Every summer, Shakespeare Theatre Company gives students between the ages of 6 and 18 the chance to dive into the world of one of the most celebrated playwrights in history: William Shakespeare.

Camp Shakespeare offers two-week sessions for youth (ages 6–11) and teens (ages 12–18). Returning teens can audition for a three-week Intensive.

At Camp Shakespeare, students will:
Transform into Shakespeare’s characters through voice, movement, and imagination
Unlock Shakespeare’s language through text analysis
Develop acting skills for their level of experience
Learn the safety and storytelling of stage combat
Perform for friends and family onstage at Shakespeare Theatre Company

Our Commitment to Inclusion
Camp Shakespeare provides a safe and supportive environment for everyone regardless of ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, cultural background, national origin, citizenship, faith, ideology, and income. Together we ensure that everyone feels secure and has the opportunity to build confidence in the power of their own voice, imagination, and artistic ability with dignity. We endeavor to create a fully inclusive culture that values equality and fosters respect for all people while we collaborate to explore and perform Shakespeare’s plays.

Director’s Message — Updated December 6, 2021

Dear Camp Shakespeare Students and Families,

The STC Engagement and Education team is delighted to share with you our reimagined camp experience for 2022. Updates include:

Tuition, Discount, and Scholarships

Tuition
• Two-Week Camp: Youth 9 a.m.–3 p.m./ Teens 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $850
• Youth After-Care: 3 p.m.–5 p.m. $150 per week
• Three-Week Intensive: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $1,275
• Two-Week Virtual Camp: 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. $395
• One-Week Spanish Immersion Teen Camp: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $395

Full tuition is due upon registration. Registration closes one week prior to the camp’s start date OR once a camp is full.

Discounts

Register siblings or for multiple sessions to receive $50 off each additional in-person camp registration. Please call the Engagement and Education Department at 202.547.5688 to register with this discount.

Scholarships

To apply for a scholarship to Camp Shakespeare, please email the following items to CampSTC@ShakespeareTheatre.org:

• A completed scholarship application form filled out by the parent or legal guardian of the student
• A 500-word typed essay written by the student that answers this question:
Why do you want to attend Camp Shakespeare and what do you hope to gain from the experience?
• A copy of applicant’s 2020 tax return for proof of income or documentation of qualification for free or reduced school lunch

Applications are due by June 1, 2022. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, so it is best to turn in complete applications early. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

After Care

Youth campers (ages 6–11) attending sessions at STC’s Rehearsal Studios (516 8th Street SE) may register for after-care from 3 p.m.–5 p.m. Group activities such as games, Shakespeare-themed movies, and art projects will be led by staff and Student Teachers, however campers may opt to spend the time reading, drawing, or playing games brought from home. Please note the performance will be held at 4 p.m. on the final day of the session.

Book a session

Camp Faculty

Camp Shakespeare Teaching Artists create a unique curriculum aimed at optimizing students’ physical, intellectual, and artistic development. All Teaching Artists are classically trained professional actors and educators.

“These Teaching Artists are brilliant. So incredibly patient and enthusiastic. Masters at keeping all the students feeling safe and seen. And really great Shakespeare instruction!” –Virtual Camp Shakespeare Parent

Faculty Biographies

FAQs

What’s a typical day like at Camp Shakespeare?
All Camp Shakespeare sessions meet Monday through Friday (no camp on June 20 or July 4 holidays). A typical day begins with team building activities and warm-ups followed by voice and movement instruction, during which students practice techniques for character creation and storytelling. The morning continues with acting class, where students explore improvisation and scenes from plays, followed by text analysis, which provides strategies for understanding and communicating Shakespeare’s language. Students also train in the art of safe stage combat. The rest of the afternoon is dedicated to applying what has been learned in rehearsal.

FAQs — Virtual Camp Shakespeare

What’s a typical day like at Virtual Camp Shakespeare?
All Virtual Camp Shakespeare sessions meet Monday through Friday (no camp on June 20 or July 4 holidays). Showcases will be recorded during the last hour of Camp, and campers will receive a copy to share with friends and family. Sessions include two 45-minute classes and a rehearsal. Rehearsals will include smaller group sessions and one-on-one coaching. There are plenty of breaks during the day as well as a virtual lunchroom for students to connect and socialize. Attendance is required during daily rehearsals to participate in the recorded showcase.