Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center
Private
Summer theater camp at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, a City of Newport News arts facility on Wickham Avenue. The camp runs six weeks and builds a junior musical -- 'Finding Nemo Jr.' most recently, 'Madagascar Jr.' the prior year -- taking campers through auditions and training in art, music, literacy and the mechanics of theater production, culminating in three performances in the center's Ella Fitzgerald Theater. The center also runs shorter summer art workshops such as an Art of DIY candle- and canvas-making session.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★J KeachVisited on a Thursday morning to see the impressive Anderson Johnson exhibition on the 2nd floor. Wow! I’m so glad that we made the stop. Easy access from major roads. Ample parking behind the building. Welcoming staff. Interesting art and history displayed throughout the hallways. And the recreation of Johnson’s visionary art environment? That blew way past my expectations. Tip: the entrance was near the parking lot in the back, to one side.
★★★★★Karen Lisa BrooksMy church rented the Banquet Room. It was worth renting. The staff were so kind and helpful.
★★★★★Megan JIt was a truly remarkable performance that left a lasting impression. The artistry displayed was exceptional and deeply engaging. Every moment of the show was captivating and skillfully executed. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience and would highly recommend it to others. It was an unforgettable evening of entertainment.
★★★★★shawney CheesemanThank you, Newport News Trolley Tour-Bus for a beautiful day-out with the Fam... We really enjoyed a family-sisterhood "Daycation," of Black History Month's Newport News Trolley bus and tour 🚎 The Tour Guide did a phenomenal job with the presentation of Newport News History, and shared personal historical heritage of his own too. The Tour guide was very pleasant, and allowed my family to share their story of heritage in Newport news, as well. We rated your Trolley Tour Bus 5-Stars because the City of Newport News included rich history of Black American Heritage as part of the 250 Celebration of America. Also, stories of old of Downtown Newport News, the new renovations (upgrades) of historical buildings, homes, School's, and healthy heart & wellness community's involvement.❤️ Visits to the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Museum, the Ella Fitzgerald Theater, Churches faith triumphs encouragement thru trial of trials, Lee Hall Train Museum, The War Museum, Huntington Beach & Park, Fort Eustis, Mariners Museum & Park at CNU, The Navel Shipyard, Deer Park, Newport News Parks & Rec, and Victory Landing Monumental Park, experiences. 'Just to name a few... And right on to time for National Women's Month Thanks again, Newport News Tourism⁸, the abundance of history they shared was so overwhelming, will have to come back again for another Daycation tour, adventure...
★★★★★Al BellAwesome show experience. Very intimate audience to performers stage distance. Great sound quality. Just an around good time had by all and culturally enhancing. Right in the middle of downtown Newport News. Excellent parking, clean venue, accommodating restrooms and more...just have to check it out to see what you've been missing.