U of I Theatre Arts Department introduces summer aerial arts camp for youth

MOSCOW, Idaho — The University of Idaho Department of Theatre Arts presents a brand-new summer aerial arts camp for kids ages 7 to 18. Campers will learn skills on aerial silks, sling and hoop (lyra) while building confidence, strength and creativity. Led by Theatre Arts faculty members and Gem State Flyers aerialists, the camps introduce youth to the basic vocabulary and techniques of aerial performance.

Two camp options are available:  

• Aerial Basics (ages 7-12): 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, June 23-27, with a group showcase at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 28. Tuition is $225.
• Aerial Basics + Performance (ages 13-18): 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 23-27, and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 7-11. Showcases are 7 p.m. Friday, July 11, and 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12. Tuition is $375.

“Aerial arts — an exhilarating blend of athleticism, dance and acrobatics performed while suspended in the air — offer a powerful and transformative experience for both performers and audiences,” Theatre Arts Department Chair Robert Caisley said. “Rooted in circus traditions and now embraced by contemporary dance, theatre and fitness communities, aerial arts go beyond entertainment. They build confidence, foster body awareness and provide a unique space for artistic expression.”

Instructed by theatre arts faculty and aerialists from Gem State Flyers performance troupe, campers will learn the basic vocabulary and skills on three apparatuses: aerial silks, aerial sling, and aerial hoop/lyra.

Campers in the one-week program will learn a basic sequence on each apparatus and have the opportunity to perform that sequence with their assigned group for their friends and family. Campers in the two-week program will spend the first week learning basic skills on all three apparatuses and then at the end of the first week will select one apparatus to specialize in. They will work with a coach to prepare a routine to music that they will perform for their friends and family at the end of the second week of camp.

“Finding a place to practice aerial arts can be difficult, especially in a rural area,” said Sarah Fogarty-Morrison, camp director, aerialist and theatre arts faculty member. “To be able to offer the camp to young people is so important because part of what makes aerial arts unique is that everyone succeeds in different ways. Aerial and circus arts has been such a welcoming and supportive community for me as an adult, and I want to be able to provide a space where young people can develop confidence in who they are and learn to be proud of what they can accomplish.”

Caisley also emphasized the benefits of bringing aerial arts to communities.

“Being able to produce and share this art form with our community is about more than putting on a show,” Caisley said. “It’s about opening up access to a dynamic, empowering discipline that invites wonder, challenges limits and connects people through shared awe and inspiration.”

To learn more about camp or to register, click here. The deadline to register is Wednesday, June 18.

For information about the Department of Theatre Arts, visit uidaho.edu/theatre.

Media contact

Alisa Volz 
Communication Specialist 
Department of Theatre Arts and Lionel Hampton School of Music 
208-885-6465
avolz@uidaho.edu