The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts
The Theatre Lab offers a variety of summer camps for ages 4-18 in Washington D.C., focusing on acting, musical theater, improv, and playwriting.
▌ Editor's read The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts offers day camps for children and teens aged 4-18, with programs ranging from acting and musical theater to improv and playwriting, culminating in performances. The organization, founded by Deb Gottesman and Buzz Mauro, has been operating for 40 years as a non-profit, indicating significant experience and community roots. Their website explicitly states that all staff and teaching artists undergo background checks, addressing a key safety concern. Google reviews for The Theatre Lab are very positive, with a 4.9-star rating from 116 reviews, often praising the quality of instruction and the supportive environment. The camp is not accredited by the American Camp Association, and no specific state license number for camps was found for Washington D.C. The camp's social media presence includes an active Instagram (@theatrelab) and Facebook (theatrelab) page, showcasing their programs and student work.
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Since 198640+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Who thrives here Ages 6–18
The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts is built for middle-school campers — an age where leadership tracks, deeper specialization, and identity exploration take over from generalist day-camp formats. theater/music programs that thrive at this age publish a clear weekly progression rather than a rotating activity menu, and the staff-to-camper conversation usually matters more than the activity list.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Day camp
- ACA accredited
- Not verified
- Established
- 1986 (40 years)
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Theater/Music
- Ages: 6–18
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Address: 900 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
- Cost notes: USD.
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts
- What ages does The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts accept?
- The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts is open to children ages 6–18. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts cost?
- The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts publishes $600/week for the standard session. USD. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- What are The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts's hours?
- The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts runs 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Who runs The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts?
- The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 40 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts provide lunch?
- The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
- How does The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts compare to other theater/music camps in Washington?
- The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts is one of 5 theater/music camps in Washington that overlap its age range. The differentiation between options usually comes down to four factors: weekly price, day length, indoor/outdoor balance, and group size. Browse same-city alternatives in the directory to compare side by side.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Arts and performing arts camps guide · Compare portfolio, rehearsal, show, and creative fit.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
Browse similar camps
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