Join Cincinnati’s most buzzed about professional theater company downtown for Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Theatre Summer Camp! We offer unique & fun programs for beginners to advanced students to engage with the arts. These in-person camps take place at our new theater Monday-Friday 9am-5pm for students who have completed grades 1 to 12.
Basic Info:
Address: 1195 Elm St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: (513) 381-2273
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cincyshakes.com/summercamp/
Dates: June and July 2026 (see specific dates below)
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am-5pm
Ages: Grades 1st-12th
Q&A with Cincinnati Shakespeare Theatre:
What makes Theatre Summer Camp with Cincy Shakes unique?
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!
What activities are offered at Theatre Summer Camp with Cincy Shakes?
High School Weeks (Grades 9-12):
June 15-19, 2026: Shakespeare’s Rom-Coms: From bold confessions and hilarious misunderstandings to classic Shakespearean chaos, this camp dives into the funniest and most heartfelt moments of Shakespeare’s romantic comedies. Each day combines ensemble-building, acting, movement, and Shakespeare text work as students explore scenes from plays like Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night, and As You Like It. Campers will sharpen their skills in language, timing, and character relationships while rehearsing toward a polished Friday showcase filled with wit, romance, and comedic twists.
June 22-26, 2026: Shakespearean Storytelling: This week centers on the power of storytelling through speech, movement, and space. In daily Acting, Movement, and Shakespeare Text classes, students will explore how to make strong, clear choices with their bodies and voices to bring Shakespeare’s stories to life. Campers will practice speaking with confidence, creating stage pictures, and working together to shape meaningful scenes. The week culminates in a Friday showcase, where students will share the scenes and storytelling pieces they have built throughout the week.
Middle School Weeks (Grades 5-8):
July 6-10, 2026: Crafting Shakespeare’s World: Step inside Shakespeare’s worlds as students explore how setting, mood, and imagination shape a story. Through acting, movement, and Shakespeare classes, paired with hands-on creative activities, campers will craft enchanted forests, stormy castles, and magical islands inspired by plays like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, and The Tempest. Each day includes ensemble-building and rehearsal, culminating in a collaborative Friday showcase that brings their worlds to life on stage.
July 13-17, 2026: Shakespeare’s Greatest Adventures: Join Shakespeare’s most daring characters on thrilling journeys filled with magic, mischief, and bold choices. This high-energy week blends acting, movement, and text work as students explore exciting scenes from Shakespeare’s most adventurous plays. With their Directors, Campers will prepare an adventurous Friday showcase that highlights their teamwork, imagination, and growth as performers.
Elementary Weeks (Grades 1-4):
July 20-24, 2026: Shakespeare’s Wild World: Dive into Shakespeare’s stories filled with animals, magical transformations, and playful chaos! Campers will bring to life the humor and imagination of Shakespeare’s creatures through acting, movement, story exploration, and hands-on crafts. Each day includes ensemble games and creative activities, with rehearsals leading to a lively Friday showcase full of the week’s favorite animal-inspired scenes and performances.
July 27-31, 2026: Songs, Stories, & Shakespeare: Campers will explore the music, rhythm, and storytelling of Shakespeare’s plays in this lively collaborative week! Through acting, movement, and creative play, students will experiment with simple text, songs, and expressive storytelling to bring scenes to life. Each day includes ensemble-building games, hands-on activities, and rehearsal time, culminating in a Friday showcase where campers share the songs, stories, and scenes they’ve created with their peers.
What is the camper-to-counselor ratio?
Typically 15-20 students per with 1-3 Teaching Artists each day with many opportunities for small group work and attention.
How much time do the campers spend outside?
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.
Does the camp provide lunch/snacks or do parents need to provide them?
Parents need to send their students with a water bottle, lunch, and a snack each day.
What is the typical daily schedule for campers?
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.
How old are the counselors and how are they trained?
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.
What accommodations are made for campers with special needs?
We will do all we can to try and accommodate students with special needs. Please reach out in advance to discuss your child’s needs to see if we can accommodate at [email protected].
How much is camp?
Camps start at $325 per week.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes! Learn about scholarships opportunities online at cincyshakes.com/summercamp.
I have questions and would like to speak with someone. Who do I contact?
Please reach out to our Director of Education, Emily Bruns at [email protected] or (513) 381-2273 x 3210.
