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