Camp Shakespeare

Every summer, Shakespeare Theatre Company gives students between the ages of 7 and 18 the chance to dive into the world of one of the most celebrated playwrights in history: William Shakespeare. For summer 2021, our popular in-person camps are returning to Washington, D.C., and Virginia while Virtual Camp Shakespeare sessions are also available for each age group.

We offer one-week sessions for Poppets (ages 7–8) and two-week camps for Groundlings (ages 9–11), Young Players (ages 12–14), and King’s Company (ages 15–18). For returning Young Players and King’s Company, we offer a three-week Intensive. Our age groups are based on the optimum peer groups for creating positive, collaborative ensembles.

At Camp Shakespeare, students will:

• Transform into Shakespeare’s characters through voice, movement, and imagination
• Unravel Shakespeare’s plays with text analysis
• Develop fundamental acting skills
• Learn the basics 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,

Over the past ten weeks, 221 students lifted our spirits with 28 joyful performances – both virtual and in-person – of Shakespeare’s plays. We are extremely grateful to all of our students, their families, the Camp Shakespeare team, and STC’s staff for their commitment to our health and safety guidelines, which allowed us to gather safely in-person this summer.

This is what families shared with us about Camp Shakespeare 2021:

“My daughter LOVES this camp and has since she started as a Poppet. Thank you for continuing to make it fun and engaging for the kids. That final performance was amazing, even in masks.”

“This was such a great experience for our son, especially after a whole year of virtual learning. Thank you for all that you do to create an encouraging and inclusive environment for the campers. He will definitely be returning next year!”

“It was her favorite camp ever! She learned a lot and was proud of herself, but most of all she loved the people, and the sense of community and team that existed among the cast.”

So, why stop the fun just because summer is ending? Join us for after school Classes for Youth and Teens! In-person classes begin the week of September 13 at our Barracks Row location and are held twice a week from 4:30-6:30 p.m. EST:

· Students ages 9-13: Acting Skills (Tuesdays and Thursdays)

· Students ages 14-18: Acting Skills (Wednesdays and Fridays)

· Just added! Students ages 9-13: Shakespeare’s Magic and Myths (Virtual).

· Virtual coaching sessions are also available by appointment for students ages 9-18. Please email Classes@ShakespeareTheatre.org with any questions regarding Classes for Youth and Teens. Health and Safety information and registration is available here.

We learned a lot this summer about how to best serve our students as we return to in-person programming, but we would appreciate knowing how we can improve the experience. If you have not yet filled out the post-camp survey, we welcome your feedback as we think ahead to next summer.

Registration and information for Camp Shakespeare 2022 will be available on the STC website by December 6.

Thank you for an encouraging and memorable summer, and we hope to see you in another STC class or camp again soon,

Julane Havens

Camp Director

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 armed stage combat. Intensive ensembles produce fully realized Shakespeare productions culminating in a filmed performance at The Michael R. Klein Theatre at the Lansburgh. Acceptance into the Summer Intensive is by audition only.

Macbeth

Dates: June 21–July 9

Witches’ prophecies lead to endless tragedy for Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and all who disrupt their ambitions to be King and Queen of Scotland.

The Tempest

Dates: July 12–July 30

A shipwreck on a magical island leads to reconciliation, love, and forgiveness in this comedic tale.

Hamlet (Virtual)

Dates: August 2–August 20

After his father dies, Prince Hamlet discovers his uncle murdered him to become king. What will Hamlet do to make things right?

Audition Dates:
Saturday, April 17 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. (Virtual)
Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. (In-Person at The Klein)

Spots are filled for both in-person Summer Intensive sessions, but we are still accepting auditions for the Virtual Summer Intensive. Email CampSTC@ShakespeareTheatre.org to request audition information.

Tuition

• One-Week Poppets Session:  10 a.m.–5 p.m. $375
• Two-Week Camp: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $750
• Three-Week Intensive: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $1,125

Virtual Tuition

• One-Week Poppets Session:  10 a.m.–2 p.m. $175
• Two-Week Groundlings Camp: 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. $395
• Two-Week Young Players or King’s Company Camp: 12:30 p.m.–5 p.m. $395
• Three-Week Intensive: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $750

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 for an in-person session by February 7 and receive $50 off!

Register siblings or for multiple sessions to receive $25 off each additional in-person camp registration.

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 2019 tax return for proof of income or documentation of qualification for free or reduced school lunch

Applications are due by June 1, 2021. 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.

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

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. Not only is she our School Programs Manager here at STC, but she 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. Recent acting credits include: STC: The Taming of the Shrew, The Metromaniacs; Folger Theatre: Second Shepherd’s Play, Othello; Flying V Theatre: Flying V Fights: The Secret History of the Unknown World, Flying V Fights: Love is a Battlefield; Brave Spirits Theatre: ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore, Romeo & Juliet; Avant Bard: A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Faction of Fools: Tales of Marriage & Mozzarella, A Commedia Romeo & Juliet, Foolish Fairytales, Cherry Orchard. Danny is a proud member of the Society of American Fight Directors, an Artistic Associate at Brave Spirits Theatre and a company member with both Flying V Theatre and Faction of Fools. Danny is an alum of the National Players (Tour 65). 

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.  

Michael Dix Thomas is an actor and educator with a bachelors degree from Emerson College and an MFA from the STC’s Academy for Classical Acting at the George Washington University. Michael has been teaching with the Shakespeare Theater since 2017 and is also a teaching artist with Round House Theatre, Signature Theatre, and the Theater at Monmouth. Michael has recently performed in Washington in Shear Madness at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and in productions in Maine and North Carolina. 

Miranda Hall is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park with a major in Theatre Performance and a minor in Spanish Heritage Language and Latino/a Culture. During her studies she was a member of the Kreativity Diversity Troupe and the Maryland Latin Dance Club. Miranda was the Engagement and Education Apprentice for STC during the 2019/20 season, and an Education Intern at Round House Theatre. In addition to her passion for Shakespeare, Miranda is also a classical violinist!

Julane Havens is the New Generations Manager 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.

Kiernan McGowan is a D.C.-based Theatre Artist and Educator. He has worked with the Kennedy Center, Imagination Stage, Studio Theatre, Rorschach Theatre, Solas Nua, Faction of Fools, NextStop Theatre, Pointless Theatre, The Welders, and We Happy Few. As well as for STC, he has been an instructor at Catholic University, The Kirov Academy of Ballet, Educational Theatre Company, and North Carolina Governor’s School. Outside of theatre he enjoys soccer, beaches, museums, obscure history factoids, and tacos in all forms. MFA: Catholic University. 

Christopher Michael Richardson is an actor and teaching artist in the Washington D.C. area. You may have seen him in Assassins 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; Macbeth 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 a rising senior at Howard University studying Theatre Arts Administration and Music. She is currently working to complete her honors thesis, which explores the philosophy of theatre and the importance of theatre in the Black community. Maya has seven years of experience working with youth in the arts, starting when she founded a performing arts group for kids when she was 14. She has a special passion for making Shakespeare, and theatre in general, accessible, and fun for everyone.

Patti Woolsey is a Co-founder and the Founding Executive Director for ArtStream, Inc. She currently works as a master teacher, consultant and theater director for ArtStream. 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, the Polite Piggys program on Capitol Hill and runs a memory care class at Insight memory care through the Educational Theatre Company. 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).

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 was the Engagement and Education Fellow at STC during the 2019/20 season. 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. 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?

For 2021, our two-week camps have a maximum of 10-12 students. There are one-two Teaching Artists and one-two interns for each camp (three adults per cohort). All Camp Shakespeare Teaching Artists are classically trained professional actors and educators. All of our interns 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 or corresponding grade level. 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, we ask that you 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 for any reason, 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 2022. This credit would remain on your account until you contact us to register for next summer.
• You may request a full or partial 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, 2021. You must email CampSTC@ShakespeareTheatre.org to utilize this payment plan.

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

Your child’s safety is our priority. Our Teaching Artists and interns are trained and certified in First Aid and CPR. All STC locations have procedures in place in case of an emergency. Students stay indoors for the duration of the camp day except for lunch, weather permitting. You can view our health and safety guide for 2021 here.

What is your lunch policy?

All Poppets, Groundlings, and Young Players must stay with their cohort for lunch, either onsite or outdoors, weather permitting. Parents and guardians must provide non-perishable, nut-free lunch food and snacks. Poppets, Groundlings, and Young Players have one-hour for lunch and recess, and ample time for snack breaks throughout the day. King’s Company and Intensive students will not be supervised during their lunch break and may leave their cohort 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 student, 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 2021 performances. Campers will receive an emailed, downloadable and shareable copy of the performance within 7-10 days following their last day of camp.

How are Poppets Sharings different?

We believe that exploration and play are more developmentally appropriate for this age group than memorizing large amounts of text. Poppets Sharings last approximately fifteen minutes, and include a variety of songs, art projects, and character presentations.

What’s a typical day like at Virtual Camp Shakespeare?

All Virtual Camp Shakespeare sessions meet Monday through Friday. Showcases will be recorded during the last hour of Camp, and campers will receive a copy to share with friends and family. Hours vary by session with Poppets and Groundlings sessions taking place in the mornings, and Young Players and King’s Company sessions taking place in the afternoons. Sessions include two 45-minute classes and a rehearsal (90 minutes for Poppets and two hours for all other sessions). 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, 2021.

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 and an intern for each camp. All Virtual Camp Shakespeare Teaching Artists are classically trained professional actors and educators. All of our interns are college-aged students pursuing degrees in theatre and/or education. 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 or corresponding grade level. 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, we ask that you 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 for any reason this summer, 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 2022. This credit would remain on your account until you contact us to register for next summer.
• You may request a full or partial 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, 2021. You must email CampSTC@ShakespeareTheatre.org to utilize this payment plan.