Summer Shakespeare Camp

A Summer Camp for Young Thespians … by Rica

There is summer camp with hiking, and sports, and the ropes course and such, and then there is Summer Shakespeare Camp. That’s right, with a call to all young thespians to come forward and showplace your talents. For the young Shakespeare lovers comes one of the most fulfilling, and progressive experiences ever. The Orlando-UCF (University of Central Florida) Shakespeare Festival is holding a Summer Shakespeare Camp for students from kindergarten up to 12th grade.

The Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival is a non-profit organization that produces professional’s productions of Shakespeare classics and contemporary plays. Their goal is to foster innovative community programs and encourage actor audience relationships. Partnered with the University of Central Florida, the organization is dedicated to molding, and teaching the future thespians of tomorrow. The philosophy of the Summer Shakespeare Camp is to take individual students on a personal journey through the world of Shakespeare. Each student is encouraged to use his or her imagination with the purpose of exploring Shakespeare’s vision.

The performance groups are determined by age with exposure appropriate to the age factor, and theater professionals teach all classes. Shakespeare Adventures I, II, and III are for pre-kindergarten through 1st grade. At this level the instructor design activities to engage the child’s imagination and understanding of the concept of theater through creativity. There will be three sessions offered throughout the summer, lasting five days each, with each having a final presentation.

The next level of camp appropriately titled Kings, Rings, and Crowns is designed specifically for 2nd through 4th grade. This is such a wonderful age where young actors explore characters in plays such as, Twelfth Night, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Then there is the level called Fools, Duels, and Broken Hearts for young artists 2nd through 5th grades.

This specific level is to assist actors experience the integration of movement, voice, and character. There is one session for this level of Summer Shakespeare Camp, with a final presentation. The next level of is described as Magic, Mystery and Miracles for young thespians grades 3rd through 5th. At this level young actors are taught how to use the basic tools to hone their craft, by creating characters from scratch. This level of camp offers one session only with a final presentation. The next level called The Fantastical Players I, and II are designed for students in the 5th through 9th grades.

This group focuses on two specific works of Shakespeare which provides training for the basic foundation of acting, including improvisation, voice, and movements. There are two sessions and a final presentation. The final group builds upon the last level. This level is called Fantastical Players X-treme. It is in this class that each student is cast in the role of one of the characters from a Shakespearean play, to be presented at the final presentation. There is also only one session at this level.

Summer Shakespeare Camp is a very unique camp, and a great opportunity for young actors. If there is a young thespian in your home that could benefit from this incredible exposure, contact the Orlando-UCS Shakespeare Festival staff members to inquire about registration as space is limited. The phone contact is 407-447-1700×254, or visit the Web site for more information.