Improve your acoustic guitar playing under the expert guidance of a professional classical guitarist and music educator. Students focus on expanding their technique and playing of melodies and chords and scales. Students experience ensemble practice and performance, deepening their musicality through listening activities and improvisation and exploring their creativity through a series of music games, warm-ups, and fun approaches to composition. One to two years of experience playing the guitar and an ability to read music is required. 

Graphic novels and comics—and the mythology behind them—are heavily ingrained in pop culture. Learn cartooning and graphic-novel story development while sharing resources that inspire you. Develop and design your own creative comics from conception to finished product, while practicing graphic design techniques and using color theory. 

Comic Art students spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction by experienced art educators and professional comic artists, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. At the end of their session, students have the opportunity to celebrate their work by participating in the Art Parade, Open Studios day, or a celebration with their class in-studio. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.   

“We learned techniques and were also free to work on our own stuff.”
—Anya

“We are able to freely design all genres of comic art.”
—Ashton

Our open-air writing studios provide a welcoming environment for young storytellers to write poetry, short fiction, and plays, individually and in small collaborative groups. Use your imagination and find your creative voice, while developing concrete elements of storytelling like structure, point of view, and conflict and resolution. 

Writers collaborate with peers from other artistic disciplines and use the natural environment to inspire their writing. Writers also explore the forms in which creative writing shows up in everyday life, such as journaling and writing commercials.

Under the instruction of an experienced writing educator and practicing writer, writers spend their days considering the structure and idea of form through word games, writing, revising, sharing, and collaborating. The session culminates with a student open mic and performance as well as the development of individual student portfolios. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.  

“It encouraged me to be more creative than I thought I could be.” 
—Rina

“It's a writer's dream. My ideas couldn't flow until I went there. My favorite part was the way every student and the teacher supported each other.” 
—Soleil

An exploratory dance experience for our littlest dancers, offering a fun and supportive space to try a variety of dance games and styles. In open-air studios that are exposed to the beauty of Usdan’s wooded campus, students are taught by experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers with a variety of expertise. Dance forms explored in this Major may include ballet, jazz, contemporary, and/or tap. Specific styles will be announced close to the start of camp. All levels welcome.

“What I liked most was that I got to be myself.” 
—Ahuva

The Usdan Hip Hop Minor is back! Under the instruction of experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers, this class combines old and new styles, such as pop, lock, break, and vogue. In addition to technique, students work together to create dynamic dance pieces. Balancing challenging choreography with the students’ own creative influence, this class results in an exciting dance performance. To ensure that our classes best serve the group, our enrollment form includes questions about dance background. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.  

Build skills in contemporary and hip hop techniques under the instruction of experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers. Students learn cutting-edge forms with choreographers who combine traditional and contemporary influences. Dance studios are open-air and exposed to the beauty of Usdan’s wooded campus. Depending on student interest, the class may culminate in a performance showcasing what dancers have been working on. To ensure that our classes best serve the group, our enrollment form includes questions about dance background. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade. 

“My favorite thing was the freedom and creativity.”
—Brielle

“It was fun, and I loved the choreography.”
—Leah

Painting & Drawing includes the fundamental ingredients of any visual artist’s education, taught by experienced art educators and professional artists. Explore your individual interests and develop your own creative style as you learn traditional and contemporary techniques and concepts in two-dimensional art through media such as acrylic, watercolor, ink, graphite, and more. Create your own life drawings, landscapes, portraits, and abstract works, all while gaining exposure to a variety of artists and practices. 

Painting & Drawing students spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. At the end of their session, students have the opportunity to celebrate their work by participating in the Art Parade, Open Studios day, or a celebration with their class in-studio. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.   

“I was able to express myself freely.”
—Abigail

“My favorite thing was the guidance I received from the teacher and my peers.”
—Eleanor

Children’s Theater allows young campers with stage-door dreams to explore musical interpretation. This unforgettable experience provides foundational instruction for our youngest thespians as they prepare to perform a musical chosen especially for them. Led by an experienced theater educator and performer, this Major nurtures both singing and acting skills. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to Usdan’s beautiful wooded campus.

An opportunity to study musical theater through the entire cycle of a production, including audition, rehearsal, blocking, staging, choreography, ensemble work, and performance. Over the course of four weeks, students audition for roles and learn how casting decisions are made, discover the joys of collaboration, and develop responsibility as they work together to put on their show. Usdan’s musical theater productions are directed by professional theater educators specializing in directing and music-directing. Rehearsals take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to Usdan’s beautiful wooded campus. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade. 

“The show, rehearsal, and auditions are very professional. My favorite parts were the way the company becomes a family and the way the show comes together.” 
—Myla

“I met very talented people who inspired me.”
—Marisella

Dive deep into the fundamental principles of composition and lighting with Usdan’s woodland campus as your backdrop. Mac computers and Photoshop are used in this Major for imaging, photo enhancement, printing, and digital presentation.

Photography students spend their days in the studio and around campus engaging in a combination of direct instruction by experienced arts educators and professional photographers, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. At the end of their session, students have the opportunity to celebrate their work by participating in the Art Parade, Open Studios day, or a celebration with their class in-studio. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.  

Students supply their own digital camera. A limited number of cameras are available to lend out if necessary.

“I loved all the fun projects we did, the fun photo walks, and how much I learned. Teachers were amazing too.”  
—Sophie

“My favorite part of Photography was the collaborations between students and with other classes.” 
—Danielle 

This class teaches students to use unconventional materials to create sustainable solutions and environmentally focused art and design. Students create things out of nothing, using materials such as sunlight and recycled and found objects. The results are unexpected, and the process is fun! In past years, students worked as a team to make a wind-powered air conditioner, a bike-powered generator, and a solar barbecue. This class is open to thinkers from all disciplines. 

“I enjoyed the tasks that we had to complete using mostly things we found on our own.” 
—Luke

Just as movement and dance are essential physical skills for the modern actor, skill in stage fighting has to be part of the actor's toolbox. Learn the basics and mechanics of acting a conflict truthfully, stage combat safety, unarmed combat, and found weapons. Guided by an experienced stage combat educator, this class emphasizes the actor’s approach to fight scenes and the use of body, movement, and style. Students engage in exercises that emphasize the importance of fighting distance, sight lines, and fight vocabulary. Classes are designed to provide an opportunity to choreograph and participate in a believable and safe fight scene. Through proper warm-up techniques and disciplined repetition, students achieve the confidence and physical ability to perform a role that requires stage violence. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to Usdan’s beautiful wooded campus. 

Open only to students who are Dance Majors at Usdan, or have studied Contemporary or Ballet for at least two years, this Minor/Rec class is an opportunity for dancers to focus on performance. Students learn classical pieces and work with a contemporary artist to create new work all in our open-air studio exposed to the beauty of Usdan’s wooded campus. They have unique performance opportunities based on the work studied or created. To ensure that our classes best serve the group, our enrollment form includes questions about dance background. 

Our open-air writing studios provide a welcoming environment for young storytellers to write poetry, short fiction, and plays, individually and in small collaborative groups. Use your imagination and find your creative voice, while developing concrete elements of storytelling like structure, point of view, and conflict and resolution. 

Writers collaborate with peers from other artistic disciplines and use the natural environment to inspire their writing. Writers also explore the forms in which creative writing shows up in everyday life, such as journaling and writing commercials.

Under the instruction of an experienced writing educator and practicing writer, writers spend their days considering the structure and idea of form through word games, writing, revising, sharing, and collaborating. The session culminates with a student open mic and performance as well as the development of individual student portfolios. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.  

“It encouraged me to be more creative than I thought I could be.” 
—Rina

“It's a writer's dream. My ideas couldn't flow until I went there. My favorite part was the way every student and the teacher supported each other.” 
—Soleil

Enhance your ability to listen, blend, make musical decisions, and think critically by playing in a small ensemble led by professional musicians and music educators. Strengthen your skills as both a soloist and an ensemble player.

Each day, musicians join an ensemble rehearsal that includes a combination of warm-ups, technical exercises, sound and breathing exercises, and balancing and listening exercises, as well as repertoire study and rehearsal. Varied pieces are selected from different genres and time periods. Instrumental Ensemble takes place in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus.

Lead faculty in our advanced groups guide musicians in a true conductor-less chamber music experience. Beginner groups receive the technical support needed and are conducted by their lead faculty most days. Some ensembles have the opportunity to work with a contemporary composer.

Ensembles may include string, woodwind, brass, and jazz groups, as well as mixed instrumental groups. There is limited space available for percussionists in the 4-week A session only. Please inquire before enrolling by emailing enrollment@usdan.org. There is limited space available for piano and guitar instrumentalists in our Jazz Ensembles only. Please inquire before enrolling by emailing enrollment@usdan.org.

Students are asked to submit a placement video shortly after enrolling and are grouped according to experience, instrumentation, age division, and grade. Instrumentalists who have just completed 6th grade must choose to be in the Junior Division in order to take this Major. Instrumentalists in 3rd and 4th grade who are interested in taking this Major may be admitted upon inquiry. Please email enrollment@usdan.org to inquire. At least one year of playing an instrument and an ability to read music is required. 

“The teacher creates a safe and fun environment and is very encouraging.” 
—Noelani

“I like the people I got placed with. We all became good friends.” 
—Sophia

“I like listening to other instruments and coming together with a blended piece.”
—Rose

If you love to sing and want to deepen your passion for music, join Usdan’s Junior Vocal Ensemble. Under the guidance of professional musicians and educators, students learn varied repertoire by composers from around the world while making friends and having fun. Vocalists focus on the use of correct diction, breathing techniques, blending, and balance. Vocal Ensemble takes place in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus.

“We learn in a great environment!”
—Anthony

“We sing and perform a very wide range of music that is amazing to sing. I enjoyed the whole process of learning the music, ... and seeing it all come together is an amazing thing.” 
—Kennedy

Usdan’s Recreational Camp program provides an opportunity for students to experience the beauty of Usdan’s wooded campus and recreational spaces, including it’s swimming pools and archery range, and to join Usdan's welcoming and inclusive community, while having fun, being active, and making new friends. 

Students have one period of swimming, one period of archery, and one period of general recreation, including activities and games such as cornhole, four-square, badminton, and more. Our Recreational Camp students also get a taste of Usdan’s Classic program with one period of Art or Nature & Sustainability, taught by experienced arts and nature educators and professional artists, as well as a daily Festival Performance by professional and student artists to delight, surprise, and inspire them. Each group is guided through their days by one or two counselors.

Choose from a variety of activities each day, at the pools and other upper campus areas. Junior students who choose to swim have instructional swim Monday through Thursday and free swim on Friday, while Senior students have free swim all days. An assessment is required for all students who choose to swim. Other activities include gaga, four-square volleyball, cornhole, basketball, and badminton. U pick, it’s U Time!

Learn the fundamentals of guitar playing under the expert guidance of a professional classical guitarist and music educator. Students begin by learning the structure of the instrument and basic technique; then they move on to simple melodies and chords and scales. Students ultimately experience ensemble practice and performance, deepening their musicality through listening activities and improvisation and exploring their creativity through a series of music games, warm-ups, and fun approaches to composition. This Minor includes a free guitar, which students take home with them at the end of the session. No experience necessary.

In this preparatory piano class, students learn the fundamentals of piano playing by

studying the geography of the keyboard, pentascales, full octave scales, contrary motion scales, note reading, rhythm, triads with inversions, and simple arpeggios. Repertoire is selected from method books as well as traditional favorites and contemporary pieces from pedagogical collections. Young pianists receive their instruction under the expert guidance of a professional pianist and music educator. No experience necessary. Classes are grouped according to division and grade. This class can be taken for the 4-Week A or 4-Week B session, but cannot be taken for both.

Learn the fundamentals of ukulele playing under the expert guidance of a professional classical guitarist and music educator. Students begin by learning the structure of the instrument and basic technique; then they move on to simple melodies and chords and scales. Students ultimately experience ensemble practice and performance, deepening their musicality through listening activities and improvisation and exploring their creativity through a series of music games, warm-ups, and fun approaches to composition. This Minor includes a free ukulele, which students take home with them at the end of the session. No experience necessary. 

A unique program for advanced beginner pianists to develop solo and ensemble repertoire, improving technique, theory, and aural comprehension. Young pianists receive their instruction under the expert guidance of a professional pianist and music educator. One to two years of prior piano instruction required. Classes are grouped according to division and grade. This class can be taken for the 4-Week A or 4-Week B session, but cannot be taken for both.

A Usdan favorite, Archery gives students an unforgettable opportunity to learn form and technique from an experienced archery instructor. Young archers strengthen their concentration and confidence in a safe and beautiful environment. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.   

“I learned to do something most people have never done!” 
—Sofia

Learn new and original choreography from legendary Broadway shows  under the guidance of experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers. In this energetic class, students study various dance forms drawn from musical theater and jazz traditions. Dance studios are open-air and exposed to the beauty of Usdan’s wooded campus. Depending on student interest, the class may culminate in a performance showcasing what dancers have been working on. To ensure that our classes best serve the group, our enrollment form includes questions about dance background. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade. 

“I liked that we were able to have fun while learning cool musical numbers.”
—Janylee

Explore and create traditional and experimental pottery, stoneware, and earthenware under the guidance of an experienced arts educator and professional ceramicist. While focusing on hand-building and throwing on the potter's wheel, students study ceramic design, sculpture, and glaze technology. 

Ceramics students spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. At the end of their session, students have the opportunity to celebrate their work by participating in the Art Parade, Open Studios day, or a celebration with their class in-studio. All levels welcome. 

While we offer this Major for the 4-week sessions, we recommend taking it for the 8-week session to get the full exposure to this unique art-making process.

“Doing a combination of things in one subject is exciting. I loved hand-building and glazing.”
—Eleanor 

“What I liked most was that there was lots of experimentation and access to supplies.” 
—Nicole

Usdan’s Chess classes are uniquely designed to meet the needs of each student, no matter the experience level. The Usdan Chess Ladder groups students in varying levels, from absolute novices to advanced players. New players learn rules, notation, and the opening, middle, and end games. Advanced players develop a vast repertoire of complex strategies and the ability to apply them in-game. All benefit from improved problem-solving, critical thinking, and concentration. Students hone their skills through game play and tutoring in competitive chess tournaments and exciting team competitions. Chess players learn in the sunny Maurice B. Hexter Center by highly ranked tournament players with decades of experience. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.  

“What I liked most was that I got to play many different people with no pressure.”
—Dylan

“I was able to play a lot of chess and learn from my mistakes.”
—Noah

Contemporary draws on modern dance techniques and current-day practices to help students build a strong technical foundation. Students cultivate dynamic movement principles, including weight, flow, opposition, phrasing, and breath, under the guidance of experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers. Dance studios are open-air and exposed to the beauty of Usdan’s wooded campus. Depending on student interest, the class may culminate in a performance showcasing what dancers have been working on. To ensure that our classes best serve the group, our enrollment form includes questions about dance background. All levels welcome.

Enhance your musicality and your ability to play as a soloist and in a duet under the expert guidance of a professional pianist and music educator. Students are introduced to a variety of musical styles, such as miniatures, Baroque and Classical dance and song forms, and Romantic and 20th-century character pieces. Duets among the students are used to foster listening, making musician decisions, thinking critically while playing, and interdependence. Three to four years of playing the piano and an ability to read music is required. Students are asked to submit a placement video shortly after enrolling.

Sample repertoire:

Bach • Invention No. 1 in C Major, BWV 772

Beach, Amy • Children’s Carnival Op. 25, No. 5 (Secrets)

Chopin • Prelude in E Minor, op. 28, no. 4

MacDowell • Woodland Sketches, op. 51, No. 1 (To a Wild Rose)

Learn to design and create art from metal with basic metalsmithing skills and techniques under the guidance of an experienced arts educator and metalsmith. Create your own unique sculptures, jewelry, mobiles, and more through hammering, raising, chasing, soldering, acid-etching, bezel-stone-setting, and bead-stringing. 

Metalsmithing students spend their days engaging in a combination of direct instruction, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. At the end of their session, students have the opportunity to celebrate their work by participating in the Art Parade, Open Studios day, or a celebration with their class in-studio. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.  

“Metalsmithing is a class where you can experiment, and it's really fun. I liked the whole atmosphere of the class and that you have a lot of freedom to try new things.”
—Madison

“There are few limitations, lots of freedom, lots of variety of projects ... and blowtorches.” 
—Margot

“You can’t do this at home!” 
—Samuel

Be part of the miracle of growing plants and connect with other nature enthusiasts. Led by an experienced nature educator, this class gives you the chance to plant, care for, and harvest fruit and vegetables in Usdan's gardens, as well as collect eggs from Usdan’s chickens. Learn about sustainable practices and how to use unconventional and found materials to create sustainable solutions and environmentally focused art and design. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.   

“It's a nice experience learning how to garden.”
—Marcus

“My favorite part was that we got to grow our garden and make sustainable sculptures.”
—Benjamin

Ever wonder why they call it a play when acting often feels like work? The Acting Group explores the process of becoming an actor. Students experience the audition and rehearsal phases under the direction of professional theater educators. The 4-week session culminates with their play’s performance. Past productions include Dracula, Little Women, The Miracle Worker, and The Diary of Anne Frank. Rehearsals take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to Usdan’s beautiful wooded campus.

“It was extremely fun. I got to meet great new people, and we were able to put on a great performance.” 
—Oriana  

Sculptors learn the techniques of creating three-dimensional art with wood, air-dry clay, plaster, wire, metal, and more. Inspiration is all around as students experiment with new materials and imagery—both representational and abstract—and work together with classmates to produce large-scale installations and sculptures. 

Sculpture students spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction by experienced art educators and professional sculptors, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. At the end of their session, students have the opportunity to celebrate their work by participating in the Art Parade, Open Studios day, or a celebration with their class in-studio. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.

“In this class you can use different materials to create cool sculptures. I LOVED working with mixed media.”
—Emile 

Create your own personal style and wearable art from concept to construction under the guidance of experienced arts educators and professional fashion designers. Students learn sewing techniques including hand sewing and machine sewing. They have the opportunity to celebrate their creations at the end of the session in our annual Usdan Fashion Show. 

Sewing & Fashion Design students spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.  

“We were so expressive in our pieces and were able to accomplish so much.”
—Aaliyah

“I enjoyed learning to sew quickly and confidently so I can sew things on my own in the future.”
—Gari

Tap focuses on rhythm, coordination, and musicality. Students develop their movement repertory while building confidence, ensemble skills, and discipline. Experienced tap dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers teach specific styles and traditions, ranging from Broadway to rhythm tap. Students practice movement skills, improvisation, and choreography in open-air studios that are exposed to the beauty of Usdan’s wooded campus. Depending on student interest, the class may culminate in a performance showcasing what dancers have been working on. To ensure that our classes best serve the group, our enrollment form includes questions about dance background. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade. 

“A great introduction to tap; it made me interested in continuing tap dancing.”
—Claudia

“We learned harder steps than I have ever learned before” 
—Melissa

Make an audience laugh, make them wonder. Sharpen your comic timing and learn to tell a story that will have them begging for more. Under the instruction of a professional theater educator and performer, students spend their days ​​practicing and developing their comedy performance skills. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to Usdan’s beautiful wooded campus.

“ … the teacher gave us so much freedom.”
—Victoria

“I enjoyed learning new comedy skills and acting with nice people.”
—Cora

“It was just plain fun.”
—Mia

Just as movement and dance are essential physical skills for the modern actor, skill in stage fighting has to be part of the actor's toolbox. Learn the basics and mechanics of acting a conflict truthfully, stage combat safety, unarmed combat, and found weapons. Guided by an experienced stage combat educator, this class emphasizes the actor’s approach to fight scenes and the use of body, movement, and style. Students engage in exercises that emphasize the importance of fighting distance, sight lines, and fight vocabulary. Classes are designed to provide an opportunity to choreograph and participate in a believable and safe fight scene. Through proper warm-up techniques and disciplined repetition, students achieve the confidence and physical ability to perform a role that requires stage violence. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to Usdan’s beautiful wooded campus. 

The new century has brought exciting and different styles of song and performance to the American stage. In The Actor Sings you will learn to perform the musical theater songs of today. Think Hadestown, Jagged Little Pill, Mean Girls, Be More Chill, and The Prom. Under the instruction of a professional theater educator and performer, students spend their days engaging in vocal warm-ups and group exercises, working on individual songs or duets, and giving and receiving feedback with fellow singers. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to Usdan’s beautiful wooded campus.