Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Summer Camps
Here’s everything parents like you want to know about our camps. No fluff, just honest answers about how we help kids discover their artistic voice while having an amazing summer!
Essentials
This isn’t just about just adding “Catholic” on a regular arts camp. Since 2004, we’ve been specifically serving Catholic and Christian families who want excellent arts training in an environment they can trust. Our founder, Rob Tessier, literally went from performing with Ringling Bros Circus to Catholic youth ministry because he saw this unique need.
Every instructor is both:
- A practicing Catholic who gets your values
- A professional artist with serious credentials (like our Grammy-nominated music director and BroadwayWorld award winners!)
Click here to meet our amazing instructors →
“All our kids have enjoyed and learned so much at Spotlight on the Arts Summer Camps! The best part? Learning the Theatre Arts, as well as Arts and Crafts, in a wholesome Catholic environment.” – Shelley Daez, Sterling, VA
Two weeks in July at two awesome locations:
- All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas (9300 Stonewall Road)
- Nativity Catholic Church in Burke (6400 Nativity Lane)
All camps run 9:30am to 3:00pm daily.
Head to our registration page to see current camp rates. We believe every kid deserves a chance to shine, so we’ve loaded up the savings:
- Major discount when you register by March 31
- Additional Early Bird discount through April 30
- Family discounts for registering multiple kids
- Free camp t-shirt when you register by May 31
Pack a lunch and water bottle! While we don’t provide snacks (due to varying dietary needs and allergies), we have dedicated break times where kids refuel and make new friends. These social moments often become camp highlights!
Look for our friendly staff at the Spotlight table:
- All Saints: Back school parking lot (by the gym)
- Nativity: Right lower parking lot (by the activity center)
Same spots for pick-up!
Every camp ends with an age-appropriate showcase:
- Drama Boot Camp: Thursday afternoon presentation
- Broadway Spotlight: Friday afternoon performance
- Art Camps: Friday afternoon gallery show
Bring your cameras because you’re going to want these memories!
You’ll get an automatic email within 15 minutes of registering. No email? Check that spam folder! Still nothing? Give us a shout – we’re here to help.
What Makes Us Special
Three things set us apart:
- Professional instructors who actually work in theater (led by Rob Tessier, named “Best Director of the Decade” in DC/MD/VA!)
- Small teacher-to-student ratio (more individual attention)
- A supportive environment where making friends is just as important as making art
BROADWAY SPOTLIGHT (Rising 4th-12th grade)
Start your journey toward becoming a triple threat with:
- Acting (character development, scene work, audition prep)
- Singing (voice placement that works)
- Dance (choreography that brings it all together)
Split into three age groups so everyone develops at their perfect pace!
Learn more about Broadway Spotlight →
DRAMA BOOTCAMP (Rising 1st-9th grade)
Four days of pure theatrical magic:
- Acting & projection fundamentals
- Mime & movement exploration
- Improvisation & clowning
- Scene work that builds confidence
All in an environment that works for both beginners AND experienced performers.
Learn more about Drama Bootcamp →
ART EXPLORER (Rising 5th-9th grade)
Get hands-on with:
- Paper maché projects
- Canvas painting
- Sculpting & pottery
- Watercolor techniques
- Sketch development
Plus individual attention to help develop their unique artistic voice.
ARTS & CRAFTS FUN (Rising 1st-4th grade)
Get ready to fill your home with masterpieces! Your young artists will:
- Learn painting & drawing fundamentals
- Create 3D sculptures
- Explore multiple art mediums
Both art camps end with a gallery show for families!
While they’re having fun creating, they’re also building:
- Public speaking confidence
- Creative problem solving
- Teamwork abilities
- Lifelong friendships
- Self-expression skills
“They learn skills that are useful not only in musical theater and art but also for public speaking and personal presentation. They learn to cooperate and be a part of creating something bigger than themselves.” – Pat Karcher, Manassas, VA
Real Talk for Parents
Stop right there! Every year, some of our biggest success stories come from first-timers. We split kids into age groups and our pros (including a former Ringling Bros clown!) know exactly how to bring out the best in everyone.
“Over the years we have seen our children develop confidence and performance excellence in this safe, nurturing, challenging, and FUN environment.” – Matt Moore, Bristow, VA
Here’s what parent Angela Cronan said: “I have watched my daughter transform from a shy little girl into a confident young lady who loves the stage… Her peers were SO encouraging to her every day, every moment, every skit.”
We create a zero-pressure environment where kids open up at their own pace and choose what they really want to do. No spotlights until they’re ready!
While we’re hosted by Catholic churches and our professional instructors are Catholic, we welcome ALL children who want to develop their artistic talents! Since 2004, we’ve been providing excellent arts training in a safe environment families can trust.
Your child’s safety is our priority. Our small teacher-to-student ratio lets us give special attention where needed. Just let us know about any concerns during registration.
Just email us with your child’s name and camp dates. We’ll get you what you need for dependent care or FSA purposes.
Ready To Give Your Kid An Amazing (And Faithful) Summer?
Listen, here’s the deal – spots fill up fast (especially with our small class sizes).
And those Early Bird savings? They’re legit:
- Save big when you register by March 31
- Additional Early Bird discount through April 30
- Get free t-shirts if you lock in by May 31
- Take 10% off when registering 3+ of your kids
Don’t wait until it’s too late and end up on the waitlist. Let’s get your kids the arts education they deserve… in an environment you can trust.
P.S. Still got questions about how we can help YOUR child thrive? Hit us up! We’re real people who love helping kids discover their artistic voice while staying true to their faith.
All “Spotlight on the Arts” staff are approved to work with young people through the Child Protection & Safety Program sponsored by the Arlington Diocese.
Our camps are fully licensed and insured.