Shakespeare Theatre Company

Camp Shakespeare Sessions Scheduled

The Washington, D.C.–based Shakespeare Theatre Company is taking registrations for its summertime Camp Shakespeare programs, with discounts available for anyone signing up before January 19.

The two-week Camp Shakespeares are scheduled over the course of the summer from June 17 to August 10, a time when participants develop their talents, deepen their understanding of Shakespeare's language, and build confidence through performance. Under the guidance of professional actors, participants study classical acting techniques, text analysis, stage combat, voice and movement techniques, and improvisation. The camp culminates with a performance for friends and family onstage at the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

The camp is divided into three age groups:

Groundings (ages 9–11)—Groundlings will begin their journey of discovery through imaginative explorations of Shakespeare's life and times. Participants will spend two weeks investigating a major theme that runs through Shakespeare's canon while exploring the plots and characters of several plays. This summer, through a variety of theatre classes, games, art projects, and collaborative expression, Groundlings will grapple with what it means to be a hero and a villain, the dramatic consequences of family feuds, and how Shakespeare's mischievous characters use tricks and traps to achieve their goals.

Young Performers (ages 12–14)—Young Performers advance their studies of classical acting through a deeper investigation of Shakespeare's language and more intensive acting classes. Participants will discover how Shakespeare directs actors through the structure and rhythm of his text. Young Performers will play several different roles, developing a process for creating and communicating characters to an audience. They will also explore the art of unarmed stage combat, discovering how choreographed violence contributes to the story. Young Performer sessions will culminate in a performance of a Shakespeare play, with each session producing a different play: The Taming of the Shrew, Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Cymbeline, and Macbeth.

Teen Ensemble (ages 15–18)—Teen Ensembles will study Shakespeare's most scandalous soldiers. Camp Shakespeare is offering Henry IV Part One and Part Two and Henry V in succession so campers can follow the journey of Prince Hal as he evolves from a rebellious young prince to one of history's most revered kings. The Camp is also offering Coriolanus, which investigates the political betrayal enacted upon one of Rome's greatest generals and inspires his vicious revenge. In addition to exploring the plays' historical contexts, Teens will be challenged with in-depth text analysis, voice, and movement work to gain a strong command of Shakespeare's language on stage. The Teen Ensemble will also advance to study armed stage combat, focusing on dagger, rapier, and broadsword techniques.

Camp Shakespeare also offers an Advanced Camp, which invites returning participants ages 14–18 to experience an actor's journey from audition to performance. The three-week performance-intensive program will challenge even the most experienced camper with advanced movement and acting techniques from our Academy for Classical Acting. Participants will delve deeper into the text by focusing on one character's emotional journey. The advanced ensemble will produce a fully realized Shakespeare production of As You Like It for three public performances.

Tuition for the two-week camp is $725, and for the three-week camp is $1,100. Register by Jan. 19 and get $50 off. Some scholarships are available.

December 27, 2012

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