn about our scholarship program here.
What is included in the camp fee?
When is the performance?
The performance will be on the last day of camp, Friday evening at 6 pm. This allows your camper to be ready and free for your family's weekend plans!
How does the play get cast?
We meet the students the Monday morning of the first day of camp, and within a few hours we will have auditioned the campers and cast them in their roles! Every child has an important role in the show. We're pros and are great at assessing student's strengths and assets quickly in auditions and casting them accordingly. Each child will have an opportunity to shine and grow during their week at camp!
Should the students prepare anything for auditions?
Nope! We have a fantastic system that allows us to guide students through an easy step-by-step audition that allows us to observe their comfort with basic lines, movement, and singing.
My child is shy. How will camp help my child? Will they feel comfortable?
One of the strengths of our team is that we're good at assessing each child's comfort levels and building from there. Our program has been developed to give each student a support network onstage and off. They work in groups and are supported onstage by the other members of the cast, as well as by the two adult actor/educators who perform alongside them. This level of teamwork usually helps alleviate most students' initial fears and concerns. It encourages our students to both feel safe and to grow throughout the week. While we don't promise to erase all stage fright from our students, we have a great track record of helping shy kids find their voice and become more comfortable in their skin. We pride ourselves in helping our students stretch their bravery muscles.
My child has never been in a play, is that okay?
Absolutely! This program is designed to be customized and flexible to suit a wide variety of ages, experience levels, and talents. This is a great way for your child to have a fantastic week-long immersion in theatre. We are able to adjust the teaching and guidance as well as the level of difficulty for each student, which means your child won't feel left out or look out of place, even if this is their first time!
My child is a veteran of the stage. Is this program still right for them?
Since this program is designed to be customized and flexible to a wide variety of ages, experience, and talents, we are able to adjust the teaching and guidance as well as the level of difficulty for each student, which means even if you have a budding star on your hands--we'll be glad to help nurture them, challenge them to further growth, and give them another wonderful theatrical experience.
If my child is not available for the entire week or would need to miss the performance, can they still enroll in camp?
We understand you and your child are both busy individuals and have outside commitments from camp; however, because of the highly collaborative nature of the program, students are not excused from rehearsals or performances. They may, however, be excused from afternoon workshop sessions per parental request T-Th. Please be advised that full camp fees still apply, even if you opt out of the afternoon workshops. For more information about scheduling policies and procedures please click here.
May I stay and observe camp?
Definitely! We understand parents' desire to be sure their camper is well-adjusted to a new environment and for parents to get familiar and comfortable with the CCD staff. We have an open rehearsal policy. As long as your presence is not a distraction to the campers, your camper included, you are more than welcome to observe throughout the duration of camp. However, please note that if at any time a CCD staff member deems your presence may be hindering the campers' ability to learn or focus you will be asked to wait outside of the rehearsal space in a common area. More information about this and other camp policies may be found in the Camper and Guardian Codes of Conduct.
Why is there a ticket price to see the end-of-week performances?
We include two complimentary tickets in the registration price so those proud guardians may come cheer on their performers. Additional tickets for adoring camper fans are available at a low rate. However, camp registration only covers a portion of the investment that CCD makes to be able to offer this camp. Performance ticket prices help keep camp registration prices more affordable while still allowing us to bring in the educators who work with the students throughout the week as well as cover the costs of working with theatre professionals to design and build all the theatrical elements that CCD provides for camp's unforgettable experience!
What will my family be expected to provide for the week?
We provide all the theatrical elements and educational instruction for a fantastic week of theatre camp. There are a few things we do ask the family to plan on providing for the week:
What are my responsibilities as a participating family?
Information about the responsibilities of participating families can be found in our Codes of Conduct, Financial Obligation Agreement, Scheduling Policies and Procedures, and Release Waivers.
Does CCD provide before or after care for camp?
We have sensed a felt-need from our families that extended hours for camp would ease some scheduling strains that camp hours were unable to cover. Thus, we have added an hour of before-care and and hour of after-care to each day of our camp for a small additional fee. This fee allows CCD to provide a well-trained instructor to provide the attention and supervision the students need while the core educators prepare the educational space each day. Students may now be dropped off as early as 8:30 am and be picked up as late as 4:00 pm with prior arrangement. There is an additional $10/per morning and $10/per afternoon fee for this care. Please note, parents who drop their student off earlier than the 15 minute window that CCD provides for drop-offs without prior arrangement for the pre-care will be subject to this charge plus an additional $15 surcharge.
What is your cancellation policy?
**After February 17, 2016, no refunds for Spring Camps will be made if family opts to withdraw registration. After April 30th, no refunds will be made for Summer Camp if family opts to withdraw registration.**
- A role in The Jumping Jacks and the Beanstalk or The Wizard of Oz, depending on week enrolled (see below for more info on auditions)
- 5 and a half hours of theatre camp Monday-Friday to explore, learn, and have fun!
- 3 hours a day of specialized rehearsals with professional actor/educators
- Daily interactive workshops & activities with professional theatre artists including improv, stage combat, puppetry, and more!
- Professional, originally designed costumes, sets, props, make up, music, and scripts. We provide everything except the kids!
- An opportunity for campers to perform for a public audience.
- Two (2) complimentary tickets to the public performance. Additional tickets may be purchased at the door. Adults $10; Students $5. Be sure to invite all your campers' adoring fans to cheer them on during the end-of-week performance!
When is the performance?
The performance will be on the last day of camp, Friday evening at 6 pm. This allows your camper to be ready and free for your family's weekend plans!
How does the play get cast?
We meet the students the Monday morning of the first day of camp, and within a few hours we will have auditioned the campers and cast them in their roles! Every child has an important role in the show. We're pros and are great at assessing student's strengths and assets quickly in auditions and casting them accordingly. Each child will have an opportunity to shine and grow during their week at camp!
Should the students prepare anything for auditions?
Nope! We have a fantastic system that allows us to guide students through an easy step-by-step audition that allows us to observe their comfort with basic lines, movement, and singing.
My child is shy. How will camp help my child? Will they feel comfortable?
One of the strengths of our team is that we're good at assessing each child's comfort levels and building from there. Our program has been developed to give each student a support network onstage and off. They work in groups and are supported onstage by the other members of the cast, as well as by the two adult actor/educators who perform alongside them. This level of teamwork usually helps alleviate most students' initial fears and concerns. It encourages our students to both feel safe and to grow throughout the week. While we don't promise to erase all stage fright from our students, we have a great track record of helping shy kids find their voice and become more comfortable in their skin. We pride ourselves in helping our students stretch their bravery muscles.
My child has never been in a play, is that okay?
Absolutely! This program is designed to be customized and flexible to suit a wide variety of ages, experience levels, and talents. This is a great way for your child to have a fantastic week-long immersion in theatre. We are able to adjust the teaching and guidance as well as the level of difficulty for each student, which means your child won't feel left out or look out of place, even if this is their first time!
My child is a veteran of the stage. Is this program still right for them?
Since this program is designed to be customized and flexible to a wide variety of ages, experience, and talents, we are able to adjust the teaching and guidance as well as the level of difficulty for each student, which means even if you have a budding star on your hands--we'll be glad to help nurture them, challenge them to further growth, and give them another wonderful theatrical experience.
If my child is not available for the entire week or would need to miss the performance, can they still enroll in camp?
We understand you and your child are both busy individuals and have outside commitments from camp; however, because of the highly collaborative nature of the program, students are not excused from rehearsals or performances. They may, however, be excused from afternoon workshop sessions per parental request T-Th. Please be advised that full camp fees still apply, even if you opt out of the afternoon workshops. For more information about scheduling policies and procedures please click here.
May I stay and observe camp?
Definitely! We understand parents' desire to be sure their camper is well-adjusted to a new environment and for parents to get familiar and comfortable with the CCD staff. We have an open rehearsal policy. As long as your presence is not a distraction to the campers, your camper included, you are more than welcome to observe throughout the duration of camp. However, please note that if at any time a CCD staff member deems your presence may be hindering the campers' ability to learn or focus you will be asked to wait outside of the rehearsal space in a common area. More information about this and other camp policies may be found in the Camper and Guardian Codes of Conduct.
Why is there a ticket price to see the end-of-week performances?
We include two complimentary tickets in the registration price so those proud guardians may come cheer on their performers. Additional tickets for adoring camper fans are available at a low rate. However, camp registration only covers a portion of the investment that CCD makes to be able to offer this camp. Performance ticket prices help keep camp registration prices more affordable while still allowing us to bring in the educators who work with the students throughout the week as well as cover the costs of working with theatre professionals to design and build all the theatrical elements that CCD provides for camp's unforgettable experience!
What will my family be expected to provide for the week?
We provide all the theatrical elements and educational instruction for a fantastic week of theatre camp. There are a few things we do ask the family to plan on providing for the week:
- A sack lunch and snack each day. We do this to keep the costs of camp low and allow for students' dietary preferences and restrictions to be monitored and met by the family. This allows CCD to focus on providing excellent theatre education rather than meeting all of our students' specific dietary needs. More info on this can be found in our Code of Conduct.
- Closed toe/heel shoes and clothes that students feel comfortable being physical in throughout the entire week. CCD requires students to meet these basic dress code guide lines for everyone's safety and comfort, much like one would expect for a physical activity such as basketball camp or soccer practice.
- Friday only: A set of "base clothes" and pair of closed toe/heeled shoes to be worn under and with their costumes. There is no need to purchase anything special for this. What you have at home will work! CCD provides a professionally designed and built costume for each child to give them those exciting theatrical touches for their experience. However, we ask that each child bring a plain colored tank top or t-shirt and shorts that can comfortably be worn under a costume but would be appropriate to be worn on their own.
What are my responsibilities as a participating family?
Information about the responsibilities of participating families can be found in our Codes of Conduct, Financial Obligation Agreement, Scheduling Policies and Procedures, and Release Waivers.
Does CCD provide before or after care for camp?
We have sensed a felt-need from our families that extended hours for camp would ease some scheduling strains that camp hours were unable to cover. Thus, we have added an hour of before-care and and hour of after-care to each day of our camp for a small additional fee. This fee allows CCD to provide a well-trained instructor to provide the attention and supervision the students need while the core educators prepare the educational space each day. Students may now be dropped off as early as 8:30 am and be picked up as late as 4:00 pm with prior arrangement. There is an additional $10/per morning and $10/per afternoon fee for this care. Please note, parents who drop their student off earlier than the 15 minute window that CCD provides for drop-offs without prior arrangement for the pre-care will be subject to this charge plus an additional $15 surcharge.
What is your cancellation policy?
**After February 17, 2016, no refunds for Spring Camps will be made if family opts to withdraw registration. After April 30th, no refunds will be made for Summer Camp if family opts to withdraw registration.**
