Interlochen Arts Camp is…
• A world-renowned summer program for young artists grades 3 through 12
• A destination for the world’s finest artists, educators, and conductors
• A vibrant, creative community that unites passionate artists from around the world
• A nurturing environment for developing skills in music, theatre, dance, creative writing, visual arts, animation, and film
• A beautiful campus situated between two pristine lakes on 1,200 acres of secluded woods
• A flexible experience offering one-, two-, three-, four-, and six-week programs
• A world-class arts training program that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, celebrating domestic and international students from all backgrounds
• An institution dedicated to providing access and opportunity through merit- and needbased financial aid
• An environmentally conscious organization that both teaches and practices sustainability
The Interlochen Experience
On the path from who you are to who you’ll become, between your dreams and your goal, you’ll find where you belong at Interlochen.
Since 1928, northern Michigan has held a special place in the lives of dancers, actors, filmmakers, animators, musicians, writers, and artists from all over the world. For one summer, for one session, for one magical moment, Interlochen was their home.
Secluded in nature and surrounded by like-minded peers, generations of young artists have discovered their creative confidence at Interlochen Arts Camp.
To tens of thousands of Interlochen alumni, their time here was invaluable. They learned from great instructors and trained with talented artists who propelled their growth. They also made lifelong friends and memories.
You will, too.
Programs for Every Young Artist
Interlochen Arts Camp offers more than 95 different artistic programs—which means it’s easy to find a program that fits your age, skill level, and summer schedule.
JUNIOR PROGRAMS (GRADES 3-6)
Designed for both beginners and budding artists, junior programs offer age-appropriate instruction for our youngest campers. The junior Camp experience combines world-class artistic education with abundant opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration, discovery, and fun. Most programs are two weeks in length and do not require an audition or portfolio. Students must be eight years old by the start of their program.
INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMS (GRADES 6-8)
Thoughtfully developed for middle school creatives, intermediate programs balance artistic rigor with recreational activities. Intermediate students enjoy regular opportunities to showcase their work, attend master classes with world-renowned artists, and explore our scenic campus. Intermediate programs range from three to six weeks, with many requiring an audition or portfolio as part of the application process.
HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS (GRADES 9-12)
Focused and fast-paced, high school programs are ideal for students who want to take their skills to the next level and make friends who are equally passionate about the arts. Enriching classes, regular guest artist visits, and one-on-one coachings prepare students for end-of-session showcases—and their next chapter. High school students also have ample opportunity to enjoy our scenic campus and bond with peers from all artistic disciplines. High school programs run for a duration of one, three, or six weeks. Most require an audition or portfolio as part of the application process.
Please see interlochen.org/camp or our program guide for up-to-date offerings.
ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES
Arts Exploration
Creative Writing
Dance
• Classical Ballet
• Contemporary
Film & New Media
• Filmmaking
• Animation
Interdisciplinary Arts
Music
• Classical Instrumental, Voice, Piano, and Organ
• Composition
• Jazz
• Rock/Pop
• Singer-Songwriter
• Production & Engineering
Theatre
• Acting
• Musical Theatre
• Design & Production
Visual Arts
A Day at Interlochen
Days at Interlochen Arts Camp are busy— because they’re jam-packed with learning and fun! Here’s a sample schedule:
6:40 A.M. Line-Up
7 A.M. Breakfast
8 A.M. Cabin sweep
9 A.M. Class day begins
12 P.M. Lunch
1 P.M. Break
2 P.M. Class day continues
5 P.M. Hang out with friends
5:30 P.M. Recreation time
6 P.M. Dinner with your cabin
7 P.M. Attend a world-class performance
8:30 P.M. Cabin night bonfire
Schedule may vary slightly depending on division level and program.
Northern Michigan
Interlochen Center for the Arts is located in the northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. It’s a beautiful region, full of pine forests, rolling sand dunes, and placid lakes. Michigan summers are temperate, but prepare for some fluctuation in temperature. Get ready for some of the bluest skies and brightest stars you’ve ever seen.
RECREATION
At Interlochen, students spend several hours per day practicing their chosen art form, but there’s still plenty of time for the traditional camp experiences as well.
Students explore a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, tennis, archery, stiltwalking, ping-pong, talent shows, sailing, campfires, and more. They may also participate in field trips to local hot spots like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for canoeing, swimming, or dune-climbing.
InterlochenTraditions
Like most great summer camps, Interlochen Arts Camp hosts a number of fun, time-honored traditions. Here are a few of our favorites:
FIRST GATHERING
Campers of all ages celebrate the opening of Camp by singing “Sound the Call.”
“THE INTERLOCHEN THEME”
Performed at the end of each classical music performance, and often conducted by a student, “The Interlochen Theme” is an excerpt from Howard Hanson’s Symphony No. 2, Op. 30, “Romantic.”
“COLLAGE”
Interlochen’s seven arts disciplines converge in “Collage,” an immersive, energetic performance and pop-up visual arts exhibition.
THE MELODY FREEZE
The Melody Freeze serves up thousands of treats to campers each summer, including the perpetual fan fave, the soft-serve ice cream cone.
“LES PRÉLUDES”
Franz Liszt’s “Les Préludes” has been performed as the finale of Camp since 1928.
UNIFORMS
Since 1929, all Camp students have worn blueon-blue uniforms. While corduroy knickers and knee socks are traditional, today’s students pair their powder blue polos with color-coded division identifiers and navy pants, shorts, or skirts.
Affording Interlochen
We are committed to providing access to the Interlochen experience for each and every talented student with the passion and potential to thrive here. Need- and merit-based aid, including full-tuition scholarships, are available for both domestic and international students. Your tuition is based on the number of weeks of your program. Please contact us at campfinaid@interlochen.org with any financial aid questions.
Full tuition merit- and need-based scholarships available of Arts Camp students receive financial assistance
More than Nearly
$4
50% Million in total assistance
Admission Info & Dates
Start your application today! While our programs fill up quickly, we do our best to find a place for everyone. Here’s how to apply:
1. Go to interlochen.org/application and fill out our online application.
2. Select primary and alternate application choices. We’ll help find the right fit for you.
3. Submit your audition or portfolio, if required by program.
SEPT. 1 : Application opens
JAN. 15: Priority application deadline
MARCH 1: Admission decisions released (for programs requiring an audition or portfolio)
Applications submitted after Jan. 15 will be considered based on program availability. We encourage early applications as some programs fill up quickly.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
E: admission@interlochen.org
P: 231.276.7472 or 800.681.5912