---
title: "Theater Camp"
year: 2023
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/theater-camp"
fi1m_id: "theater-camp"
imdb_id: "tt21232992"
tmdb_id: 986054
wikidata_id: "Q116287765"
fi1m_score: 70
critics_score: 74
critics_reviews: 19
published: "2026-09-10"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:05.489754+00:00"
region: "IN"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Theater Camp (2023)

Directed by Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman · 1h 33m · Comedy

## Identity

Theater Camp

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/theater-camp
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** theater-camp
- **IMDb ID:** tt21232992
- **TMDB ID:** 986054
- **Wikidata ID:** Q116287765
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21232992/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/986054, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116287765

**Fi1m score: 70** · Critics 74 from 19 reviews

*In a sentence:* Ten-year-olds told to dig for their trauma by adults who have never stopped digging for theirs

> Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman’s mockumentary about a children’s drama camp is warm, well cast and funny in bursts, and it saves its best material for the finale. Between the jokes it is thin, and it likes its subjects too much to cut them.

## Synopsis

A film crew spends a summer at a children’s drama camp, following the staff and the campers through rehearsals towards the original musical that ends the season. Amos (Ben Platt) and Rebecca-Diane (Molly Gordon) teach the drama classes and write the show; Glenn (Noah Galvin) runs everything backstage; the new arrival Janet (Ayo Edebiri) teaches a class she is inventing as she goes. Troy (Jimmy Tatro), Joan’s son, is the one adult on the grounds who would rather be anywhere else. Amy Sedaris, Caroline Aaron, Nathan Lee Graham, Owen Thiele and Patti Harrison fill out the staff; Bailee Bonick and Kyndra Sanchez lead the campers. It is shot as a mockumentary, runs 93 minutes and carries a 12A.

## Review

Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman have made a mockumentary about a children’s drama camp, and they have made it from the inside. Gordon, Ben Platt, Noah Galvin and Lieberman wrote it together, and the four of them plainly went to places like this and have not recovered. A camera crew follows the staff through one summer’s rehearsals towards the original musical that ends every season. It is fond, it is funny in bursts, it is well cast from the adults down to the smallest child, and it is thin in the middle in a way that 93 minutes ought not to allow.

Platt and Gordon play Amos and Rebecca-Diane, the drama teachers who write the show. Platt plays Amos as a man who has never once wondered whether he is too much, and the performance is braver than it looks, because the joke is on him and he does not soften it. Gordon gives Rebecca-Diane a floaty vagueness that is hiding something the film gets to later. Galvin’s Glenn, the stage manager who does everything and is thanked for none of it, is the most likeable person on screen and gets the least to do until the end. Ayo Edebiri’s Janet teaches stage combat by asking the children what they think it is. Edebiri does almost nothing and gets the biggest laughs.

Nate Hurtsellers shoots it the way these things are shot: handheld, with zooms that arrive a beat late, catching people who thought the camera had moved on. The cabins, the hand-lettered signs and the cluttered costume shed that Jordan Janota and Charlotte Royer have put together look as if they have stood for decades without a repair. Michelle J. Li dresses the staff as people who buy their clothes from the same shops as their students. Jon Philpot cuts quickly between interviews and rehearsals, and when the story needs to jump he uses a title card, which is the mockumentary’s way of admitting it did not shoot the scene. There are a lot of title cards.

We laughed, properly, at a rehearsal in which Amos asks a girl of about ten to reach for the worst thing that has ever happened to her, and she does, and he is pleased. Then we felt a little ashamed, because the film is laughing at the adult and we had been laughing at the child. That double reaction is the film’s best trick, and it plays it several times. The campers are the sanest people in the place, and the young cast, Bailee Bonick and Kyndra Sanchez among them, play everything dead straight, which is why it works.

The trouble is what happens between the jokes. Amy Sedaris, as Joan, is written out before she has said much, and the film misses her. Jimmy Tatro’s Troy is a good running gag, a man who says he wants to circle back in a room full of eleven-year-olds, but he is a gag rather than a person and he has to carry the plot. Patti Harrison’s Caroline is in the same scene every time she appears. Nathan Lee Graham and Owen Thiele, as Clive and Gigi, are given one joke apiece and asked to repeat it. The middle third is rehearsal montages, and we noticed the time, which at this length we should not have.

Then the show arrives and the film gets much better. Mark Sonnenblick and James McAlister have written real songs for it, funny in the lyrics and properly built underneath, and the staging uses the camp’s own means: paint, cardboard, a follow spot and children who mean it. We will not describe what happens during the performance. It is the only stretch in which the film’s affection and its jokes are working at the same moment, and it moved us more than we expected.

Set beside *Waiting for Guffman*, which everyone will mention, this is gentler and less exact. Christopher Guest’s people were fools and he said so. Gordon and Lieberman’s people are fools and they love them, and the love keeps blunting the knife. The film is at its funniest in the scenes where it forgets to be kind.

If you were a theatre child, or are raising one, this is your evening and you will laugh more than we did. If you were not, be patient through the montages. The songs are worth the wait.

*Fi1m score 70, published 10 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

The reviews are mostly warm, and the praise gathers in the same places: the density of the jokes, the young cast, and the original songs that carry the final act. Several critics single out Jimmy Tatro and Ayo Edebiri, and most agree the mockumentary format suits the material.

The comparison to Waiting for Guffman comes up again and again, rarely to the film’s advantage; even admirers concede it has less bite and thinner characters than Christopher Guest’s work. The reservations cluster around niceness. Sight and Sound finds the affection softens the gags, Little White Lies calls the insider humour cliquey, and The Guardian thinks the earnest musical ending undoes the catty fun of the first two-thirds. A few note a sagging midsection. The spread is fairly wide, from five-star raves to a lone negative from Slant Magazine, which finds the improvisation forced and the characters one-note. Most critics land somewhere between fond and impressed.

## Straight answers

**Is Theater Camp worth watching?**

*Theater Camp* is worth watching if you were a theatre child or are raising one, and we scored it 70. Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman's mockumentary is warm, well cast and funny in bursts, with its best material saved for the closing musical. The middle third is rehearsal montages and drags at only 93 minutes, so others should be patient.

**How long is Theater Camp, and what is it rated?**

*Theater Camp* runs 1h 33m. It is a comedy film.

**Where can I watch Theater Camp in India?**

*Theater Camp* is not on any streaming or rental service in India at the moment. It is available in 34 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily.

**How violent or frightening is Theater Camp, and is it suitable for children?**

*Theater Camp* carries a 12A and contains no violence or frights worth the name; it is a gentle comedy about adults and children rehearsing a musical. The jokes are mostly at the expense of the grown-ups, including a drama teacher asking a ten-year-old to dig for her worst memory. Older children and teenagers who know the theatre world will enjoy it most.

**How does Theater Camp compare to The School of Rock?**

*Theater Camp* is the more ramshackle of the two, a mockumentary that loves its fools too much to cut them, while [*The School of Rock*](https://film.one/film/the-school-of-rock) is the tighter, more conventional comedy with the surer laughs. Both give an unfit adult a room of gifted children and good songs. Linklater's film suits a family evening; Gordon and Lieberman's suits anyone who has survived a drama camp.

### Reviews we read (28)

- **The Times**, Ed Potton (★★★★★): Genuinely funny as well as moving, this satire is a must-see part laugh-out-loud satire and part life-affirming love letter to amateur dramatics. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/theatre-dance/article/theater-camp-review-it-s-spinal-tap-for-theatre-kids-wq9c7dn6x)
- **Empire**, Sophie Butcher (85/100, inferred): The mockumentary format is employed to glorious effect, with relentless gags, spot-on performances and a heartfelt ode to theatre camps. It confirms impressive directorial talent from Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/theater-camp/)
- **The i Paper**, Christina Newland (80/100, inferred): This hilarious mockumentary lampoons theatre-kid culture with self-satirising charm and good humour, delivering relentless jokes and hyper-specific laughs. It balances broad appeal with specificity but falls short of the character depth in Waiting for Guffman. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/theater-camp-review-hilarious-mockumentary-triumph-drama-geeks-oddballs-2567632)
- **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (4/5): The critic praises it as sparky, big-hearted and entertaining, noting its sincere affection for musical theatre and progressive spirit. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/theater-camp-2023)
- **The AV Club** (B): The critic calls it a winning comedy with echoes of Waiting for Guffman, praising the sharp details, lively performances, and brisk joke rhythm that delivers big laughs from small stakes. It succeeds through relatable characters and a streamlined approach that avoids excess. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/theater-camp-movie-review-1850632534)
- **Sight and Sound** (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the comedy affectionate but notes that its prevailing niceness softens the gags; praises the film's celebration of quirky theatre kids as quietly radical. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/theater-camp-affectionate-stage-kid-mockumentary)
- **Vulture** (70/100, inferred): The review describes the film as a cheerfully nostalgic and affectionate mockumentary that basks in its world of devoted theater enthusiasts, though it lacks enough edge or conflict to fully commit. It notes the timely context of labor issues adds a subtle layer to its celebration of joy in performance. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/theater-camp-review-too-sweet-to-take-issue-with.html)
- **The Independent** (2.5/4): The film is a tame but sweet mockumentary that hits the right note between satire and sincerity, with strong song-and-dance elements. It sidelines Amy Sedaris too early and relies on expected inside jokes. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-troy-christopher-guest-amy-sedaris-def-leppard-b2374187.html)
- **Little White Lies**, Saskia Lloyd Gaiger (2/3/2): The critic appreciates the kids and cameos but finds the insider humour cliquey and exclusive, better for am-dram enthusiasts. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/theater-camp)
- **Radio Times**, James Mottram (3/5): Describes it as fitfully funny with some strong adult performances but underdeveloped characters and hit-and-miss overall. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-ly05oj/theater-camp/)
- **Screen Daily** (60/100, inferred): Finds it a likeable hit-and-miss Christopher Guest-style comedy that will appeal to musical theatre lovers but may feel indulgent to others. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/theater-camp-sundance-review/5178366.article)
- **Slant Magazine**, Derek Smith (40/100, inferred): The critic finds the largely improvised comedy forced and laborious compared to Christopher Guest's work, with repetitive jokes and one-note characters that grow tiresome despite some chuckles. Ayo Edebiri's relaxed performance stands out as a highlight amid the self-parody. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/theater-camp-review-molly-gordon-ben-platt/)
- **IndieWire**, Kate Erbland: The review praises the charming and hilarious mockumentary as a clever new entry in the canon, likening it to Waiting for Guffman but without the bite. It celebrates the film's affectionate look at theater kids and their world. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/theater-camp-review-1234798024/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Katie Walsh: This collective has brought to life one of the funniest, most specific comedies of the year: a savvy but loving satire of young theater geeks. The joy of “Theater Camp” is simply swimming around in this world, so perfectly rendered, down to every detail of costume design, and dense, referential dialogue. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-07-14/review-theater-camp-mockumentary-musical-ben-platt)
- **RogerEbert.com**, Christy Lemire: The mockumentary is by, for, and about hardcore theater nerds, but there’s enough infectious, let’s-put-on-a-show energy to entertain casual fans—for a while, anyway. The filmmakers’ affection for the material is evident, yet the execution doesn’t always match the power of their emotions, with the film dragging in the midsection before picking back up for the big finale. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/theater-camp-movie-review-2023)
- **The Guardian**: The mockumentary is enjoyable with catty sniping in the first two-thirds but ultimately undermined by an earnest musical ending that fails to land. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/aug/27/theater-camp-review-affectionately-acerbic-comedy-about-musical-theatre-kids)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, David Rooney: The critic finds the mockumentary an affectionate but uneven salute to theater kids and their eccentric educators, with some insider jokes landing but others feeling cute rather than uproarious. It overlaps with sharper films like Waiting for Guffman while highlighting the cast's commitment to the milieu. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/theater-camp-review-ben-platt-1235308608/)
- **The Telegraph**: This joyous mockumentary lampoons its subjects with boundless affection and is the funniest film in years, working in the Christopher Guest tradition. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/theater-camp-review-funniest-comedy-in-years/)
- **Variety**, Peter Debruge: Longtime friends Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman have assembled an intermittently amusing, mostly ad-libbed, wannabe 'Waiting for Guffman' set in the world of junior acting programs. The feature version is more of the same, minus the laughs, but the creative team have come up with a suite of catchy, clever original songs that snap the film into place for a satisfying finale. [Read](https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/theater-camp-review-molly-gordon-ben-platt-1235501172)
- **Digital Spy**, Ian Sandwell (5/5): The critic calls it the funniest comedy of the year and a loving tribute to theatre kids and their camps. They single out the relentless gags, excellent ensemble performances (especially the young cast and Jimmy Tatro), and the heartfelt final act with its original musical. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a44840009/theater-camp-review/)
- **Consequence** (A-): The critic calls the film a hilarious and authentic showcase of musical theater training that deserves a standing ovation for its pitch-perfect details. The hyperspecific script and joyful capture of the niche world are singled out for praise. [Read](https://consequence.net/2023/09/theater-camp-review-ben-platt/)
- **Polygon**, Austen Goslin (90/100, inferred): The piece declares the film the funniest of the year for its brilliant mockumentary balance of charm, humor, and short runtime. The ensemble cast and Christopher Guest-inspired style are highlighted as making it instantly recognizable and endearing. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/23870645/theater-camp-hulu-streaming-funniest-comedy-movie-2023)
- **/Film**, Ethan Anderton (8/10): Praises the sidesplitting laughs, wonderful ensemble cast, and the mockumentary style, highlighting the passion of the filmmakers and the great finale with original songs, though noting some trouble sustaining the runtime with montages. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1181501/theater-camp-review-this-sidesplitting-comedy-can-rub-elbows-with-the-best-mockumentaries-sundance/)
- **The Wrap** (80/100, inferred): The quick-witted mockumentary is a sidesplitting and largely improvised crowd-pleaser that is both mischievously critical and adoring of its theater-kid microcosm. It is propelled forward by its extraordinary group of young actors. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/theater-camp-review-ben-platt-molly-gordon/)
- **Collider**, Ross Bonaime (B): The critic finds the mockumentary a loving parody of theater kids that works thanks to its high joke density and self-deprecating performances, even if it does not surpass the best of the genre. Platt and Gordon are singled out for their chemistry and self-aware turns. [Read](https://collider.com/theater-camp-review/)
- **Deadline**, Valerie Complex (75/100, inferred): The mockumentary is a hilarious and vibrant debut from first-time directors, full of vulnerability and earnestness. It excels when focusing on the quick-witted, authentic young campers. [Read](https://deadline.com/2023/01/theater-camp-sundance-film-festival-review-molly-gordon-nick-lieberman-1235236858/)
- **Paste**, Jacob Oller (7.5): The review praises the film as a charming, fast-moving farce that succeeds through delivery and specific humor even when the plot is thin. The cast, especially Tatro and the young performers, is highlighted for elevating the material. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/sundance-2023/theater-camp-review)
- **The Playlist**, Gregory Ellwood (B-/C+): The critic finds the film enjoyable despite not being a musical theater expert, praising the hilarious songs and staging of the show, the young performers, and Noah Galvin's performance, though noting it relies on title cards and has some editing issues. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/theater-camp-review-noah-galvin-the-kids-save-the-day-sundance-20230122/)

## Details

- **Director:** Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman
- **Director:** Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman
- **Writer:** Noah Galvin, Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman, Ben Platt
- **Cinematography:** Nate Hurtsellers
- **Editor:** Jon Philpot
- **Music:** James McAlister, Mark Sonnenblick
- **Production design:** Jordan Janota, Charlotte Royer
- **Costume design:** Michelle J. Li
- **Producer:** Maria Zuckerman, Ben Platt, Nick Lieberman
- **Cast:** Ben Platt as Amos Klobuchar; Molly Gordon as Rebecca-Diane; Noah Galvin as Glenn Winthrop; Jimmy Tatro as Troy Rubinsky; Caroline Aaron as Rita Cohen; Ayo Edebiri as Janet Walch; Nathan Lee Graham as Clive DeWitt; Owen Thiele as Gigi Charbonier
- **Runtime:** 1h 33m
- **First release (the US):** 21 January 2023
- **Genres:** Comedy
- **Budget:** $5 million
- **Box office:** $4 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puVDIUk0kM8

## Where to watch in India

Not streaming, renting or buying in India at the last check.

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, EC, ES, FR, GB, GR, HK, HU, IE, IT, JP, KR, MX, NL, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, SE, SG, TR, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Sundance Special Jury Prize for Ensemble Cast 2023: Sundance Special Jury Prize for Ensemble Cast (won)

## If you liked this

- *Waiting for Guffman* (1996): Christopher Guest’s small-town musical mockumentary, with the sharper edges this one sands off.
- *Camp* (2003): The earnest version: a theatre camp played straight, with the same children and less irony.
- *Wet Hot American Summer* (2001): A summer camp comedy that is stranger, ruder and happy to be disliked.
- *Hamlet 2* (2008): A deluded drama teacher stages an original musical; the songs are worse and funnier.
- *School of Rock* (2003), Fi1m 84: An unfit adult teaches gifted children and learns more than they do; the songs are good. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-school-of-rock.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/theater-camp