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 August 25, 2023

Dear Camp Shakespeare Students and Families,

Over the past ten weeks, 294 students lifted our spirits with 18 joyful performances – both virtual and in-person – of Shakespeare’s plays. We are extremely grateful to all our students and their families, our exceptional Teaching Artists, Student Teachers, and volunteers, and STC’s staff for their contributions to the success of this year’s Camp Shakespeare program.

This is what families shared with us about Camp Shakespeare 2023:

• “My kids absolutely loved Camp Shakespeare - both my performer and my less-performance-enthused kid. They particularly loved the crafts and were so proud of the final performance.”
• “She really grew as an actor and scholar of Shakespeare. The fact that the kids are able to practice and perform in the STC facilities adds to the level of professionalism of the program and the excitement for the kids! Thank you!”
• “We've LOVED Camp Shakespeare--two years running. Thank you for offering this amazing experience!”

Campers and their families can access the Moodle courses for their sessions (to download photos and performance recordings) through September 30, 2023, at...

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.

 

After Care

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 4:00 p.m. on the final day of the session.

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.

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.