As the landscape of theatre and performing arts continues to evolve, summer schools offer a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the craft. In 2026, several esteemed programs, including those provided by Immerse Education, Oxbridge Academic Programs, and Oxford Royale, stand out for their commitment to fostering creativity, skill development, and a deeper understanding of the performing arts. These programs are designed to cater to diverse interests and levels of experience, ensuring that participants receive a comprehensive educational experience.
A broad selection of programmes is available, varying in depth, workload and course design across providers.
Theatre and performing arts summer schools emphasize creativity and critical thinking, encouraging students to explore diverse themes and methodologies. Unlike traditional academic settings that may prioritize rote learning, these programs foster an environment where artistic expression and collaboration thrive. Students engage with a rich curriculum that encompasses not only performance techniques but also the theoretical frameworks that underpin the arts. Instruction often involves a blend of practical workshops, group discussions, and personal reflection, allowing participants to develop a well-rounded understanding of their craft while honing their individual voice.
Structured around intensive workshops and collaborative projects, the rhythm of these summer schools varies significantly. Students often experience a dynamic classroom environment where hands-on learning is paramount. The balance between guided instruction and independent exploration cultivates a sense of ownership over their artistic journey. Peer feedback is integral, fostering a supportive community that encourages risk-taking and experimentation. Overall, participants leave with not only enhanced skills but also a deeper appreciation for the collaborative nature of the performing arts.
While specific age groups may not be delineated, these summer schools cater to a broad spectrum of participants. Expectations typically include a willingness to engage deeply with the material, an openness to feedback, and a readiness to collaborate with peers. Regardless of previous experience, all students can find value in the immersive learning environment that challenges and inspires them to grow as artists.
Diversity in programme intensity and duration sets the best theatre and performing arts summer schools apart. Some offer short, intensive courses designed for rapid skill development, while others provide longer, more comprehensive experiences that delve into multiple aspects of the arts. This flexibility allows students to choose a path that aligns with their goals, whether seeking an introductory exposure or a more in-depth exploration of theatrical disciplines. The collaborative projects and performance opportunities woven into these programs further enhance the learning experience, ensuring that each participant develops a unique set of skills and insights.
Observed fees for current intakes start from £0, with total cost shaped by duration, accommodation and subject intensity.
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Last updated: 15/02/2026
| Course | Provider | Subject | Location | Duration | Fees | Short Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Film Studies in London for Ages 15-18 | Immerse Education | Media, Arts | London | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Explore cinematic arts in London, a city that has inspired and produced countless film masterpieces. | View |
| Creative Writing: Writing Paris (Oxbridge in Paris) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Creative Writing, Arts, Literature | Paris | 4 weeks | $9,995 | In this course, students explore Paris as a city full of stories – drawing inspiration from the city in order to broaden their writing skills. Instructed by professional authors, students will polish their writing skills as they produce new works inspired by visits to Hemingway's favorite cafe, Beckett's tomb, and the Luxembourg Gardens. | View |
| Creative Industries in San Francisco for Ages 15-18 | Immerse Education | Arts, Business, Creative Writing, Design, Media, Entrepreneurship | San Francisco | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Discover how art, design, and innovation intersect in San Francisco’s thriving creative scene. | View |
| Architecture & Design (Cambridge) | Oxford Royale | Architecture, Arts, Art, Design | Cambridge | 2 Weeks | 6995 | Experience the Architecture & Design Summer School at Oxford Royale Cambridge, where students explore the University of Cambridge’s iconic buildings, art, and museums. Learn core architectural principles, practice technical drawing and model construction, and build a professional portfolio. | View |
| Film Academy for ages 12-15 (Oxford) | Oxford Royale | Media, Arts, Creative Writing | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Create, edit, and screen your own short film at the Oxford Summer School Film Academy for ages 12-15. Using professional equipment and Final Cut Pro, you’ll learn screenwriting, storyboarding, filming, and editing on location in Oxford. | View |
| Creative Writing (16-17 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | Creative Writing, Arts, Humanities | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The Creative Writing summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 16-17 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £6,995. | View |
| Film Academy for ages 16-18 (Oxford) | Oxford Royale | Arts, Media, Creative Writing | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Create, edit, and screen your own short film at the Oxford Summer School Film Academy for ages 16-18. Use professional HD cameras and editing tools like Final Cut Pro, and learn screenwriting, storyboarding, and location scouting in historic Oxford. | View |
| Photography MINOR ONLY (The Oxford Experience) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Arts, Media, Creative Writing, Design | Oxford | 4 weeks | $12,495 | Photographers of all levels of expertise spend much of their time in the field, pursuing assignments designed to improve their landscape, portraiture, art, and fashion photography skills. Students exhibit their best work at the end of the program. | View |
| Active English + STEM (9-15 years old) | St Clare’s, Oxford | English, STEM, Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Coding, Arts | Oxford | 2 weeks | 3795 | Build in all four English language skills while exploring the exciting world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). Combine language learning with innovation and discovery, through coding workshops, hands-on engineering challenges, and maths and science workshops at our IB World School. | View |
| Fashion (Oxbridge in Paris) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Fashion, Arts, Design | Paris | 4 weeks | $9,995 | Using the city's fashion resources, students are introduced to the history and modern processes of haute-couture. They become acquainted with the main facets of the business – from factory floor to boutique – visit some of the most famous houses as well as their artisanal suppliers, and learn the basics of clothes and accessory design. | View |
| Architecture in Oxford for Ages 13-15 | Immerse Education | Architecture, Arts, Design, Humanities | Oxford | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Begin your architectural journey in Oxford, where centuries of design inspire future innovators. | View |
| Project Eco-innovation (15-17 years old) | St Clare’s, Oxford | Climate & Sustainability, Business, Entrepreneurship, Arts, Art, Design, Leadership, Social Sciences | Oxford | 1 Week – add on to other St Clare's academic course | 1395 | Where sustainability, creativity, and entrepreneurship come together! In this one-week, multi-disciplinary course, students from different courses collaborate to develop bold ideas for a greener world. | View |
| Liberal Arts | Reach Cambridge | Arts, Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, STEM | Cambridge | 2, 4 or 6 weeks | £6,295.00 – £18,495.00 | Dive into your academic passion through a diverse journey in Liberal Arts, exploring both familiar and new horizons | View |
| Art (Elective) | ISSOS | Art, Arts | St Andrews | 3 weeks | 7900 | The ISSOS Art programme will help students to see that there is art in everything around us by exploring different types of art forms. Let your imagination run free this summer and explore your creative talents. | View |
| Film & Animation in Tokyo for Ages 15-18 | Immerse Education | Arts, Art, Creative Writing, Design, Media | Tokyo | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Unleash your creativity in Tokyo, the vibrant heart of anime and a global powerhouse in film production. Click to learn more. | View |
| Art and Digital Design (15-17 years old) | St Clare’s, Oxford | Art, Arts, Design, Creative Writing, Architecture | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 3790 | Explore and develop creative art and design techniques in our purpose-built art studio complete with dark room, printing press and a wide range of resources. Be inspired by Oxford’s historical and contemporary architecture, museums and art galleries. | View |
| Architecture, Heritage, and Urban Planning | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Architecture, Arts, Humanities, History | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | How can we see cities and their buildings as a means of understanding history and society? In this course you will examine the everyday built environments of cities in Britain (and beyond). | View |
| Architecture (Oxbridge in Barcelona) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Architecture, Arts, Design | Barcelona | 4 weeks | $9,995 | Barcelona is an architect's dream: from the city's ancient Gothic Quarter, to Gaudí's spectacular Modernismo. Students will discover two thousand years of urban development, from Roman ruins to FC Barcelona's majestic new stadium, while learning how to transform their own ideas into models. | View |
| Advertising and Media (Oxbridge in New York) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Arts, Business, Marketing, Media | New York | 4 weeks | $11,495 | In the home of Mad Men and Times Square's billboards, SoHo and NoHo’s cool side, students discover the power of creativity, big ideas, and product placement. Scouting the city for case studies and creative examples, they explore how different types of traditional advertising, social media, viral marketing, pop-ups and experiential events are transforming the game. | View |
| Architecture in Cambridge for Ages 13-15 | Immerse Education | Architecture, Arts, Design, Humanities | Cambridge | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Discover the principles of architecture in Cambridge, a city where centuries-old buildings stand alongside cutting-edge design. | View |
