We’re proud of where we’ve been and excited for what’s ahead…

Our story

Our story began in 1978 in New York City, where an aspiring actor studying at AMDA took a tap class at the Ansonia Hotel Studios. That moment sparked a transformative teacher-student relationship that blossomed into a 45-year marriage, two children, and a lifelong business partnership that has become our legacy.

In 1980, we relocated to the Midwest to direct and choreograph Broadway shows at Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island, Illinois. From 1982 to 1991, we founded and operated Studio 17 Performing Arts Center in the Quad Cities, offering classes in music, acting, and dance, along with performance opportunities for children in original musical theater productions. The mid-1990s saw us traveling the country with the national tour of The Will Rogers Follies and directing the children's choirs for the U.S. production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

In 1996, we made our way to Los Angeles, where, in 2000, we launched a summer performing arts program in Burbank called ShowCamp. The program has evolved into a collaborative family business where we write, direct, choreograph, and produce original musical theater productions for children. In 2024, we proudly celebrated the 25th anniversary of Burbank Summer ShowCamp, a testament to our dedication to fostering creativity and nurturing the next generation of performers. And, we just wrapped on year 26 with a very special cast of 226 kids!

The initial goal of ShowCamp was to establish a performing arts organization in Burbank similar to Studio 17. In Iowa, we enjoyed spacious studio facilities and were able to operate a September-through-May class and performance schedule. In California, however, the only venue that could accommodate our growing number of students was the public school system, which was available only during the summer.

To make ShowCamp a reality, we set out to build strong relationships with the Burbank Unified School District, ultimately creating a vibrant summer program. Over the past 25 years, ShowCamp has faced its share of struggles and challenges, but it has persevered and flourished. From the very beginning, we learned to rely on the trust and support of our community, school administrators, and local industry professionals who understand the profound value of the arts.

Thanks to that support, we are proud to have consistently produced high-quality original productions within an intensive three-week timeframe, engaging hundreds of young performers at every stage of their artistic journey. Who would dare to create an original musical tailored specifically for their students every single summer? That's us. We embrace the creativity, passion, and enthusiasm that fuel this work because we know how vital it is to our community—and that's why ShowCamp continues to thrive.

Perhaps our greatest accomplishment is that ShowCamp has become a model of inclusivity, offering a safe space where children can explore, discover, and cultivate their creative talents. For many, this program has become far more than a summer camp—it has been a transformative safe haven, a place to belong, and a place to call home. That sense of purpose makes every challenge worthwhile.

In nearly every decision we make, there is an element of risk. Choosing a career in the arts—whether in performance or education—often means sacrificing stability and security in pursuit of a passion. Yet our family has remained committed to making ShowCamp an accessible opportunity for all families, encouraging every child who is eager to learn, grow, and express themselves through music, dance, and theater. Over the years, we have awarded scholarships to hundreds of families, and we have watched many of our students transform their love of the performing arts into rewarding lifelong careers.

As a family, we have experienced the full spectrum of highs and lows that come with running a creative business, along with all the uncertainties that accompany it. Yet we choose to see those uncertainties as opportunities to champion something we deeply believe in. The transformative power of theater cannot be overstated, and as we continue to face budget cuts in education—where the arts are often the first to be affected—we feel more energized than ever to continue our mission.

Providing a creative home for thousands of children over the years has been one of the greatest joys of our lives, and that is the legacy we hope to leave behind.

So, was it worth the risk? Absolutely.

And we can only hope to continue doing this work for many more years with many more students …

-The Bishop Family (Founders/Directors)