Camp · Specialty · Ages 8–16
Directory · United States · Tennessee · Nashville
▌ Specialty · Ages 8–16

SENSE Theatre

SENSE Theatre

A theatre program for children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing peers to enhance social skills.

▌ Editor's read SENSE Theatre is a day camp program offered by Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, specifically designed for children with autism spectrum disorder. The program, founded by Blythe Corbett, Ph.D., has been operating for 15 years, indicating a long-standing commitment to its mission. It is a free, week-long camp that uses theatrical performance as an intervention to enhance social competence in participants. The website highlights that the program is research-based, aiming to improve social communication, recognition of emotions, and peer interaction. While not a traditional summer camp, it functions as a specialized day program during the summer. There is no mention of ACA accreditation or specific staff-to-camper ratios. Google reviews for 'SENSE Theatre' are not readily available as it's a specialized university program rather than a commercial camp, but the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center generally holds a high reputation.
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Since 201115+ years operating
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University programRun by an academic institution
Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 8–16

SENSE Theatre is built for middle-school campers — an age where leadership tracks, deeper specialization, and identity exploration take over from generalist day-camp formats. specialty 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
2011 (15 years)
Operator
University program
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Specialty
  • Ages: 8–16
  • Hours: Saturday afternoons
  • Address: Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, 110 Magnolia Cir, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
  • Phone: 615-322-8240
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: FREE, USD

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: No
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: indoor

Frequently asked about SENSE Theatre

What ages does SENSE Theatre accept?
SENSE Theatre is open to children ages 8–16. 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.
What are SENSE Theatre's hours?
SENSE Theatre runs Saturday afternoons. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Who runs SENSE Theatre?
SENSE Theatre is operated by a university program, with 15 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 SENSE Theatre provide lunch?
SENSE Theatre 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.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare SENSE Theatre with other camps.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside SENSE Theatre.