White Bird Creative Theatrics' Summer Theater Workshop
- Fort Greene
138 S Oxford St #3a, Brooklyn 11217, NY
See Map | Get Directions - www.whitebirdproductions.org
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Description
White Bird Productions is committed to making original, dynamic theater with young artists. By empowering children to understand themselves as full participants in the creative process, our programs equip participants with essential life skills: collaboration, problem-solving, an understanding of the mechanics of storytelling, and emotional intelligence. Each semester or summer session culminates in the performance of a brand-new piece of theater – written, performed, and designed by young artists in collaboration with professional actors, musicians, and puppeteers.
Reviews (37)
Review from the 2024 Summer Camp Survey
Location: Prospect Park REVIEW: He really enjoyed the performances (as did we!). It was neat to have many different aged kids working on a production together. Our kid has ADHD and while the counselors welcome advice/coaching from me, which was great, it was a tough environment for a body that wants to move all the time. CHANGES: DETAILS: Age of child; 6 … Weeks attended: 2Review from the Fall 2023 & Spring 2024 Afterschool Survey
REVIEW: My child enjoyed the relationships with staff and getting to be silly with them. My child loved trying out fun ways of storytelling and acting games Skills learned: Storytelling, cooperation, integrating different important perspectives and skills Age of child: 6Review from the 2023 Summer Camp Survey
Location: 729 Carroll Street How old was your child when they attended camp this summer? 11 Review: This camp is really a gem. My kid was a little put off on the first day by her counselor who she described as "really extra" but overall had a really fun time. Everyone there is just really into sharing their love of theatre and it was a wonderful inclusive vibe all week. The week my kid was there the theme was rock opera and every group did a Stevie Wonder song and performance and it was just great: the kids learned their song, made sets and costume peices and did choreography, the days were spent in lots of creative endevors. What would you change about the program, if anything, and why? Only wish the space had AC, it was hot! Would you like to add anything related to COVID and how the camp handled it? No COVID protocols, it was a nonissueReview from the 2023 Summer Camp Survey
Location: Picnic House, Prospect Park How old was your child when they attended camp this summer? 5 Review: A wonderful day camp! We sent our rising kindergarten son to 2 weeks at White Bird Productions Theater Camp and he had a fabulous time. Each week has a theme and the productions are truly impressive. The staff is kind, creative, fun-loving and full of energy. Especially recommend for kiddos with big personalities who love to sing, dance, make music, or make people laugh. White Bird is a neighborhood treasure.Review from the 2022 Summer Camp Survey
Location: Picnic house or Old First Church How old was your child when they attended camp this summer? 5 and 11 Review: Kids enjoyed it. Well run and safe camp. Some changes in staffing from last year yet everything was smooth and Kathryn still heavily involved.Review from the 2022 Summer Camp Survey
Location: Prospect Park How old was your child when they attended camp this summer? 5 Review: This is our second summer at White Bird. Parents were able to watch the end of the week performances in person this year, and it was a personal highlight for me. My quiet kid enjoyed her weeks here even though she isn't an outgoing theater type. Her personal highlight was the daily popsicle. What would you change about the program, if anything, and why? I wouldn't change anything. It's a really sweet program. Would you like to add anything related to COVID and how the camp handled it? Masks were required indoors which was great.summer camp?
White Bird Creative Theatrics is an awesome theater camp! K-2 is run out of the Picnic House in Prospect ParkReview from the 2021 Summer Camp Survey
Name of camp: White Bird Productions Summer Camp Location: Picnic House at Prospect Park How old was your child when they attended camp this summer? 12 & 8 Review: The camp was well organized and there were good health safety protocols in place. My kids attended the Shakespeare camp and the Music Theatre camp, and had a great time. They liked the general convivial relaxed and fun atmosphere, the stories, the songs, the art making, the games, practicing lines and songs, the performances, the large air-conditioned place with clean bathrooms, being around other kids, access to the park and green space, popsicle at the end of each day. And great teachers / assistants of course. This is hands down their favorite summer camp. What would you change about the program, if anything, and why? The kids missed the old Shakespear's The Way To Go song, which were not sung this year. Would you like to add anything related to COVID and how the camp handled it? The camp asked for health forms, temperature checks and health questions every morning, and strongly encouraged testing prior to attending camp.Review from the 2020 Summer Camp Survey
Air conditioned, excellent ventilation, happy kid, nobody fell ill.summer camp
I just wanted to put in a plug for White Bird Theatre Camp. They have put in place what seems like a solid Covid precaution plan, and have been flexible and generous with their return policy. They are a non-profit. This was going to be our first summer, and I have heard nothing but great things from them. Due plans to travel/pod with a family shortly after our scheduled week, we decided to cancel our week (the week of July 29th). We were able to choose the combination of donation, credit, and refund that suited us (you could request anywhere from 100% refund or donation and 25% credit), and they have been responsive and communicative about their plans. As they are, obviously, limited spaces, they don't have a lot of space left, but a few spots here and there if you are looking for something (probably now at least 1 spot for the week we just cancelled). I am happy to forward their Covid precautions. Camp is at the picnic house, but they will spend at least 50% of the time outside, kept in small and consistent groups and apart from others. If we didn't have these plans that are the biggest bright spot in our summer, we would have for sure proceeded.White Bird Productions Summer Theater Camp for a rising Kindergartener?
One of my boys started WB as a rising first grader and the other as a rising K two years later. They're now going to be rising 7th and 9th graders and are still going back to WB, which has extended its age cutoff for the past two years due to high demand! It is a wonderful, low-key, very nurturing program, and teaching artists (counselors) and assistant teaching artists return year after year. One of my kids' counselors back at the Picnic House (where K-2 spend their days) became a regular sitter for us and is now a good family friend. A not insignificant selling point of WB is the popsicles they hand out *every day* before dismissal! Even kids who have a hard time with separation in the morning (like my younger son did) might stick it out for the popsicle and find out that it's a great time and worth going back to! :)Theatre camps?
My daughter, who was 4 last summer, did a week at Whitebird and loved it! She came home full of stories every day and the production they did at the end of the week was a lot of fun. We are doing it again this year.2018 Summer Camp Reviews
Summer 2018 Review: My daughter loved the week she spent at White Bird. The theme that week was Rock Opera and based on the music of David Bowie. They created sets and props, sang songs, learned choreography, and had time to play outside every day as well. My daughter has a severe peanut and nut allergy, and the camp assured me that all counselors were trained in administering an EpiPen. They kept the medicine in a safe but accessible place and made me feel confident that they would keep my child safe. The counselors were all lovely, and my daughter talked about them regularly for weeks after camp. She had a wonderful time and is already asking to go next year. Age of child: 6 What would you change about the program, if anything? They were not able to accommodate our request to put her into a group with her friends, but she still played with her friends regularly and made new ones, so it was not an issue in the end.Review from the 2017 PSP Summer Camp Survey
We thought the camp was amazing and had a great vibe. The counselors were very engaged and interested in making sure the kids were happy,. The end of week shows were well thought out, and all staff members were very active participants. Unfortunately, our daughter didn't love this camp as much as we did - She said she it was boring. Honestly, I think it just comes down to personality and personal needs. She is a very active kid, and maybe needs to move around more than they do in this camp. I think this is an amazing camp for younger kids, kids who are really into acting, or for kids who aren't quite as active (fidgety) as ours. If you could change anything, what would it be? I wouldn't change anything- I think it's just a matter of whether or not it's a fit for each child. Age of child: 6 Based on a Summer 2017 experienceReview from the 2017 PSP Summer Camp Survey
My 7 year old loved her two weeks at White Bird this summer. The counselors were engaging, the plays were fun and she made some new friends! Age of child: 7 Based on a Summer 2017 experienceReview from the 2017 PSP Summer Camp Survey
Since following their first summers at 5 and 6, my kids have consistently asked to go back to White Bird. They are engaged all day, working collaboratively and creatively in small groups, and put together fabulous productions in one week. My actor/singer kid and my sports-obsessed kid alike LOVE the program. We think it's important to support this Park Slope tradition--help keep it here and keep it affordable! If you could change anything, what would it be? We all hope that they begin a program for 8th graders and up that mimics their successful formula! Age of child: 11 and 10 Based on a Summer 2017 experienceRe: Favorite Day Camps for 5-Year-Old?
I can strongly rec Creative Theatrics/Whitebird Theatre camp in prospect park (k-2nd) & old first church (3rd-6th). It is warm, fun, authentic. Real creativity and humor from the counselors/teaching artists. My boys have both gone there since the summer before kindergarten. They are now in 4th and 7th grades!Summer Camp Survey 2016
Age of child: 4 Review: Our 4 year old adored every aspect of it. Highly recommend. Wonderful planning and execution, and the Fri performances are a delight to attend. What would you change about the program, if anything? I'd have it go later in August! We'd have continuedSummer Camp Survey 2016
Age of child: 5 (almost 6) Review: Meh What would you change about the program, if anything? Choose an air conditioned location. Have the kids be more involved in the creation of the weekly production.Summer Camp Survey 2016
Age of child: 9 and 10 Review: Both my boys have been going to White Bird for one or two weeks every summer for five summers. It's a wonderful experience of putting on a show in a week, including writing, creating scenery, singing, learning choreography, and playing games. A healthy portion of the day is spent outside in JJ Byrne Park. Emphasis on teamwork, creativity, performance experience, and lots of fun. White Bird has been around a long time, and there's a good reason for it! It's one of the nicest PS summer communities I've experienced over the years.Review from 2015 Summer Camp Survey
Age of Child: 6 Likes: Small groups. Engaging counsellors. Fun activities. Performance at end of week. What would you change? The hour-long finale performance is exhausting. Wish they'd break it up into smaller groups. Would you send your child(ren) again? Yes Do you recommend? Highly recommendReview from 2015 Summer Camp Survey
Age of Child: 10 Likes: We just adore White Bird. The theater artists and assistants are top notch. They are creative, mature, attentive, sensitive, passionate about theater, skilled at working with children, and very able at instilling both a sense of purpose/hard work and silliness/FUN! Every year, my girls ( ages 8 and 10) say that White Bird is their favorite day camp. I agree. It isn't flashy. They do a lot with little, and we love this about the place. The quality of the staff and the whole experience is consistently high (we're on our sixth year). What would you change? I actually can't think of anything I'd change (and think my girls would agree). Would you send your child(ren) again? Yes Do you recommend? Highly recommendReview from 2015 Summer Camp Survey
Age of Child: 6 Likes: They practiced a show and got to perform it at the end of the week. They also spent plenty of time out doors. What would you change? Would you send your child(ren) again? Yes Do you recommend? Highly recommend Do you have any other information to add? The counselors are all creative artists and really enjoy the children.2014 Summer Camp Review
Program: 1st and 2nd grade Age of Child: 5 Likes: Really got the kids excited about music and performing. Sang at home everyday, and voluntarily practiced her performance. Lots of outdoor play and art projects also revolve around set/ costume design for Friday's performance. A different theme each week. What would you change? Would you send your child(ren) again? Yes Do you recommend? Highly recommend Do you have any other information to add?2014 Summer Camp Review
Program: Age of Child: 7 Likes: My son loved everything about the camp--engaging large-group songs and stories, and in-depth work in small groups on creating original short plays. What would you change? Nothing; no complaints! Would you send your child(ren) again? Yes Do you recommend? Highly recommend Do you have any other information to add? This is the third year my two boys have gone to White Bird for this last week in July/first week in August, which is typically "Shakespeare week." The amazing staff know just how to make Shakespeare appealing to rising kindergarteners through 6th graders;2014 Summer Camp Review
Program: Picnic House Location Age of Child: 6 Likes: I loved the indoor/outdoor aspect of the camp and the creativity of the teachers. My daughter loved everything about White Bird, especially the weekly performances and the daily end-of-day popsicles! What would you change? I can't think of anything. Would you send your child(ren) again? Yes Do you recommend? Highly recommend Do you have any other information to add?Review from 2013 Summer Camp Experience
Program: in Picnic House Age of Child: 5 Likes: She had a great time singing songs, playing games, going through the "car wash," designing costumes, painting backdrops What would you change? I felt completely ignored by virtually the entire staff, and I didn't feel as though they were paying that much attention to the kids either. The vibe was that we should feel grateful to be bringing our kids to such talented actors and performers. Would you send your child(ren) again? No Do you recommend? Recommend with reservationsReview from 2013 Summer Camp Experience
Age of Child: 5 Likes: In his own words: Popsicles (!), circle time (it was really tons if fun). He loved a few teachers so much he insisted we invited them to his birthday. What would you change? I would make those popsicles organic. Would you send your child(ren) again? Yes Do you recommend? Highly recommendWhite Bird Productions/Creative Theatrics
My daughter went as well and loved it!White Bird Productions/Creative Theatrics
just want to say that my daughter attends White Bird and loves it. I highly recommend the program and hope more people sign up. It truly is wonderful. I have no connection with White Bird. I’m just the parent of a happy, budding actress.2012 Summer Camp Survey
Camp White Bird/Creative Theatrics Picnic House, Prospect Park Day Care or Sleep Away-- Day camp Program: performing Age of Child: 5 Likes: White Bird provides a structured, adult-led opportunity for young children to start to experience all aspect of creative performance: designing and painting sets and costumes; learning lines, songs and blocking; and being part of a silly, enthusiastic process that culminates in a performance each Friday. What would you change? Nothing. Would you send your child(ren) again? Yes Do you recommend? Highly recommend Do you have any other information to add? Review from 2012 Summer Camp Experience2012 Summer Camp Survey
Camp White Bird Picnic House in Prospect Park Day Care or Sleep Away-- DC Program: Creative Theatrics Age of Child: 7 Likes: Our family has loved this camp for years. The Picnic House location is for children entering K - entering 2nd grade. The Acting/counselors are all professional actors and they are larger than life personalities. The kids love them. Each week is a new theme. Some favorites include Shakespeare, Musicals and Science Fiction. The children perform a skit every Friday at 2pm. For those who can make it, its adorable. The camp director is totally on the ball and very responsible. What would you change? Would you send your child(ren) again? Yes Do you recommend? Highly recommend Do you have any other information to add? Review from 2012 Summer Camp Experience(no subject)
Creative Theatrics Location - Picnic House, Prospect Park How old is your child? (or the age when he/she attended camp) Age: - 6 What did you/your child like about the summer camp? My daughter liked learning about Shakespeare and putting the performance together. I was pleased with how engaged she was in the creative process, and the ingenuity of what was performed at the end of the week. There is a very high-spirited, positive "vibe" at Creative Theatrics that made it fun for all of us! What would you change about the program? My daughter's one complaint about the program is that she would have liked to have more input/creative control into what they performed. She reported that the counselors and staff made a lot of the creative decisions. Will you send your child back to this summer camp program next year? (Or would you if you could?) Yes Would you recommend this program to other parents for their child in the future? Recommend(no subject)
Age: - 6 What did you/your child like about the summer camp? The camp counselors are real professionals who also have extensive experience with children. I liked that when my daughter decided that she didn't want to play a certain part (a shepherdess) but wanted to a sheep, the counselor checked to see how serious she was (she was quite serious) and went along with her desire. Knowing my daughter (who is extremely stubborn & will hold a grudge) this was the astute decision. The counselor was very sensitive to her needs. Overall, my daughter had fun and enjoyed herself very much. What would you change about the program? They have performances every Friday at 2:00. This timing is not very convenient for working parents. I would also have appreciated a later pick up option. The pick up time was at 3:00. Will you send your child back to this summer camp program next year? (Or would you if you could?) Yes Would you recommend this program to other parents for their child in the future? Highly recommend(no subject)
Age: - 5 What did you/your child like about the summer camp? She loved the stories, music, the funny and enthusiastic teachers, the popsicles and has been singing songs she learned. I loved being in the park, attending the weekly performance, the organized and cheerful staff and how happy my daughter was attending camp. What would you change about the program? Nothing--it was a great experience. Will you send your child back to this summer camp program next year? (Or would you if you could?) Yes Would you recommend this program to other parents for their child in the future? Highly recommend(no subject)
How old is your child? (or the age when he/she attended camp) Age: - 10 What did you/your child like about the summer camp? Both my children attended Creative Theatrics this summer for two weeks. The programming is vibrant and fun, and the end-of-week shows are great. Two different location for big and little kids. Both locations are very nice, although not air conditioned. What would you change about the program? The campers should be able to see each other's shows--perhaps one group could perform on Thursdays and one on Fridays or maybe they could watch dress rehearsals. It's also a problem that there isn't really enough time to get from one location to the other for Friday shows. So show timing in general needs to be reworked. Will you send your child back to this summer camp program next year? (Or would you if you could?) Yes Would you recommend this program to other parents for their child in the future? Recommend(no subject)
How old is your child? (or the age when he/she attended camp) Age: - 5 What did you/your child like about the summer camp? The camp is well suited to the not-quite-yet-sporty type younger children who still want to have a fun, active, engaging summer experience. It is a theater program where each week is a new theme (musicals, science fiction, shakespeare, etc) and the children put on little skits in relation to the theme on Fridays at 2pm. The staff are all involved in theater. Many of them have larger-than-life personalities that the little kids love and find hilarious. It also helps those children who have a harder time separating. Each group is about 10 kids with one acting teacher and one to two high school or college age helpers - they are all really wonderful. The picnic house in Prospect Park is a lovely location. You can enroll for one week or for all weeks. It's a very flexible program. Will you send your child back to this summer camp program next year? (Or would you if you could?) Yes Would you recommend this program to other parents for their child in the future? Highly recommend
