Summer arts for youth will continue this year.

Since 2005, the city has run a youth musical program each summer. Although Centerstage Theatre has been granted management of the Knutzen Family Theatre, where the productions and rehearsals take place, the tradition will continue this summer.

“I think it’s smartest to go with that through August,” Centerstage director Alan Bryce said. “Rather than us throw something together last minute.”

Centerstage is set to take over managing the Knutzen in July, Bryce said.

In June, the city council will vote on a contract, which would officially determine whether the city-run program would take place this summer.

The summer youth musical program has grown in popularity since it began four years ago, organizer Holly Rose said.

Last year, there were 65 kids participating in four shows, including a workshop and show for ages 4 to 7.

The summer camp begins the first Monday after July 4 each year, this year starting on July 6.

Youth ages 8 to 12 have four weeks of morning rehearsals before opening the first weekend in August.

For youth ages 13 to 20, there are five weeks of afternoon rehearsals before opening for a two-weekend show starting the second weekend in August. This is the first year that the older group will get two weekends of shows.

“They get a lot out of it,” Rose said. “Some kids are good at sports, some really find their niche in theater in artistic expression…everyone has these hidden talents.”

Rose has been working with a music director since last summer’s camp ended for this coming summer, working on what show to do, based on the kids they expect to show up again and leaving room for newcomers.

“The main goal is to give the people of this community a positive theater experience,” Rose said.

For anyone under 13, there are no auditions, just sign-ups at Knutzen Family Theatre once the city gets the official go-ahead. For the 13-20 age group there are auditions at Knutzen at 4 p.m. June 15; callbacks are the next day at 4 p.m.

Cost for the camp is $275 for the ages 8 to 20 and $105 for ages 4 to 7.

“The response I get back from the parents is so positive, so rewarding to hear,” Rose said. “The kids are enjoying themselves and learning about theater and making friends.”

More information about the camp will be in the summer parks department brochure, Rose said.