Interlochen Arts Camp: A Complete Guide

Do you dream of becoming the next big Broadway star, Emmy-winning composer, or National Book Awardee? Or maybe you’re not yet sure if you should pursue a future in the arts and would like to experience an arts program first. If you see yourself in either situation, the Interlochen Arts Camp by the Interlochen Center for the Arts is the place to be.

In this article, we’ll talk about the different programs Interlochen offers to improve your artistic skills and why you should consider participating.

• What Is the Interlochen Arts Camp?
• Interlochen Arts Camp Acceptance Rate
• Interlochen Arts Camp Application Deadline
• Interlochen Arts Camp Requirements
• How to Get into the Interlochen Arts Camp
• Why Join the Interlochen Arts Camp?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the Interlochen Arts Camp?

The Interlochen Arts Camp is a summer program that offers classes in different artistic disciplines. The camp accepts more than 3,000 students yearly and has an adult faculty/staff-to-student ratio of 1:2.

During the camp, you can expect to receive intensive arts instruction from expert faculty, enjoy a traditional camp living experience, and showcase your work in performances or exhibitions.

Below are the different session dates for 2025:

Below is an overview of the different types of programs you can join:

Music camps

Interlochen’s music camp has classes that span classical and contemporary genres. You can enroll in everything from a six-week orchestra or band camp (with full ensembles and weekly performances) to one-week specialty intensives focusing on specific instruments or styles.

Depending on the class you take, as a music camper, you can expect to:

• Practice daily
• Interact with guest artists and conductors
• Rehearse in ensembles
• Take private lessons or music theory classes

Some examples of the music programs you can choose from are:

• Advanced Bassoon Intensive for High School Students (1 week)
• Advanced String Quartet Summer Program for High School Students (6 weeks)
• Advanced Strings Summer Program for Grades 3-6 (4 weeks)

Theatre camps

The theatre camp has three areas of focus: acting, musical theater, and theater production/design. You can expect to collaborate with other theater students to put on fully produced plays or musicals by the end of the session.

You’ll meet guest artists with established careers in theater and learn tips and techniques from faculty members.

Examples of theatre camp classes are:

• Acting Company Production Summer Program for Grades 6-8 (6 weeks)
• Songwriting for Musical Theatre Intensive for High School Students (1 week)
• Theatre Design and Production Summer Program for Grades 6-8 (3 weeks)

Visual arts camps

Interlochen’s visual arts camps offer programs in many focus areas such as:

• Visual arts
• Drawing
• Painting
• Animation
• Fashion
• Comics and graphic narratives
• Preparing a portfolio for college

You’ll spend every day working on your technique, developing your own artistic style under the mentorship of Interlochen’s faculty and visiting artists.

Depending on your session, you might also have a final art show or portfolio showcase where you exhibit your best work for peers and parents.

Creative writing camps

For aspiring writers, Interlochen has creative writing camps with workshops for different forms:

• Novel writing
• Performance poetry
• Comics and graphic narratives

The creative writing program lets you experience writing fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, and poetry.

You can expect generative writing exercises and peer critique sessions. But don’t worry—the atmosphere is collaborative rather than competitive since you’re all there to help one another grow as writers.

You’ll also learn from published writers and skilled instructors who provide personalized feedback on your work.

Dance camps

Interlochen’s dance camp offers rigorous training for young dancers in classical ballet, contemporary dance, and hip hop. It will challenge you to improve your technique and artistry in a supportive, yet demanding, environment.

You’ll spend hours in Interlochen’s dance studios. But you’ll still feel like you’re a part of the camp with the new and expanded 26,000 square foot Dance Center that has panoramic views.

At the end of camp, you can expect to put on a showcase or possibly a fully staged production to also build your stage presence and resilience.

Film & new media camps

The film & new media camps at Interlochen immerse students in the moviemaking process from start to finish. There are multiple focus areas in this division:

• Animation
• Filmmaking
• Film Scoring
• Screenwriting
• Storyboarding

You can expect to collaborate with fellow campers in other film & new media programs to form production teams to create short films or media projects together—similar to a professional film crew setup. That means over the summer, you might write a script, shoot footage around campus, or edit a final cut of your project.

Interlochen provides excellent resources for young filmmakers, such as a dedicated film facility, high-quality cameras and editing software, and even opportunities to screen your work.

Interdisciplinary arts camps

Are you interested in multiple camps and having a hard time settling on just one? The interdisciplinary arts camps might just be for you!

In this camp, you’ll have the freedom to mix and match different creative classes that suit your individual interests and goals. The idea is to explore and experiment without the usual boundaries between art media.

For example, in one day, you could work on a dance piece in the morning, then a sculpture project in the afternoon.

This camp is a good option if you want to try a bit of everything. In the process, you’ll also discover new ways that the arts can intersect, and you’ll develop versatility as an artist.

Interlochen Arts Camp Acceptance Rate

The Interlochen Arts Camp doesn’t publish an official overall acceptance rate. However, they do mention that around 3,000 students attend the arts camp every year.

According to their admissions team:

“We’re not looking for perfection. What we’re looking for is: do you really love your art form, enough so that you’re willing to persevere and grow through the challenges you’ll find here? That’s what we want to see.”

Still, your chances of being accepted will also depend on your preparation and the competitiveness of your chosen program.

Interlochen Arts Camp Application Deadline

Here are the important dates to remember if you want to attend the Interlochen Arts Camp for 2025:

We highly recommend aiming for the pre-assessment and priority deadlines.

The pre-assessment deadline is an optional early date by which you can submit your application and audition/portfolio materials. If you do so, Interlochen’s admission team will review your artistic submissions and may give feedback or allow resubmission if needed. This can be a helpful opportunity to strengthen your application.

Meanwhile, hitting the priority deadline means your audition and application will be given full consideration. You can still submit after the deadline, but it will only be considered if there’s still space for the program you’re applying for. As such, it’s best to apply before the priority deadline to maximize your chances of getting into the camp you want.

Interlochen Arts Camp Requirements

Interested in applying for the Interlochen Arts Camp? Fortunately, there aren’t a lot of requirements.

Eligibility

Interlochen Arts Camp is open to students in grades 3 to 12 who are passionate about the arts and willing to learn. The Camp also accepts both domestic and international students.

Required documents

To apply for the Interlochen Arts Camp, you’ll only need to submit the following:

• Application form. You’ll need to complete the online application form through the Education Community Portal.
• Audition/portfolio. If your program requires an audition or portfolio, this would be the most important component of your application. You’ll need to prove to the admissions committee that you have some working knowledge of your craft and that you have the potential to improve by putting in the work needed.
• Application fee. This is a $65 non-refundable fee for both domestic and international applicants.
• Financial aid documents. If you wish to be considered for need-based aid, you’ll need to submit additional documents.

Program cost

The cost of your program depends on its length. Here’s what the different session lengths cost:

Interlochen Arts Camp offers two types of scholarships:

• Need-based aid. To apply for this, you’ll just need to upload a copy of your parents’ most recent tax return. The admissions committee will use that to determine your need-based award.
• Merit scholarships. If your program requires you to submit a portfolio or audition, you’ll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship. Whether or not you receive it depends on the strength of your submission.

How to Get into the Interlochen Arts Camp

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply to Interlochen Arts Camp:

Step 1: Check their Viewbook.

Interlochen has a free Viewbook that helps you better understand the Arts Camp. It details the programs, recreational activities outside of classes, financial aid, and more.

You can request a digital copy of this informational booklet by simply submitting a form.

Step 2: Register for an account.

If you’re new, both you and your parents/guardian should register for an account each. You can exit and continue your application at any time.

If you’ve already applied to Interlochen before, then you already have an account in the Education Community database. If you forgot your login details, send an email to [email protected].

Step 3: Complete your application.

The application has four sections:

• Student and family contact information
• Choosing which Camp programs you’re interested in
• Previous education/experience
• Some health questions

Step 4: Upload your audition/portfolio.

Most Interlochen Arts Camp programs ask for an audition or portfolio, so check the program you’re applying for to see if it requires it.

Carefully review the audition and portfolio requirements before you start working on them. Remember that the admissions officers want to see your love of the art form and that you’re ready to grow through challenges​. Show commitment, energy, and originality in whatever you submit.

Step 5 (optional): Apply for financial aid.

If you want to apply for need-based assistance, upload these documents before submitting your application:

• Domestic applicants: Form 1040 from your most recent Federal Income Tax Return
• International applicants: Official Verification of Salary for each parent (must be in English)

You’re also eligible for a merit-based award if the program you’re applying for:

• Requires a portfolio/audition
• Two weeks or longer

That being said, you won’t be eligible for financial aid if you’re applying for the one-week Intensive programs.

Step 5: Review and submit your application.

Double-check your application and portfolio/audition before submission. Then, pay the non-refundable $65 application fee (for both domestic and international students).

Why Join the Interlochen Arts Camp?

Interlochen Arts Camp offers a one-of-a-kind experience for young artists. After all, it’s both a fun summer getaway and a formative training experience for aspiring creatives.

1. Expert instruction and mentorship

At the Interlochen Arts Camp, you’ll be learning from great teachers who are accomplished artists in their own field. Many faculty members have performed, exhibited, or published at professional levels and bring that experience into their teaching.

Learning from their experiences can also accelerate your growth as an artist. These teachers will also help you find your own artistic style by challenging you to go beyond your comfort zone and providing personalized feedback to guide you.

2. Networking and community

At the Interlochen Arts Camp, you’ll be surrounded by students who also share your passion for the arts. You’ll be living in the cabins or dorms together, eating in the dining hall, and collaborating in classes, leading to close friendships that can last well beyond the summer. You never know, you and your new friends could end up in the same orchestra or musical production one day!

Aside from classmates, you’ll also interact with professionals who can be your mentors or even offer you opportunities later on.

All this means you’ll get to form connections with talented people in your field, building a personal network in the arts world from a young age.

3. Performance and exhibition opportunities

Interlochen Arts Camp isn’t just about training all day, every day. After all, what good is improving and practicing your craft if you can’t share it with the world?

You’ll apply your training in performances, readings, screenings, or exhibitions depending on your field. For instance, musicians and singers can perform in ensembles, while visual artists display their works in an end-of-session art exhibition for the community. Creative writers can participate in public readings and get their work published in the camp’s literary journal.

Performing or exhibiting at Interlochen is a highlight for the summer programs since it’s a chance to celebrate how much you’ve grown and to share your art with others. These presentations also build your confidence as an artist.

4. College readiness and recognition

Interlochen Arts Camp is well-known and respected, so adding it to your college application can give it a boost.

Aside from that, Interlochen also prepares you for the demands of college-level arts study. After all, you’ll be going through long practice hours, rehearsals, studio time, and critiques—all of which are similar to what you might experience at a conservatory or arts program.

You also learn time management, self-discipline, and how to live away from home in a dorm-like setting, which can make the transition to college smoother.

5. Personal and artistic growth

Maybe the biggest benefit of attending the Interlochen Arts Camp is that it can fuel your personal and artistic growth.

You do have free time and other camp activities, but you’ll still be living in an arts camp where you’ll be eating, sleeping, and breathing your art form every day, free from many of the distractions of normal life.

This kind of environment will help you vastly improve your technique, creativity, and confidence. You’ll also develop resilience and good work ethic.

Aside from improving what you already have, you might even discover a new talent. For instance, if you’re a pianist, you might think of trying to compose for the first time. Or, if you grew up improving as a musical actor, you might find that you’re also good at stage direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is Interlochen Arts Camp?

Interlochen Arts Camp is held at Interlochen, Michigan. The campus sits in a beautiful forested area between Duck Lake and Green Lake.

2. Is Interlochen Arts Camp hard to get into?

Yes, Interlochen Arts Camp is considered hard to get into. They accept around 3,000 students across their different camps, but the number of slots per program varies. Admissions officers don’t expect perfection in your portfolio or audition, but they want to see that you have some experience and potential in your chosen discipline.

3. Who went to Interlochen camp?

Some of Interlochen Arts Camp’s notable alumni include Chappell Roan, Josh Groban, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Levi Taylor, and Kyle Taylor Parker.

4. Is Interlochen Camp prestigious?

Yes, Interlochen Arts Camp is one of the most prestigious summer arts programs for aspiring artists of any medium. While it’s prestigious, Interlochen strives to remain welcoming and not elitist in attitude. After all, once you’re there, it’s all about collaboration and growth rather than competition.

Takeaways

• The Interlochen Arts Camp offers summer programs in different categories: music, theater, visual arts, creative writing, dance, and film & new media. The camp also has an interdisciplinary program for those who want to explore different art forms.
• The most important requirement in your application is your audition or portfolio (if required). That’s because admissions officers will use this to gauge your experience, passion, and potential in your art.
• Some reasons to join the Interlochen Arts Camp are receiving expert instruction and mentorship, networking and community, performance and exhibition opportunities, college readiness and recognition, and personal and artistic growth.
• Thinking if you need more opportunities to showcase and improve your artistic skills for college? Undergo an academic and extracurricular profile evaluation to know what courses, competitions, and extracurriculars you should take to boost your college application.