South Dakota 4-H Performing Arts is a 7-day performative experience at Northern State University (1200 S Jay St, Aberdeen, SD 57401) for youth who have completed grades 7+ that provides the opportunity to gain skills in musical theater performance.
The SD 4-H Performing Arts Camp experience includes:
- A deeper dive into 3 areas of performing on stage: vocal performance, dancing, and acting.
- The opportunity to perform vocal solos, dance solos, and speaking parts.
- Experience learning from experts in the theater arts.
- A better understanding of self along with learning about leadership, teamwork and responsibility.
- Youth interested in participating as Stage Crew are welcome to attend! Stage Crew may attend the full week at full price, or a partial week at a reduced rate.
Performing Arts Prep Camp: June 7-13, 2026
Everyone who participates in 4-H Performing Arts must be present this entire week.
- Check-in: Sunday, June 7, 2:00-2:30 p.m. Optional parent meeting at 2:30 p.m.
- Start time: Sunday, June 7 at 2:30 p.m. Participants stay onsite the entire camp week.
- Camp Performances: Friday, June 12 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 13 at 10 a.m. Performances are open to the public.
- End time: Troupe members may leave after the set is taken down and costumes are checked out after the Saturday morning show, roughly 12:00 p.m.
Location and transportation
Performing Arts Camp is held at Northern State University. Lodging and meals will be on the University campus.
Participants are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the Northern State University for camp. Participants also are responsible for providing their own transportation, admission, lodging, and meals at the South Dakota State Fair.
Performances at the South Dakota State Fair: September 2 – September 7.
All participants must be present for the duration of the fair. Any conflicts during the fair must be noted at the time of registering for 4-H Performing Arts Camp, may be school or 4-H related only, and will be taken into consideration when assigning solos and acting roles.
- Check-in: Saturday, September 5, 8:00 a.m.
- Rehearsal: Mandatory rehearsal September 5 at 8:00 am-1:00 pm. Optional practice on Friday, September 4 at 7:00-8:00 pm.
- Performances: Saturday, September 5 at 3:00 pm and 6:00pm. Sunday, September 6 at 3:30 pm and 6:00pm. Monday, September 7 at 10:00
Registration
The cost of registration is $450. The registration deadline is May 31. An early registration discount of $25 ends on May 15. Families with more than one camper attending will also receive a $25 discount by selecting the "Family of 2 Youth Participants" ticket at checkout.
If you are in need of financial assistance, we encourage you to apply for the Jayna and Kylee Sanborn Scholarship. 4-H Members may also apply for a $50 scholarship through the South Dakota 4-H Leaders Association. Please contact performingartstroupe@gmail.com for more information regarding scholarships. 4-H Members may also apply for a $50 scholarship through the South Dakota 4-H Leaders Association.
