Summer Frequently Asked Questions
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
How can I register for camp?
Follow THIS LINK for Rising Kindergarten — Rising 2nd Grade Programs (Jr. Mudlarkians and Jr. Afternoon Theater Club)
Follow THIS LINK for Rising 3rd Grade — Rising 5th Grade Programs (Mudlarkian and Afternoon Theater Club)
Follow THIS LINK for Rising 6th Grade — Rising 8th Grade Programs
All registrations will be through our Hi-Sawyer Widget.
Where CAN I find a calendar of all the CAMPS offered?
Using the links on this PAGE for Grades K-2, this PAGE for Grades 3-5, and this PAGE for Grades 6-8!
How do I know which camp to sign up my actor for if they are on the cusp?
All camps are based on what grade they WILL be in in Fall 2026. If you have a CURRENT 2nd grader, they are eligible to sign up for a 3rd-5th grade camp; however, if you think they would fit more in a K-2nd grade camp, that is perfectly fine- whatever you think is best for your actor.
How does afternoon theater club work?
Afternoon Theater Club serves as the all-day option for artists in Jr. Mudlarkians and Mudlarkians. It is a weekly option so overlapping Mudlarkians Sessions can all join. Please make sure you add ALL weekly sessions you’d like your artists to be in.
When is the latest I can register?
If there is still space in a program, online registration will stay open through the Friday at 2pm before the camp begins. However, many of our camps fill up months in advance, so we highly recommend you register for camps ASAP.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards and e-checks through our online registration platform. No cash is accepted for camp registrations.
WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?
Payment for camp is due at the time of registration.
If you attempt to register for a camp that is currently full, you will be put on the waitlist. If and when a spot opens up, you will be contacted by a Mudlark staff member for payment information. Please contact office@mudlarktheater.org or (847) 448-0708 with questions about payment.
payment plans
Do you have payment plans?
Payment plans are available for ALL summer programs. There are options for 2-6 installments.
CAN PAYMENT PLANS BE USED WITH SCHOLARSHIPS?
Yes! Families can still enter scholarship codes at checkout.
Do I need to manually submit PAYMENT PLAN PAYMENTS?
No, payments are automatic through Sawyer.
When ARE MY PAYMENTS DUE FOR THE PAYMENT PLAN?
The first payment is due at checkout. Below is the Summer 2026 Payment Plan Schedule. Payment Plan due dates may be updated due to the demand for enrollment in March 2026.
What happens if MY card is declined?
If your card is declined, you'll receive an email notification. The system will automatically retry the payment daily until it's successful.
Can I pay in more than SIX installments?
For now, payment plans are limited to up to six installments.
DO YOU OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?
Unconditional scholarships are available for all Mudlark programs. No young artist is ever turned away from a program for financial reasons and we will never ask why you are requesting a scholarship, or require proof that you need one.
While some families need 100% of the cost covered, many families are able to provide at least some of the registration fees. Thank you for understanding that every contribution helps Mudlark keep delivering our mission to as many young artists as possible.
Our scholarship policy has not changed and remains unconditional, despite record requests for support. Scholarship options range from 10%- 100% Scholarship, and are applied using a code during the registration process. Please refer to THIS PAGE to learn more about how scholarships work at Mudlark.
Still have questions on our scholarship policy and process? Check out our FAQ page or email education@mudlarktheater.org
Can my participant come to camp unregistered?
No, we must have a registration form for every participant at camp so our staff have all pertinent medical and emergency contact information.
I registered but didn't receive any sort of confirmation. What do I do now?
You should receive a confirmation email if your registration is processed successfully. You can check on your Sawyer account for your registered classes. If after checking your inbox and Sawyer account you still have not received a confirmation, please email education@mudlarktheater.org to confirm your registration status.
Do you give prorated refunds for camp absences?
Our Camps are prorated for sessions that have missing days due to Holidays. We do not give refunds for days when young artists are absent once camp has begun. As a small, non-profit we carefully budget our summer programming and hire instructors based on our enrollment numbers.
What if my participant can no longer attend a camp I registered for?
We understand that schedules can change, and we're happy to accommodate refund requests when possible. To request a refund, please email us at education@mudlarktheater.org at least two weeks prior to the program start date. A $20 processing fee will be deducted from your refund to cover registration platform costs. If a refund request is made after the two weeks, you will not be eligible for a refund.
What if the camp I want to register my participant for is full?
If you attempt to register for a camp that is already full, you will automatically be placed on a waitlist. Waitlist spots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you do not hear from us after being added to a camp Waitlist, it means we do not have a spot for your young artist in this program.
Pick up, drop off, and after care
Where does camp take place?
All camps will take place at Mudlark HQ (1417 Hinman Ave.) Our offices and theater spaces are inside the First Congregational Church's Community Center.
How does drop-off and pick-up work?
Drop-off begins 15 minutes before the start of camp at Mudlark HQ (1417 Hinman Ave.)
Young artists should check in with their instructors when they arrive at camp. On the first day, Mudlark staff will be on the lawn to help guardians and young artists find their instructors. Pick-up happens immediately following the end of camp, and we ask that guardians make every effort to be on time.
What happens if I am late for pick up?
We will be as understanding as possible, but if a parent/guardian is over 15 minutes late, Mudlark reserves the right to charge a $15 late pick-up fee. Repeated late pick-ups will result in a $25 late pick-up fee per occurrence. Please call or text the Mudlark number if you are running late.
Who can pick up my participant from camp?
Only the people who are indicated on your registration form through Sawyer when you initially sign up for camp. To add someone to this list, you must send your child with a signed note indicating the additional people you’re authorizing to pick them up from camp or email the education team at education@mudlarktheater.org. At this time, Mudlark does not typically check ID’s for pick-up, but may revisit this policy for summer 2026 due to the Evanston landscape.
Can my participant sign themselves out?
Yes, but you must have already given them permission on your registration form. If you didn’t indicate this on their registration form and wish to change it, you must send your child with a signed note or email education@mudlarktheater.org, specifying that they now have the ability to check themselves out.
Do you provide child care before or after the camp day?
Aftercare will be available for summer camp 2026! Unfortunately, before care will be unavailable.
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR AFTERCARE?
When registering for camp on Sawyer, families will see an add-on option for Aftercare. It is available as a weekly add-on for all afternoon camps.
WHAT IS AFTERCARE? HOW LONG IS IT?
Aftercare is an optional service for families/guardians who need a later pickup time and cannot arrive by 4:00 PM. Aftercare runs 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM and takes place at Mudlark HQ.
HOW MUCH IS AFTERCARE?
$75/week for a standard 5-day camp week
$60/week for a shortened week
Because Aftercare is not part of regular Mudlark programming and functions as a supplemental childcare option, scholarship cannot be applied to Aftercare. Scholarships may still be used for Mudlark summer programs. If you use a scholarship for your Mudlark program registration and it automatically reduces part of your Aftercare payment, a Mudlark staff member will send a corrected invoice through Sawyer for the aftercare payment.
CAN I USE A PAYMENT PLAN ON AFTERCARE?
Yes, Families not using scholarship may use any standard payment plan option, since Aftercare will simply be included in your total at checkout. If you are using scholarship, no payment plan will be available for after care. For Mudlark summer programming, you may still select 2–6 installments and scholarship as usual.
camp day
What should my participant bring to camp?
Clothing that they can easily move around in
Closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops, please!)
Sun protection (lotion, hat, etc.) for outdoor activities, park breaks, and lunch
Labeled, refillable water bottle
Nut-free snack
Nut-free Bag Lunch (if coming for the full day - no microwaves or refrigerators are available to young artists)
CAN MY participant BRING THEIR DEVICES TO CAMP?
Yes, but they will only be allowed to use it during snacks, lunchtime, or for emergencies. If instructors find this disruptive, they may be asked to put their devices away. Parents can always call or text the Mudlark office number during camp hours if they need to get in contact with their young artist.
Can I stay and watch camp?
No, we have found that young artists can get easily distracted or embarrassed when there are non-participant observers. We work hard to build a safe space where our young artists can be spontaneous and creative without self-censorship. However, many of our camps include a final showcase where students can share what they’ve learned with family and friends.
HOW DOES LUNCH WORK?
If your participant has signed up for a Morning and an Afternoon program in the same week, they can stay for lunch at no additional charge. They will eat and play games, supervised by Mudlark staff.
Lunch is NOT provided by Mudlark. You must send your child with a lunch if they’re staying for the full day. Please ensure lunches are nut free, and note that Mudlark does not have a refrigerator or microwave available for young artists’ use.
Does my participant need to bring a snack?
During camp, your young artist will be provided with a small snack, typically Pretzels or Skinny Pop as a gluten-free option. Young artists are also welcome to bring their own nut-free snack.
Can the instructors give my child medicine?
Our staff is only permitted to administer Epi-Pens in a medical emergency, and only with written or verbal permission from a parent or guardian. Please ensure all other medications are given before or after camp hours. For unique circumstances, contact our education team at education@mudlarktheater.org.
ILLNESS AND ABSENCES
Many of our camps build towards performances, and every day is valuable. We highly encourage your young artist to attend every day of camp. If you have a planned absence, please contact our education team at education@mudlarktheater.org or let your young artist's instructor know ahead of time.
If your child is ill, please do not send them to camp. If your child is being treated for a contagious condition, please let us know so we can be alert for symptoms in others and take appropriate precautions. If your young artist has a medical condition that our instructors should be aware of, please either note it on their registration form or email education@mudlarktheater.org.
Showcases
How do I know if my Child’s camp has a showcase?
If you signed up for a K-2, 3-5, or 6-8 Three Week Camp (not including 3 Week League of Adventure), your young artist will have a showcase. One-week camps DO NOT end in a shared showcase for friends and family to watch. There will be an INTERNAL sharing with other young artists and instructors during the camp day.
How do I purchase tickets for my child’s showcase?
You can reserve your tickets on our Summer Showcase PAGE. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can.
When is my child’s summer showcase?
You can see all the specific days/times on our Summer Showcase PAGE.
Jr Mudlarkians showcases are always on the last Friday of camp at 11:30am
Mudlarkians showcases are always on the last Thursday of camp at 5:30pm
6-8 Three-Week showcases are always on the last Friday of Camp at 5:30pm