Camp Shakespeare

Camp Shakespeare is the Shakespeare Theatre Company's comprehensive summer program that immerses students aged 6 to 18 in the world of William Shakespeare through acting, voice, movement, text analysis, and stage combat. Running across multiple two-week and three-week sessions from June 22 through August 15, 2026, the camp offers age-appropriate tracks for youth (6–11) and teens (12–18), plus an audition-only Intensive for returning teens aged 13–18 who produce fully staged public performances. The curriculum builds skills for all experience levels, and the program emphasizes inclusion, providing a safe and supportive environment for participants of all abilities, identities, and backgrounds. Each session culminates in a final-day performance for family and friends.

When: June 22 to August 15, 2026, with multiple two-week sessions for Youth and Teens, plus a three-week Intensive. There is no camp on July 3 during the first session. Daily hours: Youth (ages 6–11) 9am to 3pm, Teens (ages 12–18) 10am to 4pm, Intensive (ages 13–18) 10am to 5pm.

Ages: The camp is divided into groups: Youth 6–8, Youth 9–11, Teens 12–14, Teens 15–18, and Intensive 13–18 (by audition only). The Intensive is for returning teens who audition in April.

Sessions: Two-week sessions for all youth and teen groups, and a three-week Summer Intensive for auditioned teens ages 13–18. Additionally, one-week and two-week options are available at the McLean Community Center (10am–4pm, no camp on July 3 for the two-week session). Spring Break Camp is also offered (Youth 9am–3pm, $465).

Tuition: Two-week Youth/Teen camp is $922 per session ($830 for Session I due to the July 3 holiday). Three-week Intensive is $1,389. One-week McLean camp is $449; two-week McLean camp is $800. A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $250 per registration ($125 for one-week camps) is required at registration. Full tuition is due upon registration. Refunds (minus deposit) are available only if withdrawal is requested two weeks before the session start; after that, tuition is non-refundable.

After-Care: Youth campers (ages 6–11) at D.C. locations can register for after-care from 3pm to 5pm for $150 per week. After-care includes games, movies, art projects, and quiet activities. Note that after-care is not available on final-day performance days, as those performances are typically at 4pm.

Inclusion: Camp Shakespeare is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all campers feel safe and valued regardless of ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, cultural background, national origin, citizenship, faith, ideology, or income.

Contact: For questions, email CampSTC@ShakespeareTheatre.org. Registration closes the Friday before each camp’s start date or when a session fills.

Note: A detailed brochure and information about Teaching Artists are available on the website. The Summer Intensive requires auditions held in April for returning students.