Theater Camp (2023)
Directors: Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman
Screenwriters: Noah Galvin, Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman, Ben Platt
Starring: Molly Gordon, Ben Platt, Noah Galvin, Jimmy Tatro, Ayo Edebiri
The New York premiere of the much-anticipated comedy Theater Camp proved to be an intimate but spirited affair. Taking place less than 24 hours after the SAG strike began, the screening at the Lincoln AMC went on without the cast introduction originally planned. Despite the absence of the filmmakers, attendees arrived in high spirits, ready to laugh and connect over a movie that clearly loves its subject.
Theater Camp joins a long cinematic tradition of summer-camp stories that range from heartfelt family comedies to outrageous satire. The setting—cabins, lakes, campfire rituals, and shared bunks—offers both nostalgia and a pressure cooker for emotional confrontations. That enclosed, communal world pushes characters toward revealing moments: friendships fray or deepen, rivalries ignite, and identity is tested, all against a backdrop of sun-soaked chaos and earnest creativity.
Most immediately, the film recalls the irreverent energy of the early-2000s cult classic Wet Hot American Summer, a title that helped launch the careers of several performers. Like that film, Theater Camp satirizes the eccentricities of camp life while celebrating its particular brand of community. But whereas its predecessor went for broad raunch and surreal set pieces, this film foregrounds the specific world of theater kids—the aspiring actors, frightened performers, and ambitious counselors whose lives are shaped by rehearsal schedules, campfire musicals, and the hope of being seen.
At the center of the story are counselors Rebecca-Diane (Molly Gordon) and Amos (Ben Platt), whose neurotic intensity drives much of the comedy and the heart. Both actors bring lived theatrical experience to their roles, making their missteps and passionate outbursts feel authentic rather than caricature. Their relentless pursuit of staging the best original musical upstate is both comic and touching, and their willingness to push the child performers—dubbed the camp’s most talented kids—reveals the messy, competitive side of creative mentorship.
Jimmy Tatro’s Troy, the beleaguered camp director, embodies the financial and administrative pressures that threaten the institution. Budget shortfalls force him to hire anyone willing to help, which introduces us to Janet (Ayo Edebiri), a scene-stealer despite limited screen time. Presented as someone who lied on her résumé, Janet navigates the chaos with improvised charm; Edebiri’s precise expressions and comic timing make her a memorable presence even in small moments.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its balance of sharp humor and sincere affection for the theater community. The characters—many of whom clearly draw on real-life experiences in drama classes and youth theater—feel lived-in and human, even at their most exaggerated. That authenticity culminates in a heartfelt musical number late in the film that celebrates the role of theater as refuge. For many kids who feel out of place—whether because of sexuality, family dynamics, or simply not fitting conventional molds—the stage offers belonging, identity, and a place to practice being themselves.
Beyond the laughs, Theater Camp arrives at a moment when the future of creative workers is uncertain, and its themes resonate accordingly. The film captures the anxiety and hope of people trying to make it in the arts: the relentless hustle, the doubts, and the fierce camaraderie that keeps communities alive. With concise, empathetic writing and a committed ensemble, the movie underscores the vital work of writers, actors, and crew who bring such projects to life—often without fanfare.
Ultimately, Theater Camp is a warm, funny tribute to the messy, transformative world of theater. It manages to be both satirical and tender, spotlighting eccentric personalities while honoring the deep bonds that form when people create together. Its success lies in that duality: a comedy that laughs at the absurdities of camp life while insisting on the emotional truths that make that life worth living.
Score: 23/24