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, 45202
Phone: (513) 381-2273
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cincyshakes.com/summercamp/
Dates: June and July 2025 (see specific dates below)
Hours:Â Monday – Friday: 9am-5pm
Ages:Â 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:
June 9-13: Fools, Jokes, and Jesters: Shakespeare’s Comic Genius
This week is all about laughter as students discover the secrets behind Shakespeare’s greatest jokes and wittiest characters. From clever wordplay to slapstick humor, campers will explore what makes comedy timeless while honing their acting and comedic skills. They will dive into some of the Bard’s funniest scenes and characters, creating a lively showcase packed with energy, mischief, and plenty of laughs to share with family and friends.
June 16-20: The Bard and Beyond: Adapting Shakespeare
Discover how Shakespeare’s timeless works inspire modern theatre and media. This camp will guide students through the art of adapting the Bard’s timeless works for modern audiences. Students will explore contemporary interpretations of his plays, experiment with improvisation, and even create original scripts inspired by his texts. The week wraps up with a creative showcase blending classic and modern ideas, demonstrating how Shakespeare remains relevant and inspiring today.
Middle School Weeks:
June 23-27: Shakespeare’s Supernatural: Ghosts, Witches, and Prophecies
Dive into the spooky and magical side of Shakespeare! From the ghostly apparitions in Hamlet to the witches in Macbeth and the enchanted world of The Tempest, campers will explore thrilling tales of the supernatural. They will develop acting techniques to bring these eerie moments to life, use movement to embody ghostly and magical characters, and let their imaginations run wild in crafting these mysterious worlds. The week concludes with an exciting showcase of spine-tingling scenes and stories that will leave audiences spellbound.
**Please note the week break between these sessions.
July 7-11: Twelfth Night Treasure Hunt
Set sail on a comedic adventure inspired by Twelfth Night! Campers will explore the hilarious twists and turns of mistaken identities, playful disguises, and foolish festivities. They will learn physical comedy, create rollicking sea shanties, and develop scenes bursting with creativity and fun. At the end of the week, students will invite loved ones to a charming showcase filled with humor, heart, and surprises.
Elementary Weeks:
July 14-18: The Bard’s Puppet Theatre
Let imaginations take the stage in this whimsical week of puppet making and storytelling! Campers will craft their own Shakespearean puppets and bring them to life in short, fun scenes inspired by the Bard’s most beloved plays. At the end of the week, they will create an enchanting showcase full of creativity, laughter, and puppetry that will leave everyone smiling.
July 21-25: Masks and Masquerades
Step into the magical world of masks and mystery as campers design their own masks and act out exciting scenes from Shakespeare’s masked moments. They’ll immerse themselves in the drama of Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, and other iconic moments, learning how to use physicality and movement to tell a story. The week wraps up with a dazzling masquerade and scene showcase where students shine in their handmade creations, bringing Shakespeare’s masked worlds to life.
July 28-Aug 1: Midsummer Adventure
Magic and mischief await in this enchanting camp inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream! Campers will explore the whimsical world of the fairies, lovers, and mechanicals, creating playful scenes filled with humor and heart. They will learn how to create props and backdrops and explore how to bring characters to life through acting, movement, and music. Families will be treated to a delightful showcase that captures the joy and wonder of Shakespeare’s most magical play.
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 $315 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.
