Wildcat Arts

Wildcat Arts is perfect for kids who love creative expression in all forms.  With access to the full range of facilities and equipment on the Williston campus, as well as the same great staff and infrastructure of Camp Wildcat, Wildcat Arts offers our campers a chance to explore their creative side, have fun, and spend time with other campers who share in their desire to express themselves through creativity.


WE-Arts

This summer, Wildcat Arts is pleased to be teaming up with The Easthampton Theater Company for an exciting new program!!  WE-Arts (Wildcat Easthampton Arts Camp) is a day camp community located on the campus of The Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, MA. A collaboration between Camp Wildcat and the Easthampton Theater Company, WE-Arts is a creative space where campers can freely engage in artistic expression. With a broad theater arts perspective and focus areas on acting, dance and music, the program is designed to allow youth to experiment and express themselves collectively and individually based on their unique talents and interests. The emphasis is on creativity instead of curriculum.  Campers are provided with the tools, encouragement, and support to create their own art and performances.

WE-Arts participants and staff have access to the full range of Williston facilities and equipment – including a state-of-the-art theater with an expansive stage and tech including  sound and lighting systems; a black box theater  and music studios with pianos, practice rooms and rehearsal spaces.

WE-Arts values diversity and seeks participants from local communities representing a wide variety of backgrounds and identities. We endeavor to provide a safe space for youth to experience tolerance, acceptance, authenticity and self-awareness through an encouraging and supportive environment.

Session Dates: August 4–22

Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday

Location: Williston Northampton School

Open to: Youth ages 12 through 17. Participants must be 12 by August 4 and not turn 18 until after August 22.

Cost:  $1,200


FAQ

  • What level of talent and experience is required for campers?

    We welcome campers that represent a wide range of experience and individual talents, from beginners to seasoned performers. The only requirement is the sincere desire to be part of a collective group of supportive theater enthusiasts.

  • What is a typical day/week like at WE-Arts?

    Campers spend the morning hours with facilitators engaged in an exciting variety of theater arts activities, including theater games, improv, and introduction to set design, lighting, sound, costuming and other aspects of dramaturgy. Lunch is then provided for all campers. After lunch, campers choose to participate in focus sessions featuring acting, dance, music and/or musical theater.

  • What is your Counselor to Camper Ratio?

    WE-Arts maintains a ratio of no more than 10 campers per counselor, with a head counselor for each topic area and one additional facilitator for every 10 kids.

  • What are the qualifications of your counselors/camp staff?

    The head of WE-Arts is a Harvard-trained educator and performer, executive director at the children’s educational organization Mad Science/ART-ventures for Kids, and President of Easthampton Theater Company. Head counselors are chosen for their extensive experience working with youth and their ability to foster understanding and creativity in their major subject area. Facilitators are performers, artists and/or educators who often have direct experience in participating in and/or creating original works as well as experience working with kids.

  • Is there a performance?

    WE-Arts is different from most summer theater programs in that we are not focused on producing a single large-scale youth theater production. Campers have the option to showcase their creativity at an end-of-session gathering – featuring short performances and/or artistic displays for invited family and friends.  The focus of our performing arts camp community is on self-expression and actualization.

  • What kind of camp infrastructure is available (safety, health, oversight)

    As part of Camp Wildcat, WE-Arts utilizes the same camp infrastructure as all Camp Wildcat camps, including administration, nursing staff, and dining facilities.

  • Who is Easthampton Theater Company?

    Easthampton Theater Company was established in 2022 to bring theater arts and related programs serving the emerging arts scene in the City of Easthampton and surrounding communities. Founded by a group that is rich in education, theater and music backgrounds, the organization believes that fostering drama, music and visual arts in youth is primary to its mission and is thrilled to engage in this collaboration with Williston Wildcats Summer Programs.