Northern Illinois University
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Office of External Programs

What to Bring Checklist

• Comfortable/sturdy closed-toe shoes required in classes
• Shower sandals (optional)
  • Note: Flip flops are not allowed in classes and are only allowed in the residence hall
• Umbrella or rain gear
• Mosquito repellent
• Sweatshirt
• Alarm clock
• Water bottle
• Sheets and pillowcase (standard twin size)
• Towels, blanket, pillow
• Small amount of money for souvenirs and snacks
• $200 key deposit: an envelope with check/cash/money order with the camper's name on the outside

Campers are encouraged to bring a favorite t-shirt, from a show they have been in, or that represents a favorite character or theme from theatre or film.

Activities

Morning

• Improvisation exercises: Learn how to think on your feet and warm up for the day's activities.
• Acting scenes: Work on specific acting techniques and exercises.

Afternoon

• Production rehearsals: You'll be assigned to a production and rehearse with the same group and director all week.
• Workshops: You'll participate in a different workshop each day. We'll send information about choosing workshops about a month before the start of camp.

Evening

• Bowling and games at the Huskie Den!
• Talent show (optional): Show your stuff! There's a three-minute time limit on performances.
• Choose your own adventure: movie night or field night!
• Counselor groups: Break out into smaller, more intimate communities for decompression after a great day.

Registration

2026 registration will open in late October.

Early bird registration fee: $995 (received May 1 or earlier)

Registration fee after May 1: $1095

Registration deadline: June 10, 2026

Call 815-753-1450 to inquire about late registration.

Camp fills quickly, so register early! You can register online or by mail. You'll pay a $100 deposit when you register. The remaining balance is due by June 15.

Need-based scholarship assistance is available!

Replacement key and deposit: all campers must bring a deposit to the first day of camp to be given a key to their room. These funds will not be deposited but will be held by the Summer in the Arts office in the case of a lost key. The funds will be deposited only in the case that a key is lost. Key deposits are returned to campers when they return their room keys at camp check out.

• The deposit can be check, money order or cash.
• Please put the deposit in an envelope with the camper's name
• Deposit amount: $200

Camp Staff

NIU theater faculty member Bethany Mangum-Oles directs our wonderful camp staff. Staff members include talented NIU faculty, students, alumni and guest artists. The ratio of campers to staff members is about 12:1. Staff are assigned to each residence hall floor and accompany campers to all meals and activities.

• Gina Cioffi, head counselor
• Shannon Austin-Goodin
• Logan Blake
• Ashley-Marie Chavez
• Jodeen Coulter
• Cornelia Hayes-Reed
• Cody Hunt
• Chris Kurzewski
• Paul Lang
• Ua Smith
• Skylar Thompson
• Audrey Yang

A general overview of the camp schedule is below. You'll receive a more detailed schedule when you check-in.