Hesston College Summer Theatre Camp returns with “The Lightning Thief”

Student actors from ages 11 to 18 are invited to join Hesston College Performing Arts for their 11th annual summer theatre camp, June 21 to 27. The weeklong theatre immersion will culminate in a public performance of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” on June 27. Campers will have the opportunity to work closely with Hesston College faculty and performance professionals as they receive training in acting, voice, dance and tech.

“Our theatre camp has kids who have done theatre for a long time and campers who have never set foot on a stage,” explains Hesston College Theatre Professor Rachel Jantzi. “It also welcomes those with many or zero years of experience working backstage. It's a great place to find and grow your talent, but more importantly to work on humility, professionalism and kindness to create a great show.”

In addition to two show rehearsals each day, campers will participate in a variety of fun evening activities including swimming, a talent show, a lip sync competition and a bonfire on the final night. Jantzi believes these activities allow campers to form lasting memories with their peers.

“While learning and building the show brings us together for a common purpose, the thing campers talk about most are the relationships,” says Jantzi. “They find a community of friends who all love what they love.”

Jantzi hopes the familiarity of the Percy Jackson books, movies and TV series will encourage prospective campers to give acting a try. She believes the underlying themes of the show are important values for kids to experience.

“I love the story of a kid who finds out he can do more than he thought possible,” says Jantzi. “Most people who are familiar with the 2005 book or the film that followed know that Percy Jackson learns he is a demi-god who is being blamed for the theft of Zeus's lightning bolt. To prove his innocence and save his mother, who has been taken to the Underworld, Percy teams with two others who help him prevent an all out war between the Greek gods. It deals with themes of family and friendship, teamwork and tenacity.”

Theatre camp registration is $350 per person and includes lodging and meals for seven days and six nights, or $300 for day camp only. A discount is available for families registering more than one student. Those interested can visit the hesston.edu/theatrecamp page for details and to register online. Registration is due June 19.

Photo caption – Participants in Hesston College’s 2025 Summer Theatre Camp perform scenes from “Beetlejuice: The Musical.” This year’s weeklong immersive theatre experience will culminate in a performance of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” at 2 p.m. on June 27 in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary on the Hesston College campus.