The Dixie Performing Arts Center in Huntingdon announces the opening of registration for their kids’ and adults’ summer camps on Monday, April 28, at 10a CT. With a wide range of activities spanning from pottery to music to photography and theatre, there’s something for everyone regardless of age, interest, or skill level. This summer, participants can dive into a world of creativity and learning with expert instructors guiding them through various artistic endeavors. From beginners eager to explore new passions to experienced individuals honing their skills, you are sure to find a camp for your artistic journey.
Scholarships for students in Pre-K through 12th grade are available, made possible in part by a generous grant from the TN Arts Commission and the Solomon DeVille Memorial Art Scholarship. Additionally, the camps are sponsored by the TN Arts Commission and Mi Pueblito.
The exciting camp offerings for 2025 include:
- Music Camps with Sheila Hart of Birdsong School of Music, featuring classes in Ukulele, Guitar, Keyboard, and Music Basics.
- Pottery Camp led by Hannah Kyle at Mudslingers Pottery Studio, offering students an introduction to basic pottery skills.
- Art Camp instructed by Laura Smothers-DeVille, focusing on inspiring creativity through various artistic projects.
- Photography Camps taught by Jim and Carol Veneman, providing insights into creative photography techniques.
- Theatre Camp with Cari Dill offering students a full scale production of Madagascar Jr.
These camps offer a blend of fun, learning, and artistic exploration that promises to make this summer memorable for all participants. Ages/grades are as of the student’s age/grade of Fall 2025. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged to secure a spot in the desired camp.
For more information and class registration, visit DixiePac.net.
Additional details about each class offering:
ART CAMP – $85
Instructor: Laura Smothers-DeVille
Location: The Dixie’s Academic Enrichment Center
1 WEEK CAMP / CLASS SIZE 10 STUDENTS
Monday-Friday, June 9-13, 2025
• 9:00-10:30a / 4th-6th grade
• 10:45-12:15p / 7th-12th grade
Art camp is all about inspiring creativity! Students will be introduced to basic principles of design and elements of art while applying them to both 2-D & 3-D projects. We will use a variety of materials for drawing, painting, cutting, gluing, and printing unique works of art. Through demonstration, hands-on application, and examples of master artists’ work, the students will broaden their knowledge of technical skills and of artists & art movements.
POTTERY CAMP – $85
Instructor: Hannah Kyle
Location: Mudslingers Pottery Studio
1 WEEK CAMP / CLASS SIZE 10 STUDENTS
Monday-Friday, July 14-18, 2025
• 9:00-10:00a / K-2nd grade
• 10:15-11:15a / 3rd-4th grade
• 12:30-1:30p / 5th-8th grade
• 2:00-4:00p / 9th grade-Adults*
*All 9th grade-Adults students will also meet on Friday, July 25, from 2:00-4:00p to glaze their work.
Classes will consist of an introduction to basic pottery skills of pinching, coil-building, slab construction, and wheel throwing. Students will also be introduced to various glazing & firing processes. An exhibit will be held on Thursday, July 31st at 4:00p.
MUSIC CAMPS – $100
Instructor: Sheila Hart of Birdsong School of Music and CJ Cornelius (guitar)
Location: The Dixie Carter
1 WEEK CAMP / CLASS SIZES VARY
Monday-Friday, July 14-18, 2025
BEGINNING KEYBOARD
8:00 – 8:45a / Ages 6-8
9:00 – 9:45a / Ages 9-11
Limit 6 students per class.
BEGINNING UKULELE
10:00 – 10:45a / Ages 8-10
11:00 – 11:45a / Ages 11-16
Limit 6 students per class.
BEGINNING GUITAR
1:00 – 1:45p / Ages 8-10
2:00 – 2:45p / Ages 11-14
3:00 – 3:45p / Ages 15-Adult
Limit 6 students per class.
MUSIC BASICS FOR FUN
3:00 – 3:45p / Ages 5-8
Limit 10 students per class.
Music Camp consists of 5 days of music instruction in keyboard, ukulele, guitar, or music basics with parents invited to the last 15 minutes of class on Friday.
A limited number of guitar and ukuleles are available for loan. If you have your own instrument, please bring by the Dixie during the week before the class and let us check out your instrument.
We need at least 2 students to call it a class. Should only one sign up, we will call it a private lesson and only do a 30 minute session.
PHOTOGRAPHY CAMPS – $85
Instructors: Jim and Carol Veneman
Location: The Dixie’s Academic Enrichment Center
4TH-8TH GRADE / 1 WEEK CAMP
CLASS SIZE 10 STUDENTS
Monday-Friday, July 21-25, 2025, 3:00-4:30p
– OR-
Monday-Friday, July 28-August 1, 2025, 3:00-4:30p
When it comes to taking an excellent photograph, did you know that the camera is far less important than the one holding it? It’s true. Over these five days, you will experience how to SEE more creatively. You will use your imagination to go beyond selfies and capture truly fascinating photographs. The digital photography summer camp is a guaranteed great time, and it might just change the way you see the world around you. Digital Cameras will be provided for this camp.
PHOTOGRAPHY CAMP – $85
Instructors: Jim and Carol Veneman
Location: The Dixie’s Academic Enrichment Center
9TH GRADE-ADULTS / 3 DAY CAMP
NO LIMIT ON CLASS SIZE
Thursday-Saturday, July 31-Aug 2, 2025
• 5:30-8:00p (Thursday and Friday)
• 9:00-11:30a (Saturday)
Amazing photographs happen when your heart, mind, and eye work together. Yes, the camera does play a role, but the primary ingredients are your own creativity and imagination. During these three sessions, you will be challenged to see your subjects in new ways and to make images from a fresh, new perspective. Current trends and the exciting challenges found in photography will be a part of each session. You will not just be sitting on the sidelines listening to presentations. You will be involved in projects that will help you see beyond the surface of the world around you. This camp is for photographers of any skill level. Whether you’ve just begun or have been using your digital camera for years, the camp will move you forward in your pursuit of finer photographs. Students are responsible for having their own digital photo-taking device (point-and-shoot, DSLR or cell phone camera).
THEATRE CAMP – $100
Instructor: Cari Dill
Location: The Dixie’s Academic Enrichment Center
K-8TH GRADE / 1 WEEK CAMP
CLASS SIZE 10 STUDENTS per group: 4 groups: K-1st, 2nd-3rd, 4th-5th, 6th-8th grades
Monday-Friday, July 7-11, 2025 from 8:00a – 12:00p
Drop off time: 7:30-8:00a, Pickup time: 12:00-12:30p
Public Performance Friday, July 11, 2025 at 6:00p ($5 tickets)
Audition for placement will be on May 17 from 9:00-12:00p at The Dixie*
*All students must attend auditions. Any student who wants a speaking/ singing role should come prepared to sing a Capella and complete a cold read from the script.
Dive into an exciting adventure with Madagascar- A Musical Adventure Jr. at The Dixie! Young performers will learn vocal techniques, character development, and stage choreography as they bring Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo, and those zany penguins to life. Through energetic songs, dynamic dance routines, and fun ensemble scenes, kids will build confidence, enhance teamwork skills, and experience the thrill of live theatre. Open to all experience levels, this camp culminates in a performance on the Hal Holbrook Stage. During the camp week, students will work in their groups and rotate to different stations throughout the day culminating in a group activity at the end of the class. *Students may be responsible for basic costume supplies.
About the show: Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. follows all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar JR. will leave audiences with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!” *Each student will receive two complimentary tickets to the public performance.