Summer Of The Arts
The Augusta Heritage Center and The Old Brick Playhouse
Wondering what the kids can do this summer? We are so excited to partner with Missy McCollam and The Old Brick Playhouse to present Augusta’s Summer Of The Arts! We have planned an incredible 5 weeks full of engaging creative programs for kids and teens, hosted at the Old Brick’s dedicated education and performance space in Downtown Elkins. We will be offering Folk Arts for Kids classes for 5- to 11-year-olds with a different focus each week, plus Bluegrass Kids Academy and Youth Vocal Academy camps for 9- to 14-year-old musicians, a Teen Augusta program focused on arts, journalism and self publication (for 11- to 15-year-olds), plus so much more!
The programs will meet Tuesday through Friday of each week, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, with parent pick-up between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.
During Week 2 (Blues Week) of this Summer of the Arts, Missy and her team will be running a Folk Arts for Kids class which will give young creatives an exciting glimpse into the community-driven acting and performance training that they offer their apprentices year-round. The Old Brick Playhouse offers afterschool programs that provide a safe and positive environment for middle and high school students to explore the arts. Over the past 30 years, their performances have entertained over 2.5 million children and have been merited at the National Theatre in Washington, DC, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and thousands of Elementary Schools in the Mid-Atlantic region and overseas.
Augusta Heritage Center and The Old Brick Playhouse cannot wait to welcome your children for a summer of unbounded creativity!
Cajun, Creole and Classic Country Week: July 6-10, 2026
Kendall Broussard
Folk Arts for Kids: Cajun Style!
The goal of this class is to learn new crafts and culture in a unique and exciting way! This will be done with an introduction to the people, traditions and landscapes that encompass Louisiana. Each participant will bring home many self-made crafts. Louisiana Cajuns have many unique and distinguishing qualities. This class will explore many of these along with the related folk art. Activities such as natural egg dyeing, salt dough making, cooking native foods and playing traditional games will be explored. Native animals and habitats unique to Louisiana will be studied. We will read books by local Louisiana authors. Participants will learn about different Mardi Gras customs, focusing on how to make masks and costumes and performing a Mardi Gras “run”. Along with learning Cajun songs will be instruction on how to dance a traditional two step and waltz. Cajun French vocabulary will be introduced and used during the class. Each student is asked to bring an old tee-shirt to be used as part of an activity, as well as lots of creativity!
Kendall Miller Broussard is an enthusiastic, energetic person who is always happy to share Cajun culture and life with others. She is a native of Iota, Louisiana and granddaughter to longtime Augusta instructors Larry and Jackie Miller, who made sure Kendall grew up immersed in Cajun culture and traditions.
FAFK is open to children aged 5 – 11. The class runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Blues Week: July 13-17, 2026
Missy McCollam & The Old Brick Playhouse Staff
Folk Arts for Kids: Legends and Lore!
This week, step into the spotlight this summer with the award-winning Old Brick Playhouse team! Young performers are invited to dive into an action-packed performing arts adventure inspired by the energy, mystery, and magic of summertime in the mountains. There will be mystery, there will be puppets, and we may just bring Appalachian legends to life… yes, including iconic favorites like Mothman and Bigfoot—through acting, improvisation, movement, music, and creative storytelling. This fast-paced, imagination-driven program encourages students to build characters, create original scenes, and collaborate in bold, theatrical ways. Designed for kids who love to move, laugh, pretend, and perform, this program is the perfect place for young artists to gain confidence, sharpen their stage skills, and discover their very own creative spark.
The Old Brick Playhouse opened November of 1992 and, for the past thirty-three years, has offered Educational Arts programming locally, throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and overseas.
FAFK is open to children aged 5 – 11. The class runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Old Time Week: July 20-24, 2026
Emolyn Liden
Folk Arts for Kids: Folklore and Fiber Fun!
This week, we will explore visual arts, dance and crafts through the creation of a variety of artworks and explorative experiences. Participants will paint, sketch, dance, sing, weave, bind, mold, sew, experiment and more as they learn about how crafts are connected historically and to the world today.
Emolyn Liden is an artist, musician, and dancer. She grew up in Brasstown, North Carolina and discovered her love of craft at a young age observing the artists in her community. She learned from her mother about raising sheep, natural fiber, and to knit which led her to spinning and natural dyeing. She regularly performs Appalachian old-time music and teaches at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina.
FAFK is open to children aged 5 – 11. The class runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Emily Prentice
Journalism and Self Publishing for Teens
We’ll practice self-publishing and reporting by engaging with Augusta’s existing music, dance, arts, and craft programming. Expect teens to interview Augusta participants and local residents, attend events, and immerse themselves in the world of artistic observation! Teens will also learn the history of self-published books, newspapers, and zines from around Appalachia. Self-publishing in West Virginia has a long and storied history in the world of organization, especially around labor issues and human rights. Passing along this art to our young folks helps them make informed opinions, practice empathy, and connect with the people around them. We love to see it.
Emily Prentice is an artist and arts educator living in Elkins, WV. While interested in every kind of making, she spends most of her time drawing, making zines, and playing with fibers.
Teen Augusta is open to students aged 11 to 15. The class runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Vocal Week: July 27-31, 2026
Lexi Ugelow
Youth Vocal Academy
The Youth Vocal Academy is an exciting new program for musicians aged 9-14!
Come join us in building musical foundations through song! This kids program runs parallel to adult classes and is geared towards young singers who are excited to learn about various folk singing traditions! Drawing from traditions that range from Appalachia to Croatia, this program focuses on harmony singing, while also exploring basic elements of music theory through embodied activities. Using our bodies as our instruments, we will integrate songs and concepts through body percussion, movement and our voice. Participants will leave with a stronger foundation for further understanding and engagement with the musical language. What we learn will culminate in a short final showcase! Because of the intensive style workshop, a strong interest in singing is vital, but all musical levels are welcome!
Lexi Ugelow is a vocalist, songwriter, expressive arts workshop and music education facilitator based in Cambridge, MA.
Youth Vocal Academy is open to singers aged 9 to 14. The class runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Emily Prentice
Folk Arts for Kids: Unleash Your Creativity!
This week, we will explore visual arts, dance and crafts through the creation of a variety of artworks and explorative experiences. Participants will paint, sketch, dance, sing, weave, bind, mold, sew, experiment and more as they learn about how crafts are connected historically and to the world today.
Emily Prentice is an artist and arts educator living in Elkins, WV. While interested in every kind of making, she spends most of her time drawing, making zines, and playing with fibers.
FAFK is open to children aged 5 – 11. The class runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Bluegrass Week: August 3-7, 2026
Zoe Payne
Folk Arts for Kids: Move, Play, Create!
Augusta Folk Arts for Kids participants (ages 5-11) explore visual arts, dance and crafts through the creation of a variety of artworks and explorative experiences. Participants will paint, sketch, dance, sing, dye, weave, bind, mold, sew, experiment and more as they learn about how crafts are connected historically and to the world today. Students will delve deeper into their interest in the arts while creating a solid foundation for taking a project from start to finish. Student artists will present their work and reflect on the progress through critiques and an end of session showcase. Throughout the week participants will have the opportunity to explore the wider Augusta experience through guest presenters and artists as well as campus tours and art inspired walks.
Zoë Payne’s teaching experience is a culmination of teaching artistry experience, dance technique classes, and interdisciplinary teaching practices. She began teaching through an apprentice program at The Dance Factory under Nina Scattaregia and has been teaching both in person & virtual for over 8 years.
FAFK is open to children aged 5 – 11. The class runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Sarah Larsen
Bluegrass Kids Academy
The Bluegrass Kids Academy, now in its second year, is an exciting program for musicians aged 9-14.
Ready to take your fledgling bluegrass skills to the next level? This dynamic program for ages 9-14 is designed for young musicians with at least two years of experience on their instrument (audition required, see info below). Any string band instrument is welcome! Dive deep into the heart of bluegrass as we explore how a band works, build tight rhythms, learn about harmony singing, and tackle the basics of Bluegrass music theory and the numbers system! Come join us for an unforgettable week of music, collaboration, and fun.
Sarah Larsen is a multi-faceted teacher & musician. Originally from Wisconsin, she grew up playing classical music with her pianist mother and sister. Refusing to be defined by labels or genres, Sarah is equally at home in a jazz jam, a bluegrass pick, or an orchestral setting. She has spent over 30 years learning to communicate with musicians of all levels and styles, and has dedicated her life to helping others achieve satisfaction and joy through music.
Bluegrass Kids Academy is open to musicians aged 9 to 14. Class will run from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.