Are you looking for ways to connect this summer? The Illinois Shakespeare Festival has everything you need! Our summer camps are a highlight of the season, and this year we are offering online camps for both youth and adults. Explore, learn, and train from the comfort of your own home!
Camps for Youth
Magical Worlds of Shakespeare
Attention adventurers! Join us on a trek through the magical worlds of William Shakespeare. Discover who William Shakespeare was and meet fairies, ghosts, witches, bears, and more. Students will create and explore the power of storytelling through crafts and activities. Registration fee includes some supplies in an “adventure pack” mailed to the student’s address.
Student-provided materials needed before the first day of class: colored pencils, markers, paper, pencil with eraser, glue, and scissors
Session 1
Who: Students entering 3rd-5th grade
When: July 6, 8, and 10, 9-9:45 a.m.
Cost: $60 (Register before June 30 to receive your “mission pack” by the first day of class!)
Max: 15 participants
Session 2
Who: Students entering 3rd-5th grade
When: July 13, 15 and 17, 9-9:45 a.m.
Cost: $60 (Register before July 6 to receive your “mission pack” by the first day of class!)
Max: 15 participants
Lights, Camera, Action!
Have you ever wondered how movie and television actors learn the tricks of acting in front of a camera? Students will learn basic on-camera acting techniques from professional actor and School of Theatre and Dance faculty member David Prete. In this course, students will work on material from successful films and TV with individual coaching. Performances will be recorded and watched as a group, and students will receive instructor and peer feedback. Instructor David Prete, assisted by Max Bastounes.
Session 1
Who: Students entering 6th-8th grade
When: July 20-24, 1-2 p.m.
Cost: $70
Max: 6 participants
Session 2
Who: Students entering 9th grade-college freshman
When: July 13-17, noon-2 p.m.
Cost: $80
Max: 6 participants
Project Shakespeare
Do you have what it takes to be the next design star? Would you love to create beautiful costumes, set designs, and more? Can you wow an audience with your individuality, creativity, and talent? Then sign up for Project Shakespeare! In true reality competition series format, students will participate in mini challenges and a final virtual showcase of their designs. Participants will meet with professional production designers to receive feedback on their work and learn some of the tricks of the trade! Instructors Ryan Renc and Caitlyn Martin, advised by Dr. Jimmy Chrismon.
Student-provided materials needed before the first day of class: colored pencils, construction paper, drawing paper, newspaper, packing tape, scissors, and shoebox
Session 1
Who: Students entering 7th grade-college freshman
When: June 15-19, 10-11 a.m.
Cost: $70
Max: 6 participants
Session 2
Who: Students entering 7th grade-College freshman
When: June 15-19, 1-2 p.m.
Cost: $70
Max: 6 participants
Shakespeare’s Words: Play On!
Shakespeare’s language may seem intimidating or scary, but it can be beautiful and open the door to rich and exciting stories and characters. Come join us as we break down Shakespeare’s text and discover the beauty and poetry of his plays and sonnets. Students will learn a monologue and rehearse with peers and instructors. Recorded monologues will be shared in an online showcase for friends and family. Instructors Ryan Renc and Jack Colombo, advised by Dr. Jimmy Chrismon.
Session 1
Who: Students entering 6th-8th grade
When: June 22-26, 10-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $75
Max: 6 participants
Session 2
Who: Students entering 6th-8th grade
When: June 22-26, 1-2:30 p.m.
Cost: $75
Max: 6 participants
Shakespeare’s Words: Something Wicked!
Shakespeare’s plays offer actors some of the richest roles in theatre—such as Hamlet, Lady Macbeth, Puck, or Juliet. Students will learn skills to tackle Shakespearean dialogue, select and cut a monologue, and share their work in an online showcase for friends and family. Instructor Jimmy Chrismon, assisted by Caitlyn Martin.
Who: Students entering 9th grade-college freshman
When: July 20-24, 1-3 p.m.
Cost: $80
Max: 10 participants
Camps for Adults
Method in the Madness: Uncovering Hamlet
Immerse yourself in the world of Hamlet with Associate Artistic Director Robert Quinlan. Participants will explore tools for speaking and understanding Shakespeare’s verse, analyze important scenes and moments from the play, and create their own directing approach for a production of Hamlet. Instructor Robert Quinlan, assisted by Max Bastounes.
Materials Needed: Copy of Hamlet (Can also be found free online.)
When: June 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, and 26, 7-8:15 p.m.
Who: Adults 19+
Cost: $70
Max: 10 participants
To learn more or register visit the Illinois Shakespeare Festival website.
