Youth Program
OCT Youth Theatre
Up Next In March 2026
Shrek, The Musical, Jr.
Everyone's favorite ogre is back in this hilarious stage spectacle, based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film and outrageous Broadway musical.
Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. It's a "big bright beautiful world" as everyone's favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he's handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn't be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.
Youth Theatre - Next Gen
Our NextGen Youth Theatre program is exactly what the name implies. The participants in our NextGen are the next generation to run theaters everywhere! We are helping to shape the future with an inclusive family environment where youth are empowered to hone the skills they are interested in pursuing, using a compassionate educational environment.
Our NextGen’ers can immerse themselves in all aspects of production with enthusiasm and fun through summer camps, youth productions, and shadowing mentors on mainstage and Black Box productions. OCT’s Next Gen’s mission is to give our surrounding community open opportunities to immerse themselves into the world of theatre. Whether it’s tech, directing, stage management, costuming, acting, or front of house, we want this to be an inclusive, fun and educational space for lovers of theatre and others who want to support the arts.
OUR 2026 SUMMER CAMP LINEUP
Five great camps in June and July 2026
The Specifics
Cost each camp is $225 with the exception of Grand Guignol Intensive. That camp is $350 and includes a special effects make up kit the camper will keep.
- With the exception of Grand Guignol, we will offer a multi-camp discount of $25 for each additional camp the camper attends after the first.
- With the exception of Grand Guignol, we will offer a sibling discount if two or more members of the same family are registered in any camp.
- These are full day camps and will be held in the Wilson Family Black Box.
- Camps start at 9 an and conclude at 4 pm.
Camp 1
Into Neverland
June 15 to 19, 2026
Age: Rising 3rd to 6th Grades
INSTRCUCTOR: Rebecca White
Camp Description: Into Neverland is a theatre camp inspired by the Peter Pan universe, incorporating Peter Pan the musical, Peter Pan (the book), Finding Neverland, the Peter Pan movies (both live action and animated), and Peter and the Star Catcher, . Campers build confidence and collaboration through drama games and scene work, simple writing and creative journaling, short film clips with guided reflections, music, dance/movement, crafts, and ensemble games. Daily activities include theatre warm-ups, character exploration (pirates, fairies, Lost Kids), choreography with “flight” motifs, prop and craft building, and age-appropriate discussions about imagination, friendship, courage, and choices.
Camp 2
The Play’s the Thing
June 22 to 26, 2026
Age: Rising 7th to Rising 10th Graders
INSTRUCTOR: Rebecca White
Camp Description: The Play’s the Thing is a theater camp that builds confidence, a love of storytelling, and makes Shakespeare fun!. Campers explore multiple plays—A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, The Tempest, and a dash of Macbeth—alongside age appropriate film parallels like The Lion King and 10 Things I Hate About You to make themes and characters feel current. Each day blends dynamic drama games, voice and movement training, film analysis and journaling, and creative design time.. Students learn to unlock Shakespeare’s text) and devise short scenes and other offerings for the week culmination of a Friday afternoon showcase for families.
Camp 3
Matilda, Jr.
July 6 to July 10, 206
Age: Rising 3rd to 6th Grades
INSTRUCTOR: Abby Johnson
Camp Description: Welcome to an unforgettable summer theater camp dedicated to bringing "Matilda Jr." to the stage! This unique camp experience is designed for young actors who are ready to shine in a full-scale musical production. Over the course of our camp, participants will dive into the magical world of Roald Dahl’s beloved story, learning to bring to life the brave, witty, and extraordinary characters of "Matilda Jr."
"Matilda Jr." is an inspiring story about the power of imagination, resilience, and kindness. Through this production, campers will explore important themes like standing up for what’s right and believing in themselves—all while having a blast on stage!
Camp 4
Into The Woods, Jr.
July 13 to 17, 2026
Ages: Rising 7th to 10th Grades
INSTRUCTOR: Abby Johnson
Camp Description: Are you ready to step into a world of enchantment, adventure, and unforgettable music? Join us for Into The Woods, Jr.—a summer camp experience designed for young actors, singers, and dancers who want to bring beloved fairy tale characters to life on stage! Our Into The Woods, Jr. camp offers campers a unique opportunity to explore the magical stories of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), the Baker and his Wife, and other favorite characters as they journey through the woods in search of their wishes. Campers will learn lines, songs, and choreography from Stephen Sondheim’s celebrated musical, adapted specifically for young performers.
Camp 5
Grand Guignol Intensive 2026
July 20 to 24, 2026
Age: Rising 9th - Completed 12th Graders
LEAD INSTRUCTOR - Jackie Obando Carter
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR - Brooke Voelkers
FEATURED INSTRUCTOR - Chris Stonnell
Camp Description: Get ready for a thrilling week of screams, stage blood, and spine-tingling performances in our Horror Theatre camp! Presented by Post Mortem Players, the Charlotte area’s award-winning horror theatre company, this immersive camp will dive into the macabre and gruesome world of the Grand Guignol, the legendary Parisian theatre of terror that shocked audiences from the 1890s to the 1960s. Campers will delve into horror acting techniques, learn how to do eerie makeup and startling special effects, and bring their sinister skills to life in a chilling final performance that will leave audiences howling for more… or running for the exits! Returning students will continue to develop their SFX skills with more challenging techniques and have the option to write an original Grand Guignol script of their own. Whether you're an actor, director, or horror fanatic, this is your chance to study the art of fear—if you dare!
