Summer PROGRAMS
TACAW 2026 Summer PROGRAMS
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TACAW 2026 Summer camps
TACAW’s summer camps let Roaring Fork Valley kids explore the performing arts in fun, one-week sessions in acting, filmmaking, songwriting, and movement.
Scholarships are available for summer camps on a rolling basis. We encourage prompt sign-up as awards are issued as funding allows. We cannot guarantee scholarships will be awarded to all worthy applicants in the amounts requested.
Please reach out to Anna Feiss at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Songwriting Workshop for Teens
- Age 13+
- June 15-19
- 9AM to 3PM
- Price: $375
- Location: The Arts Campus at Willits – 400 Robinson St Basalt, CO 81621
Join us as we explore the creative side of music making. This workshop will cover the fundamentals of songwriting, how to craft melodies, lyrics and chords that work together, and tools for getting past writer’s block. Students are welcome to bring any songs they have been working on or can show up with a blank page and pencil ready to write. They will have the opportunity to collaborate with their peers in addition to receiving one-on-one support from songwriting mentors. Some prior music experience is helpful but not necessary; instruments are welcome. Scholarships are available.
Instructors: Natalie Spears and Eric Lamb
Local performer and music educator, Natalie Spears, is excited to dive into the songwriting process with the creative youth of the Roaring Fork Valley. Her education style weaves together a background in private music instruction, outdoor education, and performance. She loves songwriting as a vehicle for expression and collaboration.
Eric Lamb has over 14 years of teaching experience, from public schools to his current role at Colorado Mountain College. While language teaching is his specialty, he’s been leading songwriting workshops on and off for years, helping students find their creative path. He plays keyboards in two local bands—the funk band The Confluents (@confluentsband) and the jam band Typical Ghost (@typicalghostband)—and is excited to be back at TACAW for another summer of songwriting.
The Dance Lab W/ Dance Initiative
- Ages 9-12 // Edad: 9 a 12 años
- July 13-17 // Del 13 al 17 de julio
- 9am to 3pm
- Price: $375
- Location: The Arts Campus at Willits – 400 Robinson St Basalt, CO 81621
Dance Lab @TACAW is a summer dance camp for kids and teens who want to move, try new styles, and spend time creating together. Each day includes a mix of contemporary, breaking, hip hop, K-pop, African dance, musical theater and dance history —giving dancers a chance to explore different ways of moving and expressing themselves.
This camp isn’t about being perfect or knowing everything already. It’s about building confidence, awareness, finding rhythm, and learning how movement connects to culture, music, and storytelling. Dancers will work both independently and as a group, practice listening with their bodies, and support each other along the way.
We’ll wrap up the week with a presentation for family and friends that reflects what the dancers explored and created together. All levels are welcome. Come ready to move, sweat a little, and have fun dancing in community.
About Dance Initiative
It is our goal to offer those who live in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado as much access to art and expression as there is to mountains and rivers because we believe dance is imperative for the physical, mental, and soulful health of communities
We achieve our above mission by offering youth and adult education, world-class artist residencies, co-management of The Launchpad studios, and by producing and supporting local dance. We aim to make dance accessible to all, regardless of background, income, religious perspective, gender identification and expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, political leaning, or physical and mental capability.
Make Movie Magic! WITH ASPEN FILM
- Ages: 10 – 13 / Edad: 10 a 13 años
- July 20-24 // Del 20 al 24 de julio
- 9AM to 3PM
- Price: $450
- Location: The Arts Campus at Willits – 400 Robinson St Basalt, CO 81621
Make Movie Magic! Film Camp is a one-week, all-day immersive dive into the world of filmmaking. 10 to 13-year-olds will learn new ways to express themselves and gain valuable hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment while collaborating with their peers to produce their own short films and videos. During this week-long adventure, each camper will become involved in every step of the process, from operating the camera to manning the boom mic, to editing the final cut. Students will explore fun new ways to channel their inner superpowers using green screen technology, props, and special effects. Bilingual instruction and a small student-to-teacher ratio ensure a memorable and entertaining experience.
¡Haz mágica tu propia película! Film Camp es un campamento de verano donde descubrirás el mundo del cine. Durante una semana, los niños de 10 a 13 años aprenderán nuevas formas de expresarse y obtendrán una valiosa experiencia práctica utilizando equipos modernos, trabajando con sus compañeros para producir sus propios cortometrajes y vídeos. Durante esta aventura, cada integrante participará en cada paso del proceso, desde operar la cámara hasta manejar el micrófono y editar el montaje final. Los estudiantes experimentarán nuevas y divertidas formas de explorar sus superpoderes internos utilizando tecnología de pantalla verde, accesorios y efectos especiales. Habrá guía bilingüe y grupos reducidos de estudiantes por maestro, que te aseguran una experiencia divertida que nunca olvidarás! ¡Acompáñanos!
MATT BAXTER
Matt is a Denver-based filmmaker who believes in the positive impact of quality original work. Specializing in post-production, Matt’s work has aired on Rocky Mountain PBS numerous times. Focused on fulfilling his clients’ creative vision, he has collaborated with the National Governors Association, Colorado Office of Economic Development and the Colorado Secretary of State’s office. Matt also serves as a post production instructor at the Colorado Film School, which has been nationally recognized as one of the top film programs in the country.
“Breathe, Bison” Theater!
- Ages: 6 – 9 / Edad: 6 a 9 años
- July 27 – 31 / Del 27 al 31 de julio
- 9am to 3pm / De 9 a.m. a 3 p.m.
- Price: $375
- Location: The Arts Campus at Willits – 400 Robinson St Basalt, CO 81621
Based on the book, “Breathe, Bison”, children will meet Oniya, a young bison who loses its way, and eventually transforms sadness into hope and grace. Come and be a part of a joyful group of kids, ages 6-9.
“Breathe, Bison” Theater!
Campers will create an original short play, based on the book “Breathe, Bison,” that they will perform during Mountain Fair weekend. The live audience will be invited to participate in breathing exercises and learn the theme song, Breathe with Oniya. The young performers will amaze the audience with how they share the story of Oniya’s journey, especially with regard to mindfulness, self-love and regenerative agriculture.
About Nikki Beinstein
Nikki has taught people ages 4-64 throughout the valley in various capacities and subjects for the past 10 years. She is a Colorado Book Award-winning author with her late co-author George Stranahan, and has earned degrees in both Psychology and Business as well as a Colorado Teacher’s license in English Language Arts for Grades 7-12. She has been a resident in this area since 2003 and currently lives in Carbondale.
TACAW 2026 SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
The Bailey Shaw Internship program honors the legacy of Bailey Shaw, a valued local community member and one of TACAW’s first summer interns. The program is designed for high school and college-age youth interested in the arts, providing hands-on experience, career development opportunities, and access to a supportive arts community. In 2026, we are offering two internship positions: Education and Performing Arts Intern.
INFORMATION COMING SOON– check back March 2026!
Please reach out to Anna Feiss at [email protected] with any questions.