Brooklyn Arts Exchange (BAX) — BAX 2026 Drag Summer Arts Program

Ages

11 years–14 years

Entering grades 6-8

Cost

$1250–$1650/session

Early bird Discount Code: EARLY-26 for $50 through April 1. $15 off for Park Slope Parents members! Email PSP member number to [email protected] BAX is a nonprofit organization committed to offering high-quality and accessible arts programs for all. As such, our two-week Drag tuition is priced at three public tiers ($1650, $1450 and $1250). Each family can assess the price that works best for their household. This is based on an honor system of your expressed need (we do not require financial documentation). Installment plans are available, and you can elect to enroll in one during online registration. We have a limited amount of financial assistance available beyond these public tiers. Applications for Summer Financial Assistance will be available beginning February 4.

Dates

Jul 20, 2026 – Jul 31, 2026

Hours

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Schedule

📅Full Day

Amenities

🌳Outdoor🏠Indoor⏰Extended Care

Lunch

Bring your own lunch

Registration Opens

Feb 3, 2026

Discounts

💰Financial Aid

Extended Care

Late Pickup

5:45 PM

$30/day ($300/week)

About This Camp

At BAX, we foster creativity and encourage playful exploration in a positive and nurturing environment. Our Summer Arts Program (SAP) draws from our year-round education programs to provide young artists with opportunities to explore different forms of mixed media art and performance around a specific themed week thoughtfully designed for active and fun engagement. Arts Specialists teach daily workshops, while a well-trained, creative staff supports a healthy balance of fun indoor (at the BAX Building in spacious studios) and outdoor (at the Old Stone House in Washington Park/JJ Byrne Playground) play, performance, and art-making activities. At the end of each week, families are sent photos/videos with descriptions of the weekly activities and culminating shares.

In this two-week summer arts program at the BAX Annex, middle schoolers will explore the colorful and transformative art form of Drag through the principles of drama and creative movement. Participants will dive into dramatic play, character work, authentic expression, and community connection as they create unique drag personas. Using tools like facial expressions, body language, costume choices, and the art of lip syncing, students will build skills to bring their personas to life.

Each day will include a mix of group games, solo exploration, and collaborative creation exercises. Together, participants will develop a collaborative lip-synced drag performance that grows in depth as the week progresses. We will focus on Drag as an art form of transformation, highlighting its unique capacity to serve as a tool for self-discovery, collective storytelling, and political commentary, as well as its impact on social movements.

The two weeks will culminate in a celebratory performance party where participants will showcase their creations and share the stories they’ve been crafting for peers and families. This joyful event will honor the vibrant community and creativity cultivated throughout the program.

This program centers queer and trans wisdom and is open to all middle schoolers ages 11–14 who identify as queer, trans, gender-expansive, fluid, curious, questioning, or in allyship with the LGBTQ+ community. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to express yourself, connect with others, and embrace the magic of Drag!