For Families

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company offers inspiring programs for young actors in grades K-12 to build confidence and find their voice. Through our classes and acclaimed summer camps, we’ve enriched young lives across the tri-state for over 30 years. Join us to spark creativity and a love for the arts in your student!

Summer Camp

Whether it's your first time under the spotlight or you're already a budding thespian, Theatre Summer Camp with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is the ideal playground for artistic growth, forging friendships, and pure fun. We offer dynamic in-person programs for students in grades 1-12, tailored for those seeking an exciting and rewarding theatrical adventure this summer. Dive into a world of creativity and discover more about our programs online. These in-person camps take place at our theater or nearby walkable location Monday-Friday 9am-5pm for students who have completed grades 1 up to 12.

LEARN ABOUT THE 2025 HIGH SCHOOL WEEKS BELOW (COMPLETED GRADES 9-12):

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.

LEARN ABOUT THE 2025 MIDDLE SCHOOL WEEKS BELOW (COMPLETED GRADES 5-8):

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.

LEARN ABOUT THE 2025 ELEMENTARY WEEKS BELOW (COMPLETED GRADES 1-4):

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.


Summer 2025 dates will be posted soon! Check back online here for updates.

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!

Questions? Contact Director of Education, Emily Bruns by email or call 513-381-2273 x. 3210

FAQ's

Join our Groundlings program, a dynamic acting class where students in grades 5-12 explore acting techniques, build teamwork, and bring Shakespeare's words to life! Classes meet Saturdays, 10:00 am–12:00 pm, at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 1195 Elm Street. Students will be grouped by age (5th-8th grade and 9th-12th grade) to ensure tailored and challenging instruction.

Fall Dates: Oct 19, 26; Nov 2, 9, 16, 23; Dec 7, 14, 2024

Spring Dates: Feb 15, 22; Mar 1, 8, 15, 22; Apr 5, 12, 2025

Each semester concludes with an invited showcase, where students perform a solo monologue and scenes for family and friends. This format allows students to fully participate even if they miss a few classes. Grades 9-12 are required to enroll in both semesters to continue building advanced skills.

Questions? Email Director of Education, Emily Bruns or call (513) 381-2283 x. 3210.

Scholarships are available. Learn more online here.

Sign Up to Learn More