Kamloops Music Collective expands its popular performing arts camp with two full musical productions

This spring break, young performers in Kamloops will once again take centre stage.

The Kamloops Music Collective’s Set the Stage! Spring Break Performing Arts Camp returns after another sold-out year, offering students the opportunity to rehearse and perform a full musical in just one week.

Due to growing demand, 2026 marks the first year the program will run two separate camps, a junior and a senior production.

“It started back in 2019,” Megan Alpaugh, Executive Director of the Kamloops Music Collective said. “We had just started to notice there was a demand for programming outside of the summer.”

At the time, the Collective was primarily focused on its three-week summer program, the Interior Summer School of Music. But because many of its instructors are school district and music teachers, spring break became the natural window to expand.

Since its inception, Set the Stage! has consistently sold out. Alpaugh said the decision to split the camp into two age groups reflects the program’s growth and the desire of returning students to continue participating as they get older.

“Many of our kids who have been coming to the younger program for years are looking for opportunities as they get older,” Alpaugh said.

Both camps follow a similar format. In just five days, students rehearse and stage an hour-long musical. Participants gain experience reading scripts, learning songs, memorizing lines and working as part of an ensemble. The week culminates in a final performance for friends and family.

“It’s a great way for them to dip their toes into performing and into being part of musical theatre productions without the pressure of a serious production,” Alpaugh explained.

Unlike the Collective’s larger summer performances, which take place at the Sagebrush Theatre, the spring break productions are typically held in rented community spaces such as churches.

The smaller setting helps create a supportive, low-pressure environment.

The junior and senior camps will each present a different musical, with older students taking on additional challenges appropriate to their experience level.

For Alpaugh, one of the most rewarding moments comes at the final performance.

“We don’t actually get to see the progress until the final production,” Alpaugh said. “It’s amazing to see what they can accomplish in one week and to see the kids really shine and excel in their roles.”

Accessibility remains central to the program’s mission. The Kamloops Music Collective offers financial assistance for all its programs and evaluates applications individually.

“Every kid should have the opportunity to participate in music education if they wish to,” Alpaugh said. “If $50 or $100 is what makes the difference, we want to help you get there.”

Beyond performance skills, Alpaugh believes the camp plays a meaningful role in the city’s cultural fabric. Students return year after year, forming friendships and building community in a space where they feel safe and encouraged.

“We hear time and time again about people finding their best friends and finding their community,” Alpaugh said.

As the program evolves, the Collective remains focused on meeting community needs, whether that means continuing two musical productions or adapting to new interests in the years ahead.