Registration for the Illinois Shakespeare Festival’s summer education programs is now open. The festival has eight exciting camps for youth. Brand new offerings include a filmmaking camp as well as a dance camp. The musical theatre camp has grown so popular it has been split into separate junior high and high school camps. All camps meet on the campus of Illinois State University.
Bard Buddies: Elementary (New! Two sessions!)
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.
Who: Students entering 3rd through 5th grades
When: July 8-12, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. or 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Location: In-person
Cost: $120 per student
Maximum enrollment: 15 students
Shakespeare’s Apprentices: Middle School
Come and learn why Shakespeare’s plays do not have to be intimidating! Join us in this three-week emersion into all things “The Bard.” This camp allows students to gain more focused experience in a variety of theatre skills such as character work, stage combat, movement and voice while collaborating as a company to produce a one-act play. Family and friends are invited to the final public performance at the Center for the Performing Arts at Illinois State University.
Who: Students entering 6th through 8th grades
When: July 15-August 2, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon
Location: In-person
Cost: $275 per student
Maximum enrollment: 25 students
Shakespeare’s Players: High School
This theatre intensive camp allows high school students to work on theatre skills such as Shakespeare’s text, physical character work, stage combat, movement, and voice. Participants will collaborate as a company to produce one act of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Family and friends are invited to the final public performance at the Center for the Performing Arts at Illinois State University.
Who: Students entering 9th through 12th grades
When: July 15-August 2, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon
Location: In-person
Cost: $275 per student
Maximum enrollment: 25 students
Broadway Basics: Musical Theatre Camp (New!)
This musical theatre camp is for middle school students who love musical theatre and want to sing and dance! Students will collaborate as a company to produce an original Broadway musical style revue performing songs from popular musicals. Group numbers, solos, and duets will challenge students to work on pieces to develop musical theatre performance skills. Teachers demonstrate healthy choral singing and fun choreography. Participants perform their cabaret for friends and family at the Illinois State University Center for the Performing Arts Theater on the last day of camp.
Who: Students entering 6th through 8th grades
When: July 15-August 2, Monday-Friday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Location: In-person
Cost: $275 per student (or $175 if the student is also enrolled in one of the morning camps. Students will be supervised during the lunch break.)
Maximum enrollment: 25 students
Broadway Dreamers: Musical Theatre Camp
This musical theatre camp is for high school students who love musical theatre and want to sing and dance! Teachers and guest artists will explore character development, acting the song, musicianship, and choreography. Participants perform a cabaret of musical theatre numbers for friends and family at the Illinois State University Center for the Performing Arts Theater on the last day of camp.
Who: Students entering 9th through 12th grades
When: July 15-August 2, Monday-Friday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Location: In-person
Cost: $275 per student (or $175 if the student is also enrolled in one of the morning camps. Students will be supervised during the lunch break.)
Maximum enrollment: 25 students
ISF Filmmaking Camp (New!)
Are you an aspiring young filmmaker? Do you love telling stories and a have a passion for cinema? Have you ever wanted to make your very own short film? Filmmaking Camp is an all-encompassing crash course in moviemaking where you will gain the technical skills, terminology, and techniques to explore the world of cinematic storytelling. Students learn the fundamentals of filmmaking and collaborate to write, direct, and edit their own short films.
Who: Students entering 8th through 12th grades
When: July 22-August 2, Monday-Friday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Location: In-person
Cost: $200 per student
Maximum enrollment: 25 students
ISF Dance Camp (New!)
When: July 8-12 UPDATE 6/20/2024: This session has been cancelled.
For more information or if you need an accommodation to fully participate in this program, email the coordinator of summer camps Cristen Monson at cbmonso@IllinoisState.edu. Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
