The cultural camper

â–²  Camp Cigma
What: A three-week magic camp for children ages 7 to 13. Started by Sarasota magicians Josh Corn and Elia “Ilan” Chesnoff, Camp Cigma teaches campers one trick a day. The program culminates in a magic show.
When: June 29 through July 17
Where: The Sudakoff Center on the New College campus, 5800 Bay Shore Road
Why: “We turn fun into an art form,” Chesnoff says. “It’s not just about magic. It’s about performing and theatrical skills.”
Cost: $620
Spoiler alert: Some minor illusion tricks will be taught during the camp’s second session.   
Contact: Call 377-3971 or visit www.campcigma.com

â–²  Teen Studios
What: A series of one-week- and two-week classes for students in grades seven through 12. Classes include drawing, figure drawing, photography, illustration, digital art and design, painting and sculpting. 
When: June 15 through July 10
Where: Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail
Why: The program offers teen certificates, a grouping of three, progressive classes on a particular subject for future art majors. Classes are small — 15 students per class.
Cost: $175 to $345 depending on the class and level of technology
Spoiler alert: “Our figure-drawing models are clothed,” says Nancy Godfrey, marketing specialist for Ringling.
Contact: Call 955-8866 or visit www.ringling.edu/cssp

â–²  ‘Cultural Camps’
What: The Ringling Museum’s “Cultural Camps” are broken down into two five-day programs. The first program, “Masks and Mischief,” focuses on the history of Mardi Gras masks. The second program, “Heroic Journey Through Ancient Greece,” studies ancient Greek myths and monsters. Both sessions are open to children in grades one through five.
When: June 22 through June 26 and July 20 through July 24
Where: The Arts and Education Conservation Building just south of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road
Why: “The program is really in-depth,” says Jeannie Perales, Ringling’s assistant curator of education. “It’s not just art-making, we’re experimenting with foods from different cultures and music and dance. We’re a well-rounded, interdisciplinary camp.”
Cost: $175 per session. Ringling Museum members save $30 per session.
Spoiler alert: During the museum’s “Masks and Mischief” session, children will craft authentic Mardi Gras masks using the same Venetian techniques carnival-goers use today.
Contact: Call 359-5700, Ext. 3707 or visit www.ringling.edu

â–²  Performing Arts Camp
What: A series of acting camps focusing on acting, dance, music and improvisational performance. Programs include Little Theatre for ages 5 and 6, hip-hop camp and Story Theatre for ages 8 to 12; and teen workshops for ages 13 to 17.
When: June 23 through August 19
Where: Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.
Why: “Kids learn professional acting methodologies,” says Pamela Smith, FST’s education administrator.
Cost: $165 to $525, depending on the session
Spoiler alert: Yes, your child will learn how to bust rap at hip-hop camp.
Contact: Call 366-1350 or visit www.floridastudiostheatre.org

â–²  Youth/Teen Stage Door Workshop
What: Two musical-theater camps for children ages 8 to 17.
When: July 6 through July 31
Where: The Players Theatre, 838 N. Tamiami Trail
Why: The Players’ camps are staffed by a team of actors, directors, vocal instructors and choreographers — including former Siegfried & Roy dancer Eric Berkel.
Cost: $500
Spoiler alert: The camp produces an original musical revue at the end of each session that’s inspired by “High School Musical,” “Shrek” and “Hairspray.”
Contact: 365-2494 or visit www.ThePlayers.org

â–²  Sarasota Ballet camp
What: A series of one-week-, three-week- and five-week programs from beginner lessons to advanced, intensive programs for students ages 13 and up.
When: June 15 through Aug. 14
Where: Backstage at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
Why: A faculty of company dancers and world-renowned guest instructors teach intensive ballet programs. The camp’s advanced curriculum includes instruction in pointe, variations, repertoire, modern, composition, jazz, character and stretch.
Cost: $200 to $2,000
Spoiler alert: “This is definitely a chance for the ballet to scout out new dancers,” Sayward Grindley says.
Contact: Call 359-0099, Ext. 120 or visit www.sarasotaballet.org

â–²  Sarasota Orchestra’s summer music camp
What: A three-week program for string, wind, brass and percussion students When: June 29 through July 17
Where: Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail
Why: The faculty includes professional musicians and music instructors from Sarasota and Manatee County schools.
Cost: $285
Spoiler alert: Camp ends with a recital in Holley Hall.
Contact: Call 953-3434 or visit www.sarasotaorchestra.org