WHAT A SUMMER AT THE SECRET!

If there’s one word to describe this summer at The Secret Theatre, it’s FULL!

From camps and classes to performances, festivals, workshops, Open House activities, and everything in between, our building was buzzing all summer long. We welcomed new students, familiar faces, budding performers, working artists, creative young people, and families from across Queens and beyond—and we couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible summer we shared.

A Summer of Creativity

Our Summer Camps were filled with imagination, exploration, and plenty of theatre magic. Each week brought new opportunities for our students to create, collaborate, perform, and—most importantly—have fun. Whether they were stepping onto a stage for the first time or returning for another summer of theatre, our campers brought so much energy and personality to the building.

We also had an amazing time with Turbo Arts Camp, our intensive program for older students looking to take their creativity to the next level. From performance skills to collaboration and everything that makes an artist tick, Turbo Arts gave our students the chance to dive deeper into their craft while building confidence and community along the way.

And then there was Triple Threat Studio! Our students spent the summer developing their skills across acting, singing, and dance while learning what it means to be a well-rounded performer. Watching students challenge themselves, try something new, and grow throughout the summer was one of our favorite parts of the season.

A Summer of New Work

The summer wasn't just about our young artists. The Secret Theatre was also home to an incredible celebration of new voices and new work through the Queens Short Play Festival.

Over the course of the festival, we welcomed playwrights, actors, directors, theatre-makers, and audiences into our space for a whirlwind of short plays, performances, competition, and community. From the early rounds all the way through the semifinals and finals, the festival showcased the incredible variety of stories being created right here in Queens and gave artists an opportunity to see their work brought to life.

The Queens Short Play Festival is such a wonderful reflection of what we love about The Secret Theatre: creating a home where artists can take risks, share their work, connect with an audience, and celebrate the theatrical community around them.

A Little Princess Magic

Of course, we couldn't let the summer pass without a little theatrical fairy-tale magic!

Our production of Princess Particular brought students, families, performers, and audiences together for a wonderful afternoon of theatre. Seeing our young performers take the stage and share their hard work with an audience was a perfect reminder of why we do what we do: to give young artists a place to create, perform, and be celebrated.

Opening Our Doors

We also welcomed the community into The Secret Theatre for our Open House, where families could get a taste of everything our Academy has to offer.

From art activities and cardboard robot building to Shakespearean insults, vocal warmups, singalongs, face painting, coffee, pastries, and plenty of opportunities to explore our programs, it was a wonderful day of creativity and connection.

We loved meeting new families, reconnecting with returning students, and giving everyone a chance to experience the energy of The Secret Theatre firsthand.

And Now... On to the Next Chapter!

As we look back on the summer, we're incredibly proud of everything our students accomplished, the artists we welcomed through our doors, and the community we continued to build—and we're incredibly excited for what comes next.

This summer wasn't just about filling our calendar. It was about building confidence, discovering new talents, making friends, taking creative risks, supporting artists, and creating memories that will last long after the final curtain.

And the fun doesn't stop here!

Our Fall/Winter semester is right around the corner, with our newly expanded Level 1–4 Acting and Musical Theatre programs, along with dance, tap, Triple Threat Studio, K-Pop, and more. Our new leveling system is designed to help students find the right fit for their current skill level and continue growing as artists throughout their training.

Whether you've been with us all summer, joined us for the Queens Short Play Festival, stopped by our Open House, or are discovering The Secret Theatre for the very first time, we'd love to have you join us for the next chapter.

Thank you to every student, family, teacher, artist, playwright, performer, director, volunteer, audience member, and member of our Secret Theatre community who made this summer so special.

Here's to a summer we won't forget—and to an even more exciting season ahead!

We'll see you at The Secret Theatre!

Photo courtesy of Reiko Yoo Yanagi

Triple Threat Trial Day

Why Becoming a “Triple Threat” Matters for Young Performers

In today’s performing world, versatility isn’t just a bonus - it’s often the expectation. Whether stepping into an audition room, a rehearsal process, or a full production, young performers are increasingly encouraged to grow in three core areas: Acting, Singing, and Dance.

When a student develops all three, they’re often called a “Triple Threat.” But that phrase can sometimes sound intimidating, like it’s about being exceptional at everything all at once. At Secret Academy, we see it differently.

To us, becoming a well-rounded performer isn’t about perfection, it’s about curiosity, consistency, and confidence. It’s about giving yourself permission to grow in the areas that feel strong, while also building trust in the ones that feel new or challenging. Every skill you strengthen adds another layer to how you tell a story on stage!

That philosophy is what inspired our upcoming Triple Threat Trial Day on August 22nd from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM.

Designed for students ages 12–17 with prior training or performance experience, this one-day intensive gives young artists the chance to rotate through three focused workshops, each led by a working teaching artist:

• Dance with Danielle — Jazz Intensive

• Voice with Miles — Group Vocal Class

• Acting with Emily — Connecting to the Scene

Throughout the day, students will be encouraged to take risks, try new things, and experience what it feels like to move between disciplines in a supportive, high-energy environment. It’s less about “getting it right” and more about showing up fully as an artist in progress.

For just $50, students spend the day training, collaborating, and discovering what happens when they step just a little outside their comfort zone.

And longer term, this day is also a bit of a glimpse into what we hope to build: a recurring Triple Threat program at The Secret that gives our older students consistent opportunities to grow as multi-disciplinary performers—artists who don’t just specialize in one area, but learn how to weave acting, singing, and dance together into one confident, expressive voice.

Because at the end of the day, being a “triple threat” isn’t a label you earn once - it’s something you keep building, class by class, moment by moment, and stage by stage.

A Midsummer Stage Dream

June is bustin' out all over, and has us excited to go to a real nice clambake!

The best kind of summer? One with a little theatre magic.

Summer should be full of adventures—the kind where space cowboys sail across the Milky Way, pigs cry wolf, and zombies might just appear around the corner at the beach. At Secret Theatre Academy, all of that can happen before lunch.

Our Summer Camps and Turbo Arts Camps are designed for curious, creative kids who love to imagine, perform, play, and make new friends. Whether your child is already singing show tunes around the house or simply loves storytelling and make-believe, camp is a place where creativity takes center stage.

Every day is packed with theatre games, acting, music, movement, arts and crafts, storytelling, and plenty of laughter. Campers create characters, invent worlds, and discover just how much fun it is to bring their ideas to life.

And the best part? There are no wrong answers in imagination.

For us, summer camp is the highlight of the year. One camper might become a fearless explorer. Another might invent a talking animal sidekick. Someone else might discover they love singing in front of a crowd—or making an entire room laugh.

That's the magic of theatre: a place to be creative, brave, and completely yourself.

Of course, camp isn't just about putting on a show (although that's pretty exciting, too). It's about building confidence, trying new things, making friends, and learning that your ideas matter. Some students arrive ready for the spotlight, while others start out a little shy. By the end of the week, it's amazing to see how much they've grown—not just as performers, but as teammates, storytellers, and confident young people.

Each week is filled with theatre, movement, visual arts, imaginative play, and collaborative projects that keep creativity running at full speed. Every day brings something new to discover, create, and celebrate.

By week's end, campers leave with unforgettable memories, plenty of stories to tell, and maybe even a brand-new love for theatre. We only wish we could bottle up that feeling and save it for a rainy day.

We can't wait to welcome new and returning campers for another summer of creativity, friendship, laughter, and theatre magic. Truthfully, we're so excited, it feels a little like the night before the first day of school (and yes, we totally see the irony in that!)

See you at The Secret!

Small Steps Create Big Shifts

Change can be scary.

We’re used to our old routines.

But if we never explore and dare to color outside the lines every once and a while, we won’t get the opportunity to surprise ourselves and find something magical — and maybe even a little daring.

We’re officially entering (and welcoming!) a new chapter at The Secret Theatre, and we’re thrilled you’re joining us for the ride.

We’re hoping this blog will give you an inside look at our wonderful staff and students, the creative process behind the scenes, and the little moments that make this community so special.

Theatre has always been about connection, discovery, and taking chances — both onstage and off — and we can’t wait to share more of that journey with you here.

Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just discovering us for the first time, welcome. We’re so happy you’re here.

Welcome (back!)