Summer Camp
Whether it's your first time under the spotlight or you're already a budding thespian, Theatre Summer Camp with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is the ideal playground for artistic growth, forging friendships, and pure fun. We offer dynamic in-person programs for students in grades 1-12, tailored for those seeking an exciting and rewarding theatrical adventure this summer. Dive into a world of creativity and discover more about our programs online. These in-person camps take place at our new theater Monday-Friday 9am-5pm for students who have completed grades 1 up to 12.
LEARN ABOUT THE 2024 HIGH SCHOOL WEEKS BELOW (GRADES 9-12):
June 3-7, 2024- Epic Tales of Power: Kings, Queens, and Warriors Unite
Dive into the thrilling world of Shakespeare's history plays! Get ready for an adventure with fierce Queens, cunning Kings, and brave warriors. This camp isn't just about reading; it's about living the drama. Engage in electrifying scene studies and stage combat, wielding broadswords and daggers. Imagine yourself delivering iconic speeches from the Henry and Richard sagas. Plus, unleash your creativity in costume design and master professional acting techniques!
June 10-14, 2024- Dramatic Intrigues: Jealousy, Revenge, and Electrifying Conflicts
Shakespeare's tragedies are more than just sorrowful tales; they're a whirlwind of emotion and wit. From King Lear's clever Fool to Hamlet's unexpectedly humorous dialogues, immerse yourself in these rich narratives. Learn to deliver Shakespeare's most renowned speeches with finesse, engage in improvisation, and explore the art of technical theater design. A camp filled with laughter, creativity, and drama!
LEARN ABOUT THE 2024 MIDDLE SCHOOL WEEKS BELOW (GRADES 6-8):
June 17-21, 2024- Mythical Mayhem: Whimsy, Wonder, and Enchanting Magic
Step into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary! Explore magical islands, time-travel adventures, and whimsical storylines from Shakespeare's romances. Transform into heroes, jesters, or even a resurrected princess. This camp is a fantastical blend of acting, arts and crafts, improvisation, and costume creation. Bring to life enchanting tales on stage and discover the actor within you!
June 24-28, 2024- Laughter Galore: Comic Capers and Witty Escapades
Ready to tickle your funny bone? Embrace the hilarity of Shakespeare's comedies like The Taming of the Shrew, The Merry Wives of Windsor and more. Learn the art of physical comedy, perfect your comedic timing, and explore engaging plotlines. Enhance your physicality with yoga, stage combat, and the crowd-pleasing Gladiator movements. It's not just a camp; it's a laughter-filled journey!
LEARN ABOUT THE 2024 ELEMENTARY WEEKS BELOW (GRADES 1-5):
July 8-12, 2024- Play On: Merry Misadventures of Shakespeare's Playful Side
Embark on an enchanting journey with Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night'! Immerse yourself in a world brimming with clever humor and lively physical comedy. This camp is your chance to dive into the art of the bergomask dance, unleash your creativity through engaging arts and crafts, and delve into the lives of Shakespeare’s most amusing characters. You'll discover the endless comedic escapades and quirky antics of the play’s clowns and jesters. Get ready to play, laugh, and explore in a whimsical world where every day is a comedic delight!
July 15-19, 2024- The Magical World of Words: From Hamlet to The Lion King
If you're mesmerized by The Lion King, you'll adore this camp! Dive into the world of Hamlet, the inspiration for the beloved Disney movie, learning scenes, choreographing fights, and dancing up a storm. It's a week packed with theatre games, crafts, stage combat, and costume design. Don't just ponder "To be or not to be?" Be there to experience the magic of Shakespeare's words!
July 22-26, 2024- Creative Chronicles: Reimagining Romeo and Juliet
Love Gnomeo and Juliet? Here's your chance to also recreate a classic! Spend the week honing your playwriting skills, adapting Romeo and Juliet into a fresh and exciting story. Collaborate, create, and captivate as you delve into scene study, improvisation, creative writing, arts, crafts, and dance. It's not just about avoiding the "mushy stuff"; it's about making a timeless tale uniquely yours!
Camps are $295 for 1 week, or 2 weeks $500, or all 3 weeks for $700!
For over 20 years, Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Theatre Summer Camp has provided students with a camp experience unlike any in the Tri-State. Campers work with members of Cincinnati Shakespeare’s professional resident ensemble, staging scenes, learning the tricks of the trade, gaining confidence, and often finding an inclusive community of friends that lasts well beyond the summer.
Whether you’ve never stepped on a stage before, or have already been bitten by the acting bug and are looking for a challenge, our camps are the perfect place to learn and improve new skills, make new friends, and have a whole lot of fun!
Questions? Contact Director of Education, Candice Handy at candice.handy@cincyshakes.com or 513-381-2273 x. 3204
FAQ's
Director of Education, Candice Handy at candice.handy@cincyshakes.com or 513-381-2273 x. 3204
Camp begins at 9am with warm ups and group theatre games and activities. Then there is a Masterclass topic and workshop each day. These include topics like stage combat, acting techniques, backstage crafts, and more! After lunch the students work in their groups with their director on their theatrical scenes that will be shared with family on Friday at 4pm each week.
Typically 15-20 students per with 1-3 Teaching Artists each day with many opportunities for small group work and attention.
Campers have lunch outside in Washington Park each day (weather permitting) as well as the occasional activities outside as well. The majority of camp activities take place in Cincinnati Shakespeare’s new theater on the mainstage, rehearsal rooms, or other spaces in the building.
Parents need to send their students with a water bottle, lunch, and a snack each day.
Our staff consists of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Teaching Artists. This group of teachers are all college graduated aged adults or older who have experience as actors, teachers, performers, and/or directors with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. All Teaching Artists must complete background checks to work at Summer Camp.
Camps are $295 for 1 week, or 2 weeks $500, or all 3 weeks for $700.
Yes! Learn about scholarships opportunities online here and below.
CSC offers two scholarship funds for interested campers. Both scholarship funds intend to assist students for whom the cost of camp is a barrier to participation. The Riah Milton Scholarship specifically prioritizes students demonstrating financial need whose identities have been historically marginalized, with a particular focus on Black, Transgender, nonbinary, and Gender Non conforming individuals. Please select the scholarship opportunity that best applies to you.
The Riah Milton Scholarship
The Jeremy Dubin Scholarship
Interested in supporting these scholarship funds so that more students can experience everything Shakespeare Summer Camp has to offer? Click below to make a gift to the scholarship fund of your choice.
The Riah Milton Scholarship Fund
The Jeremy Dubin Scholarship Fund
Classes
Groundlings Programs
Groundlings JUNIOR, Junior High Acting
This is an acting class for 6th-9th grade students who are interested in working on their acting and team building skills. The emphasis of the program will be on learning basic acting skills, working together as an ensemble, and speaking Shakespeare’s text. Workshops on movement, voice, text analysis, character development, and Shakespearean performance will take place throughout the program.
Location: In person at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 1195 Elm Street.
Information for 2024-2025 School year will be available in the Fall.
Groundlings JUNIOR students are encouraged but not required to participate in both semesters. Students are required to participate in the Final Performances. Students who miss more than 2 classes will not be included in the Final Performance.
Scholarships are available. Email to inquire. Additional processing fees may apply.
Groundlings, High School Acting
This is an acting ensemble developed to provide 10th-12th grade students with the opportunity to learn performance techniques from professional actors while studying Shakespeare and his texts. This acting-intensive program includes workshops, text analysis, and training in both voice and movement. CSC’s Groundlings provides students with the tools they need to develop their acting talents in a fun and nurturing environment.
Location: In person at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 1195 Elm Street.
Information for 2024-2025 School year will be available in the Fall.
Groundlings students are required to participate in both semesters AND participate in the Final Performance. Students who miss more than 2 classes will not be included in the Final Performance.
Scholarships are available. Email to inquire. Additional processing fees may apply.