Interlochen Center for the Arts will hold its 2021 Arts Camp in person with reduced capacity this summer, with protocols in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. The organization will also offer a virtual educational option of two three-week summer sessions through Interlochen Online. 

Programs in all arts disciplines will continue this summer with 50 percent fewer students. As part of safety protocols, campers will be grouped by their program and will experience all aspects of camp within their “cohort,” including classes, recreational activities, and meals. All students and employees will be required to wear masks at all times on campus except while seated and eating six feet apart, or in cabins (special masks will be provided for wind and brass players). Interlochen’s year-round faculty and staff were already vaccinated for COVID-19 in the “1B” priority vaccination group in Michigan, and many seasonal employees will be vaccinated before camp begins, according to the organization. Instructors will take advantage of open-air classes and rehearsal spaces, and several performances will be livestreamed or broadcast on Interlochen Public Radio.

The organization will also bring back Interlochen Online, which attracted over 1,400 participants last summer when it launched. Interlochen Online will offer two three-week sessions for students in grades 2-12 in music, dance, visual arts, creative writing, filmmaking, theatre, and interdisciplinary arts. “Young artists will engage with one another and world-class faculty through Zoom technology, access program materials through the Canvas Learning Management System, and take part in a multidisciplinary showcase of artwork and performances,” according to an Interlochen release.

Interlochen Arts Camp 2021 will run from June 19 to August 8, while Interlochen Online will take place June 28-July 16 and July 19-August 6. Interlochen is also eyeing a possible return of summer concerts this year, with more details to come later this spring.