Camp Shakespeare

Camp Shakespeare

Please email CampSTC@ShakespeareTheatre.org with any questions.
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 May, 20, 2023


Dear Camp Shakespeare Students and Families,

We’re just one month away from the start of Camp 2023! 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 health and safety of our campers and staff is our number one priority. Our health and safety guide for in-person campers can be found here. Please review it and let us know if you have any questions. We thank you for your understanding and trust if our health and safety plans must change over the course of your Camp session.

New this summer...
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Summer Intensive 2023


Ages 13–18 (by audition only)

The Summer Intensive invites returning 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 Harman Hall. Acceptance into the Summer Intensive is through auditions held in April.
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Video auditions accepted through June 30.
Please email CampSTC@ShakespeareTheatre.org for video audition submission instructions.

Tuition, Discounts, 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.–5 p.m. $1,275
  • Two-Week Virtual Camp: 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. $395
Full tuition is due upon registration. Registration closes the week prior to the camp’s start date OR once a camp is full. There is a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $250 ($125 for virtual) per registration.

If you are no longer able to attend camp as scheduled, please submit a written request to CampSTC@ShakespeareTheatre.org. Tuition (minus the non-refundable, non-transferable deposit) will be refunded if registration is withdrawn two weeks prior to the first day of the camp session. Starting two weeks prior to the first day of the camp session, TUITION IS NON-REFUNDABLE.

 
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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 4:00 p.m. on the final day of the 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

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FAQs


What’s a typical day like at Camp Shakespeare?
All Camp Shakespeare sessions meet Monday through Friday (no camp on June 19 or July 3 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.
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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 19 or July 3). 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.
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