Summer at the Center!
CFPA’s Summer Camps are an opportunity for youth to fully explore their curiosities, interests and talents at our unique facility while gaining access to the rich community of artists and practitioners at CFPA. We offer half day (mornings) and full day camps at the CFPA. Join us for all or one of our 3 week sessions; each with a focus that incorporates dance, storytelling, music and the technical traditions rooted in the Indigenous, American and Global (diasporic) cultures who come through the Center (which exists on Dakota Land). The CFPA community hosts many people of different backgrounds, rooted in many ways. Summer at the Center will be an opportunity for young artful learners to engage thoughtfully and intentionally with multiple artists who are rooted in a range of practices. The camps are designed to invite youth to share stories of themselves and their culture using technique, improvisation, collaboration and technical skills.
Tuition: $975 for each 3 week session.
Up to 100% scholarships or payment plan available.
Session One
Explorations in Theater-Making!
June 17 - 28 + July 8-12
Ages 7-16
Unleash your dramatic flair through our theater camp workshops. From acting techniques to stage combat to character development, you'll delve into the fundamentals of stagecraft. Collaborate with fellow campers to bring stories to life, honing your communication and expression skills.
Dance: Ignite the dance floor with our dynamic dance sessions. Explore a variety of dance styles, from contemporary to hip-hop, and discover the joy of movement. Develop flexibility, coordination, and rhythm while expressing yourself through the universal language of dance.
Theater: Become a storyteller with our playwriting workshops. Learn the art of crafting compelling narratives, developing characters, and building engaging plots. From short scenes to full-length plays, you'll have the opportunity to see your words come alive on stage.
Music: Join our musical extravaganza and let your voice soar. Whether you're a seasoned singer or a shower crooner, our musical workshops cover vocal techniques, harmonies, and stage presence. Dive into the world of musicals, exploring the magic of combining acting, singing, and dancing.
Curriculum Design
& Instruction:
Laura Mann-Hill
Playwright, Acting, Storyteller, Youth Development & Education Specialist
Registration Options: All Day at CFPA: 9-4pm. Bring your own lunch
Session Two
Immersive West African Dance Theater Camp!
July 15 - Aug 2
Ages 7-16
Embark on a cultural journey that combines the vibrant rhythms of West African dance with the expressive artistry of theater. This unique experience goes beyond traditional summer camps, offering participants a rich exploration of West African culture through dynamic dance forms and captivating theatrical expressions.
Participants will explore the diverse facets of theatrical arts deeply rooted in West African heritage. Develop acting skills, express emotions through body language, and engage in ensemble activities that bring traditional folklore to life. This camp is an opportunity to acquire new skills in drumming, costume design, and stagecraft. Participants will learn the history, customs, and traditions of various West African communities and enhance their creativity through hands-on activities.
The three weeks will culminate in a collaborative performance that fuses dance with spoken word, music, and visual arts to create unique, interdisciplinary performances showcasing the richness and diversity of West African artistic expressions.
Curriculum Design
& Instruction:
Leah Nelson
Dancing, Acting, Producing &
Directing Extraordinaire
This program was made possible in part with funding from Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant and the administrative support of the City of Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs Department.
Week 2
Teaching Artist:
William ‘Truth Maze’ Harris
Percussion -West African & Funk,
Hip-Hop & Beatboxing
Registration Options: All Day at CFPA: 9-4pm. Bring your own lunch.
Session Three
Immersive Latin Dance and Theater Camp!
Aug 5 - 23
Ages 7-16
Jump in to a cultural journey that combines the vibrant rhythms of Latin dance with the unique storytelling and theater forms found in Latin American culture. Camp participants will learn how to create and express stories through dance and music while learning a variety of Latin American dance traditions and cultural expressions.
Develop performance skills, express emotions through body language, and engage in ensemble activities that bring traditional folklore to life. This camp is an opportunity to acquire new skills in movement, costume design, and stagecraft. Participants will learn the history, customs, and traditions of various Latin American communities and enhance their creativity through hands-on activities.
The three weeks will culminate in a collaborative performance that fuses dance with spoken word, music, and visual arts to create unique, interdisciplinary performances showcasing the richness and diversity of Latin American artistic expressions.
Curriculum Design
& Instruction:
Early Childhood Education., Choreographer, Venezuelan Cultural Movement, Folklore & Storytelling
Week 1
Teaching Artist:
Laila Orsi
Brazilian & Afro-Cuban
Dance Forms
Week 2
Teaching Artist:
Lina Paola Pinto-Perez
Colombian Dance & Choreagraphy
Week 3
Teaching Artist:
Vanessa Reyes-Romero
Colombian & Mexican
Dance Forms
Registration Options: All Day at CFPA: 9-4pm. Bring your own lunch
We look forward to sharing summer together!
Why Choose Our Camp?
Holistic Development: Our program is designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and self-expression through a well-rounded approach to performing arts.
Experienced Instructors: Learn from industry professionals and experienced instructors who are passionate about nurturing young talent.
Performance Opportunities: Showcase your newfound skills in a final camp performance, allowing friends and family to witness your artistic journey.
Fun and Inclusive Environment: Join a supportive community of like-minded individuals, creating lasting friendships while exploring the world of performing arts.