Theater Camps

This July we’re presenting MATILDA THE MUSICAL for our 2023 Theater Camp.

Come join us, from July 10th through July 30th (2023), for a three-week long, weekday musical theater camp experience where kids learn, rehearse, and then perform Matilda — the full version of the popular Broadway musical Matilda!

Whether you need a fun summer theater camp activity for your veteran child actor, have a child who just wants to test the waters of musical theater or one who just wants to have a fun, memorable camp experience, consider this: We offer three weeks of music, theater games, dance and acting instruction in an inclusive, friendly, and supportive environment. Kids grow in confidence and ability, make friends, and have a great time.

This is a three-week, Monday through Friday (10-5) camp experience right here in Manhattan, at a
professional midtown rehearsal studio. Performances are public, at a lovely off-Broadway theater on W. 71st Street.

Kids build confidence, gain experience, make friends and have a lot of fun. At camp’s end, the kids will perform the full version of Matilda the Musical for family, friends and the general public. It’s an
accomplishment every child and parent will be proud of, and will remember for years to come.

Camp In A Nutshell

What: Matilda Summer Theater Camp, a three-week, 110-hour musical theater experience for kids
Where:  Rehearsals are at a professional midtown rehearsal studio. Performances will be at Theatre 71, 152 W. 71st St., NYC.
When: July 10 -28, Mondays Through Fridays.
Time: 10-5 (early drop off can be arranged)
Finale:  Four performances at Theatre 71, July 28-30 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
Ages: 5 through 18
Fee: $950 for this three-week program. There is a 50% sibling discount.  Payment plans available.

More About Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

Matilda is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand and change her destiny.

She is a genius born into a somewhat less-brilliant family.

Her Dad is a car salesman with a few scruples loose, and her Mum is an amateur ballroom dancer who values looks over books.

They’re not the sort of parents who can appreciate a young daughter who reads Dostoevsky in the original Russian.

Things only get worse when Matilda’s not-so-loving parents send her off to school at the ghastly Cruncheon Hall, where she meets the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.

Faced with these ridiculously rotten circumstances, Matilda bravely decides to take action.

With the help of her friends and her kind-hearted teacher, Miss Honey, this miraculous girl inspires a little revolution . . .

. . . thereby proving that everyone has the power to change their story.

Full of rousing songs, witty lyrics, and fun ensemble roles, this Tony-winning hit musical will teach actors and audiences alike that you “mustn’t let a little thing like ‘little’ stop you.”

For More Information

To learn more about our theater camp, please send an email to me, LeCee Johnson lecee@polarisproductions.org, give me a call (or text) at 1-917-658-9538 or fill out our contact form.

The 2013 Broadway cast performing live on The View in 2013. Featuring Oona Lawrence as Matilda.

Teaching Artists

LeCee Galmiche Johnson, Artistic Director

I graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Drama from the University of Dallas. I’ve trained and performed professionally in New York and regionally as a dancer, singer and actress. Since March of 2008 I’ve has been producing, directing and choreographing educational musical theater for New York City children and teens. In November of 2010 my husband and I founded Polaris Productions, a nonprofit youth theater company. Over the last several years I’ve been participating in Broadway Teachers Workshops, which have deepened my understanding of educational youth theater and how to use it to bring greater joy and creative fulfillment into the lives of children. As the mother of triplet daughters, my goal as a director is to find a way to reach each of my actors and help them to blossom and grow in self-confidence, ability and maturity.

For a complete list of my directing credits, please visit our Previous Shows page.

Matilda will be my seventh summer theater camp.

Whitney Gardner, Musical Director

Whitney Gardner, founding member of In The Pocket NYC, is a freelance pianist and music educator in New York City.  Whether it be providing live music for a dance class, theater production, cocktail party, pop concert, visual art exhibit, or traditional recital, Whitney is thrilled to be able to make music and collaborate with so many talented artists!

In addition to her own music making, Whitney loves to teach. She has been teaching private piano students and coaching musical theater vocalists in the New York City area since 2005. In 2012, with the help of her In The Pocket NYC vocal colleagues, Whitney launched SING SING SING, a kids vocal ensemble, which she proudly Music Directs today.

Whitney studied at Carnegie Mellon University, earning both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Music in Piano Performance, as well as a certificate in Piano Pedagogy.

Faculty: Carnegie Mellon Preparatory School, Piano (’01-’05); Bergen Academy of Music and Art, Piano (’05-’07). Staff Accompanist: Ballet Tech (’13-present), Marymount Manhattan College, Dance Department (’13-present), Ballet Academy East (’05-present); Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School (’03-’04); Carnegie Mellon University, School of Drama (’99-’05); Rosie’s Broadway Kids (’06-’07).

Jacquie Maitner, Choreographer

After graduation from high school she was accepted into the University at Buffalo’s Department of Theatre & Dance where she earned her Bachelor in Fine Arts degree and was a member of and assistant to the artistic director of Zodiaque Dance Company. After obtaining her degree Jacquie made her move to New York City where she began her professional career. She began as an apprentice for BalaSole Dance Company under the direction of Roberto Villenueva and later was a soloist for the company.

Jacquie has danced for artists such as Derek Mitchell, Melanie Aceto, Jon Lehrer, Salt n’ Pepa, Michelle Barber and Joanna Mendl Shaw. She has choreographed for UB’s Emerging Choreographers’ Showcase and Polaris Productions, and has set work on company students at Center Stage Dance Studio and the University at Buffalo.

As a passionate artist, educator and Pilates instructor, Jacquie is excited to share her experience and love of movement with young dancers.