For the fourth summer, ExHaLTT Performing Arts Academy will offer summer camps that provide students with the opportunity to gain theater skills and perform a public show.

The Elizabethtown nonprofit will host two Summer Musical Theatre Intensive camps in July. "Annie KIDS" will be offered for students ages 6 to 10 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, July 20, through Saturday, July 25, in Tempest Theatre at Elizabethtown College, 1 Alpha Drive. Performances of the musical will be held at 5:30 and 7 p.m. on Friday, July 24, and at 1 p.m. on July 25.

"Disney's High School Musical Jr." camp will be held July 20 through Friday, July 31, also at Tempest Theatre. The camp, for ages 11 to 18, will run from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. the first week and from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. the second week. It will wrap up with performances at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, and Friday, July 31.

"The production team focuses the experience to develop each camper's skills - dance, vocal, acting - overall theater knowledge, performance quality, all in a fun-filled, positive environment," said Jill Thomasson, founder and artistic director. "The rapport among the cast is built through hard work, encouragement, rehearsal process and team building throughout the week(s)."

All of the campers participate in the public performances. "Annie KIDS" currently has 47 students enrolled, and "High School Musical Jr." has 33. Thomasson noted that she'd love to include a few more boys in the latter show.

Based on the classic Broadway musical, "Annie KIDS" follows optimistic orphan Annie as she escapes a cruel orphanage, befriends billionaire Oliver Warbucks and searches for her parents. Along the way, she inspires everyone she meets with her courage, kindness and positive attitude.

"High School Musical Jr." follows two students as they challenge cliques and expectations by auditioning for the school musical. Alongside their friends, the students learn about friendship, teamwork and staying true to themselves. Featuring upbeat songs and energetic dance numbers, the show celebrates confidence, acceptance and following your dreams.

This is the fourth year ExHaLTT has offered the summer intensive. The program fits nicely within the organization's mission, Thomasson said.

"ExHaLTT stands for 'Expressing Hearts and Lives To Touch.' We are a faith-based, nonprofit, 501(c)(3), performing arts academy in the center of Elizabethtown," she shared. "We offer student scholarships for families who may need tuition assistance through our tax-deductible donations from generous donors. We participate in numerous community events under the umbrella of 'Dancers Make a Difference' and look forward to our first global missions trip in the summer of 2027 with the host organization Christ for the City International."

The organization's yearly curriculum includes ballet, tap, modern, lyrical/contemporary, hip hop, musical theater and vocal (choral) instruction for people age 3 through adult.

"We are marching forward with our mission as we grow and expand, adding new teaching staff, an assistant director, fundraising initiatives and community outreach activities," Thomasson said. "Our theme for the 2025-26 season was 'Keys to the Kingdom.' Each month we highlighted different aspects of what it looks like and means to 'be a light and positive force' in our world. From patience and praise, surrender and joy, along with many other keys found in the Bible that guide our Christian faith, we wrapped up our season with the keys from Joshua 1:9 - strength and courage."

She emphasized that ExHaLTT hopes students will make an impact in the community beyond the studio.

"Each student is encouraged to be a 'warrior in their world' by letting their light shine as Christ has gifted them in their sphere of influence," she explained. "It could be as simple as picking up trash on the sidewalk, sitting with a new student at lunch or writing a note of thanks to their teacher - all little things that ultimately make a big difference, even if it seems insignificant to most."

Enrollment for the 2026-27 season will begin in early June. More information may be found by visiting http://www.exhalttdancecompany.org, emailing exhalttperformingarts@gmail.com or calling 717-702-6633.

"We are excited to continuing sharing our belief with anyone interested in being a part of ExHaLTT that 'where the arts thrive, the soul comes alive!'" Thomasson said.