Kentucky Shakespeare

Program Combines Camping and Theater

Kentucky Shakespeare in Louisville is gearing up for a summer of camping. Camp Shakespeare is designed to combine the arts with the best parts of the summer camp experience, including field trips, traditional camp songs and slogans, scavenger hunts, and the opportunity to make lifelong friends.

The programs comprise theater instruction combined with competitions, games, and activities designed to excite campers. This summer will include field trips and will culminate in an invited performance, or "Share Day," for family and friends, showcasing what the campers have been working on during their session.

Kentucky Shakespeare's philosophy for its summer program is to engage its campers in the arts, nurture creativity, and build self-confidence in all aspects of their lives. The theater's hope is to instill a love of the arts in the campers, influencing their future endeavors into any avenue of the arts.

Four levels of camps are offered.

The Groundlings, ages 4–6 (June 24–28 and July 8–12)—The Groundlings is a loving introduction to the creative world of theater and offers the youngest actors an opportunity to explore creative play, visual arts, movement, and storytelling. Each session culminates in a family share where professional artist educators spin the story of a Shakespearean drama while guiding the campers through acting out the play. Full- and half-day sessions are available for this age group; half-day sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon, or 1–4 p.m. Tuition is $150 for half day, $295 for full day.

The Noblings, ages 7–11 (June 17–28, July 1–12, July 15–26)—The Noblings is a two-week camp based in theater with fun in mind. Campers will explore all aspects of acting Shakespeare through basic concepts of theater and acting. They will create theater crafts, play theater games, and produce their own Shakespearean performance as a culminating event for friends and family. Tuition is $395.

The Revelers, ages 12–15 (June 17–July 5, July 8–26)—The Revelers' experience allows campers to know what it means to be an actor. Not only will they engage in movement, text, and voice workshops but they also will dabble in improvisation and stagecraft. Through daily games and competitions, the Revelers will act as leaders to the younger campers. Daily rehearsals encourage ensemble building and teamwork while allowing individual actors to grow and explore at their own pace. Tuition is $495.

The Players: High School Conservatory, Ages 16–18 (June 10–July 21)—This 5-week, preprofessional program is the full theater experience for any high school or recently graduated student with a bent for Shakespeare and the performing arts. Beyond performance, the program includes workshops in all areas of production, from acting to directing, set construction, costuming, and stage management. This experience will allow campers to take complete ownership of a full production from Shakespeare's canon and stage public performances July 18–21. Tuition is $695, and housing and meal plans are available for students who reside outside the Louisville area. Auditions for the conservatory will be April 21, 3–6 p.m.

Additionally, Kentucky Shakespeare is offering Camp Shakespeare in Frankfort, June 3–14. Taking place at the Liberty Hall Historic Site, the camp will have instructor Keith McGill leading campers through an exploration of some of Shakespeare's greatest plays through theater games and improvisation. This two-week camp experience will allow young performers to continue to build their acting skills through exercises in character building and teamwork. The program will culminate in a performance for family and friends. Tuition is $415.

For more information, contact Beth Dunn, education program manager, at Beth@KyShakespeare.com or 502-574-9900, or visit http://kyshakespeare.com/education/for-students/summer-programs/.

March 6, 2012

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