Camp Shakespeare

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. For summer 2022, our popular in-person camps are returning to Washington, D.C., and Virginia. A Virtual Camp Shakespeare session is also available for ages 9–13.

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.

Dear Camp Shakespeare Students and Families,

We’re just one month away from the start of Camp 2022! At Camp Shakespeare 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’re excited to collaborate with you in exploring and performing Shakespeare’s plays.

The permission and emergency contact form for registered campers can be filled out here. Please fill out the form by June 1. If you register after this date, please fill out the form within 48 hours.

The health and safety of our campers and staff is our number one priority. Our health and safety guide for in-person campers is available here. Please review it and let us know if you have any questions. While wearing face masks is optional for campers and staff beginning June 21, STC reserves the right to require masking if it becomes necessary. Campers and staff should bring a mask that complies with CDC mask guidance each day. Masks are required at Camp performances for all patrons. We thank you for your understanding and trust if our health and safety plans must change over the course of your Camp session.

Several sessions have sold-out or have only a few spots remaining, so we recommend registering for your preferred sessions as soon as possible. If you would like to be placed on a waitlist for a sold-out session, please send an email with your contact information to CampSTC@ShakespeareTheatre.org.

Youth campers (ages 6–11) attending sessions at STC’s Rehearsal Studios (516 8^th Street SE) may register for after-care (see below) from 3–5 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.

For teens, we are still accepting video auditions for the Summer Intensive Program (see below). Intensive campers produce fully-realized productions culminating in three public performances at The Forum in Sidney Harman Hall. To submit a video audition email CampSTC@ShakespeareTheatre.org a memorized 60–90 second Shakespeare monologue and a completed audition form.

Please reach out to us with any questions. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon,

Julane Havens
Camp Director

Ages 13–18 (by audition only)

The Summer Intensive invites students to experience an actor’s journey from audition to performance. Participants will be challenged in a collaborative and encouraging environment with advanced acting techniques, text analysis and stage combat. Intensive ensembles produce fully-realized productions culminating in three public performances at The Forum in Sidney Harman Hall.

Much Ado About Nothing

Dates: June 21–July 9
Performances: July 7 at 7 p.m. and July 9 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Beatrice and Benedick duke it out in a battle of wits among a cast of dynamic characters including a foolish constable and a vindictive villain.

Video audition deadline: June 10

Anon(ymous) by Naomi Iizuka

Dates: August 1–August 20
Performances: August 18 at 7 p.m. and August 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Separated from his mother, a young refugee called Anon journeys through the United States, encountering a wide variety of people—some kind, some dangerous and cruel—as he searches for his family. From a sinister one-eyed butcher to beguiling barflies to a sweatshop, Anon must navigate through a chaotic, ever-changing landscape in this entrancing adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey.

Video audition deadline: July 22

To submit a video audition:

Email CampSTC@ShakespeareTheatre.org a memorized 60-90 second Shakespeare monologue and a completed audition form.

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.

Youth campers (ages 6–11) attending sessions at STC’s Rehearsal Studios (516 8^th 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.

June 21–24

June 27–July 1

July 5–8

July 11–15

July 18–22

July 25–29

August 1–5

August 8–12

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

Saron Araia is a D.C. native and DMV based actor. She is currently a graduate student at STC’s Academy for Classical Acting at The George Washington University. Some of her credits include STC: Our Town (u/s), Merchant of Venice (u/s); ACA: The Two Noble Kinsmen; Forum Theatre: Nat Turner in Jerusalem (Assistant Director); Washington Stage Guild: An Ideal Husband, You Never Can Tell, Quadrille (Assistant Director); Film: Our Father. She has a passion for arts education and creating safe and inclusive spaces. 

Laura Artesi is an actor and director born and raised in NYC with an MFA from STC’s Academy for Classical Acting at the George Washington University. She has been an Affiliated Teaching Artist at STC since 2016 and is also a Teaching Artist with Round House Theatre and Imagination Stage, with special focuses in physical comedy, movement, and stage combat. Laura was the director for the 2021 STC Summer Intensive production of The Tempest, and assistant directed the Imagination Stage Conservatory production of Our Town. She has performed locally with Synetic Theater, Imagination Stage, 1st Stage, Folger Theatre, and performed in China with STC’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the Macau Arts Festival. 

Claire Blackwelder is a Boise-born, DC-raised actor, musician, and teacher who has worked all over the globe. She holds a BA in Theatre from the University of Southern California and will receive her MFA from STC’s Academy for Classical Acting at GWU this year. She studied Shakespeare at BADA Midsummer at Oxford before promptly heading to New Zealand for her first professional acting job: fighting alien monsters in a purple suit for two seasons of Nickelodeon’s Power Rangers. She then spent several years based in Los Angeles working on stage and screen and teaching students of all ages. She belts 80s rock on stage and goes home to play Chopin, and encourages her students to bring their own unique contradictory selves to their work. 

Travis Xavier Brown is an actor and hip hop artist. Born in Baltimore, MD and raised in Tampa, FL he made his professional acting debut in Superior Donuts by Tracy Letts. He is a graduate of Howard University’s BFA Acting program where he performed in “Spell No.7” and “Urinetown: The Musical“. In the D.C. community, his works include: “10 Seconds” with Imagination Stage; and STC’s Virtual Gala. He is a graduating MFA Acting candidate at STC’s Academy for Classical Acting. While also being a teaching artist in the DMV; he hopes to continue his career as a performer and build his repertoire as the artistic director of his own production company. He has imagined a faith-based, multimedia production company and community outreach program that inspires and supports high-caliber fine arts in developing communities. He centers his vision around the idea that, “The purpose of the ART is to Praise!”

Ashley D. Buster is a D.C. Metro native from Silver Spring, MD. She holds a BA in Theatre and Communications from Temple University and a Masters of Education from Loyola University Maryland. Ashley is a member of the Actors’ Equity Association and has been seen in many productions in, but not limited to, the D.C. region. Ashley works as a teaching artist with several companies throughout the area and is an Associate Artist for Ford’s Theatre.

Danny Cackley is an actor, teaching artist and fight choreographer in the Washington, D.C. area. He has worked with STC, Folger Theatre, Studio Theatre, Olney Theatre, Constellation Theatre Co., We Happy Few, Taffety Punk Theatre Co., Faction of Fools Theatre Co., Flying V Theatre, Avant Bard, Prologue Theatre and National Players (Tour 65). Danny is the Associate Artistic Director for Faction of Fools Theatre Co., and a company member with Flying V Theatre. 

Matthew Castleman is a New York-raised actor, writer, and teaching artist with a longtime love of Shakespeare. He’s performed on the stages of Folger Theatre and the Washington Stage Guild, among other D.C. venues, and has nearly thirty Shakespeare productions under his belt across the span of his career. He’s a published fiction author, having penned the middle grade Clone Chronicles series under the name M.E. Castle, as well as numerous short stories under his own name. He studies and competes in historical European martial arts and uses that knowledge to bring just enough realism to stage fights.  

Matthew Crawford is an actor, teaching artist, and standardized patient throughout the DMV.  A Central New York native, he moved to Maryland in 2011.  He is a member of the Maryland Renaissance Festival acting company as well as an intermediate actor combatant with the SAFD.  He enjoys taking his experience into schools/camps and getting children as excited about Shakespeare as he is.  He has performed in Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, Henry V, and traveling three-actor versions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth; not to mention performing in numerous Shakespeare contemporaries, modern plays, and musicals (including children’s theatre).  Improv is one of his specialties and loves a good murder mystery.  Some of his other teaching credits include Signature Theatre, Imagination Stage, Adventure Theatre MTC, Baltimore Shakespeare Factory, as well as several other companies.

Raine Ensign is the Engagement and Education Coordinator at STC. Prior to STC they were the Education Apprentice for Olney Theatre Center in Olney, MD. They have worked as a teaching artist for Olney Theatre Center, Imagination Stage, BlackRock Center for the Arts, Alexandria Children’s Theatre, University of Utah Youth Theatre, and Lexington Children’s Theatre. Directing credits include Pinkalicious: The Musical (Salt Lake Acting Company), The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (The Grand Theatre), The Value (University of Utah New Play Workshop), In Spite of Ourselves (Salt Lake Fringe Festival), and Frailty, Thy Name (Nutshell Theatre Company). Raine holds a BFA in Theatre from The University of Utah and is a founding member of Nutshell Theatre Company.

Emi Erickson is an actor, music director, composer, and teaching artist new to the Washington, DC area after a decade in New York. Recent acting credits include: Man Covets Bird (Spooky Action), Fantastagirl and the Math Monster (Adventure Theatre), Richard II (Her Majesty & Sons), Much Ado About Nothing (Chesapeake Shakespeare Company), and Working: A Musical (@workingindc). Emi is a recent MFA graduate of STC’s Academy for Classical Acting at George Washington University and received her BFA from NYU. She has taught and worked as a voice coach at such institutions as IAMT, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, NYU, Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute, and Atlantic Theater Company and is currently also a teaching artist at Round House Theatre. When not on stage, Emi can be found running races or hiking in nature, noodling on any one of dozens of instruments she plays, or watching hockey.

Nicholas Gerwitz is an actor, teaching artist and coach who recently moved to DC and graduated from STC’s Academy for Classical Acting at the George Washington University. He lived and worked in NYC for seven years, received his BFA at SUNY Fredonia and grew up in Rochester NY with seven siblings. He loves Shakespeare the sun, run-on sentences and almond croissants, but he will accept any baked good recommendations! 

Julane Havens is the Associate Director of Engagement and Education at STC. Prior to STC, she was the Associate Artistic Director for Commonwealth Theatre Center, where she directed over 20 productions including The Tempest, Pericles, and Romeo & Juliet. Stage credits include Viola in Twelfth Night with Savage Rose Classical Theatre, Juliet in Romeo & Juliet with Kentucky Shakespeare, and Sonya in CTC’s professional company production of Uncle Vanya. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association with an MFA from the University of Missouri–Kansas City/Kansas City Repertory Theatre.

Christopher Michael Richardson is an actor and teaching artist in the Washington D.C. area. You may have seen him in A Strange Loop at Woolly Mammoth, Gun & Powder at Signature Theatre; Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas at Adventure Theatre; You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown at Imagination Stage (Helen Hayes Award, TYA Production); The Wiz at Ford’s Theatre (Helen Hayes Nomination, Supporting Actor); The Book of Will at Round House Theatre; Our Town at The Shakespeare Theatre; and Peter and the Starcatcher at Constellation Theatre Company (Helen Hayes Award, Ensemble). He holds a BA in English and Theatre from The College of William & Mary.

Melissa Richardson is a director, stage manager, and storyteller. She has taught drama from preschool to adult level classes with STC, Arena Stage. Adventure Theatre MTC, Lenore Blank Kelner and Co., Educational Theatre Company, Pied Piper Theatre, and the Alden Theatre. She is a Master Artist and Trainer with the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning through the Arts. Through this program, she developed a one-woman show “Pernilla’s Amazing Inventions” for performances in preschool classroom through the Small Bites! Program and recently debuted her professional development workshop Finding Drama Everywhere that explores strategies for linking drama with non-fiction informational text. She also coaches the teen improv troupe, Unruly Theatre Project, which tours to local theatres, cafes, and other community venues. She holds a BFA in Directing from Carnegie Mellon University.

Maya Louise Shed is currently finishing a 9-month apprenticeship program with Studio Theatre, where she works as the theatre’s assistant producer and co-manager of community engagement programming. She is an alumna of Howard University and earned her BFA in Theatre Arts Administration in 2021. Maya is an experienced producer, director, performer, and educator who strives to create accessible and community-conscious theatre for young, diverse audiences. This fall, Maya will be attending the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University to earn her MFA in Theater Management. Maya is so excited to be returning to Camp Shakespeare for her fourth summer and is looking forward to creating memorable experiences with her students!

Alayna Theunissen is a recent graduate of Emerson College with a BFA in Theatre & Performance. She focuses on character acting, voice acting, and helping people with the business of acting. She was a camper for several years herself! She began in Teens B (ages 15-18) as a rotating player in Much Ado About Nothing and returned for two years as part of the Summer Intensive Program (as Parolles and as Queen Magaret). She has worked as an intern at STC for the past two summers and is over the moon to be returning as a Teaching Artist! “All the world’s a stage” and she’s ready to help your campers realize that they can be leading players.

Patti Woolsey is a Co-founder and the Founding Executive Director for ArtStream, Inc. In addition to serving as a teaching artist at STC, she also teaches drama for the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts. As a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT), she works privately with clients, specializing in working with people with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). She also works part time as a professional organizer through Basic Organization.

Samantha Wyer Bello is the Senior Director of Engagement and Education at STC. Previously, Ms. Wyer Bello served as Director of Education/ Associate Artistic Director at Arizona Theatre Company. Her directing credits include I Am My Own Wife, Wit, Permanent Collection, Anger Box, A Streetcar Named Desire, Speed-the-Plow, Buried Child, A Moon for the Misbegotten, 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and To Kill a Mockingbird (co-production with Kansas City Rep.) In partnership with government, educational and social agencies, she has created over 450 education and community enrichment activities. Ms. Wyer Bello has been a grants panelist and guest speaker for arts organizations including DC Commission on Arts and Humanities, Theatre Communications Group, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Tucson Pima Arts Council, Maricopa Partnership for Arts and Culture and West Valley Arts Council and has taught and directed for University of Missouri, Arizona State University and University of Arizona. Ms. Wyer Bello was awarded the Buffalo Exchange Arts Award by the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona. Samantha is also a proud member of the Society of Directors and Choreographers union.

Eliseo Valerio is the School Programs Manager at STC. He has done education work at the Alley Theatre, the New Victory Theater, and Second Stage, and has worked with students of all ages, from preschoolers to retirees. An avid Shakespeare enthusiast, Eliseo has read the entire canon, has performed in plays such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and The Tempest, and most recently translated Timon of Athens for STC’s Spanish speaking students. He graduated from Stanford University with a BA in Theater and Performance Studies in 2018. 

Teaching Artists are subject to change without notice.

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.

Who teaches camp and what is your teacher to student ratio?

Our youth camps have a maximum of 16 students and our teen camps have a maximum of 20 students. There are two Teaching Artists and a Student Teacher for each camp who are trained and certified in First Aid and CPR. All Camp Shakespeare Teaching Artists are classically trained professional actors and educators. All of our Student Teachers are college-aged students pursuing degrees in theatre and/or education. Check out our faculty bios here.

What if my child is on the cusp of an age group? Can they move into the older group?

We ask that students remain in their designated age group. Our curriculums are designed for specific age groups and we have found that these peer groups are the most successful for creating strong ensembles and preventing group dynamic challenges. Camp Shakespeare is both fun and demanding, and we pace each age group appropriately throughout the day. We pride ourselves on the caliber of training all of our students receive.

What if my student has special needs?

Shakespeare Theatre Company encourages students of all abilities to discover and develop their full creative potential through the performing arts. In order to plan the best experience for your student, please provide us with specific information regarding special circumstances or conditions that may impact your student’s learning or participation in Camp Shakespeare. As our team of Teaching Artists plan the camp curriculum in early June, this information will help us address the needs of your individual student.

What is your refund policy?

Full tuition is due upon registration. We are unable to refund missed class time or individual days of camp, but if you need to withdraw your registration, the following options are available to you:

• You may donate your tuition to STC as a tax-deductible charitable contribution. This will help STC provide meaningful education programs like Camp Shakespeare for many years to come.
• You may keep a credit in the amount you paid to register for Camp Shakespeare 2023. This credit would remain on your account until you contact us to register for next summer.
• You may request a refund to the credit card you used at registration.

Do you offer a payment plan? 

We offer a payment plan option that divides the total camp tuition into two installments. The first half of the payment is due upon registration. The second half of the payment is due by June 1, 2022. Please call the Engagement and Education Department at 202.547.5688 to utilize this payment plan.

What measures are in place to ensure the safety of my child?

Your child’s safety is our first priority. Our staff, Teaching Artists and Student Teachers are trained and certified in First Aid and CPR. All STC locations have procedures in place in case of an emergency. Campers stay indoors for the duration of the camp day except for lunch, weather permitting. Our health and safety policies and procedures will be available by May 21, 2022.

What is your lunch policy?

All youth and teen campers ages 6–14 must stay on site for lunch. Parents and guardians should provide non-perishable lunch food and snacks. Campers have thirty minutes for lunch and ample time for snack breaks throughout the day. Teen campers ages 15–18 and Intensive students will not be supervised during their lunch break and may leave for lunch, but they are also welcome to remain onsite.

Are campers allowed to have cell phones? 

Because of the distraction and disruption caused by cell phones, we ask that campers do not use cell phones during class or rehearsal. There are periodic breaks during the camp day when students can check messages and make calls if necessary. In order to avoid interruptions, we ask that if a parent or guardian needs to contact a camper, they call our Engagement and Education Hotline at 202.547.5688.

Does Camp Shakespeare arrange carpools?

Camp Shakespeare does not arrange carpools, but we are happy to send an email request for a carpool to others registered for your session.

Will the performances be videotaped?

We will have a professional videographer film all Camp Shakespeare 2022 performances. Campers will receive an emailed, downloadable and shareable copy of the performance within 7–10 days following their last day of camp.

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.

What materials are provided?

Campers will be emailed their scripts (if applicable) and age-appropriate supplemental activities including at-home art and design projects, journal prompts, and lists of resources for further learning. Printing a copy of the script is recommended. You may request to have a copy of the script mailed to your residence by emailing CampSTC@ShakespeareTheatre.org.

What are the technical requirements?

Campers will need a computer or tablet with a video camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, access to emailed materials (including Zoom links—no Zoom account needed), and space to vocalize, move, write, and play. Session information will be emailed by May 21, 2022.

Who teaches camp and what is your teacher to student ratio?

Our two-week virtual camps have a maximum of 16 students. There are two Teaching Artists for each camp. All Virtual Camp Shakespeare Teaching Artists are classically trained professional actors and educators. Check out our faculty bios here.

What if my student is on the cusp of an age group? Can they move into the older group?

We ask that students remain in their designated age group. Our curriculums are designed for specific age groups and we have found that these peer groups are the most successful for creating strong ensembles and preventing group dynamic challenges. Virtual Camp Shakespeare is both fun and demanding, and we pace each age group appropriately throughout the day. We pride ourselves on the caliber of training all of our students receive.

What if my student has special needs?

Shakespeare Theatre Company encourages students of all abilities to discover and develop their full creative potential through the performing arts. In order to plan the best experience for your student, please provide us with specific information regarding special circumstances or conditions that may impact your student’s learning or participation in Virtual Camp Shakespeare. As our team of Teaching Artists plan the camp curriculum in early June, this information will help us address the needs of your individual student.

What is your refund policy?

Full tuition is due upon registration. We are unable to refund missed class time or individual days of camp, but if you need to withdraw your registration, the following options are available to you:

• You may donate your tuition to STC as a tax-deductible charitable contribution. This will help STC survive the coronavirus pandemic, allowing us to provide meaningful education programs like Camp Shakespeare for many years to come.
• You may keep a credit in the amount you paid to register for Camp Shakespeare 2023. This credit would remain on your account until you contact us to register for next summer.
• You may request a refund to the credit card you used at registration.

Do you offer a payment plan? 

We offer a payment plan option that divides the total camp tuition into two installments. The first half of the payment is due upon registration. The second half of the payment is due by June 1, 2022. You must email CampSTC@ShakespeareTheatre.org to utilize this payment plan.