They say music is the universal language.

Even if two people don't share the same words, they share the same chromatic scale. Music transcends culture, religion and politics.

In the case of the professional musical theater company Pittsburgh CLO and the St. Barnabas Health System, music transcends age.

“Pittsburgh CLO will partner with St. Barnabas,” said Kiesha Lalama, Pittsburgh CLO director of community engagement. “To bring musical theater summer camps to the students in the surrounding region.”

This marks the first year Pittsburgh CLO and St. Barnabas are working together. According to Lalama, the partnership arose after St. Barnabas began looking for potential renters for its Kean Theatre space.

“We brainstormed a few ideas,” Lalama said. “(We) knew we wanted to focus on providing arts education opportunities for the community.”

The result: Four July camps for students in different grade levels, to be held at the Kean Theatre, 5847 Meridian Road, Gibsonia.

Pittsburgh CLO aims to provide summer programs that offer a safe and professional atmosphere for exploring the arts, Lalama said. They connect students with similar interests. The camps are also designed to develop students' skills.

“Camps provide the students with the opportunity to use the arts as an avenue to build confidence,” Lalama said.

Students enrolled in these camps will work with a professional director, choreographer and music director, who will help them learn — and perform — a musical. Among the material students will learn are songs, scenes and dances.

“The camp culminates in a performance for family and friends to enjoy the celebration,” Lalama said.

Community is an important part of performance for Pittsburgh CLO, which sits in Pittsburgh.

“These camps are designed to provide the students with the amazing opportunity to perform live on stage,” Lalama said, “while developing their confidence, as well as social and communication skills.”

Information about Pittsburgh CLO's summer camps can be found on the company's website or by calling 412-281-2234. Camps are open to all students.

Summer camps do cost money and pricing is available online. Shows have space for up to 25 students.