The Summer Shakespeare Academy blends professional acting instruction with classic literature to help students develop their self-confidence and creativity within an acclaimed regional theatre. “The Academy provides a welcoming and inclusive space for students to come together and build relationships that last far beyond the final bow each summer,” says Molly McCarthy, Education Programs Coordinator.
Participants receive high-caliber training and mentorship from professional actors, directors, and teaching artists. Through a combination of class work, rehearsal, games, exploration, and play, students grow as collaborators, creative thinkers, and artists. “Our programs engage young imaginations in a unique way — students get to bring royalty, magical creatures, warriors, witches, and other fascinating characters to life,” McCarthy says. “They become fully immersed in some of the most exciting and beloved plays and stories in the world.”
Both the Shakespeare’s Players and Shakespeare’s Players, Jr. programs culminate in public performances on the Main Stage. In just two weeks, the Junior Players (ages 10-14) put together a 20-minute ensemble-based performance of a classic tale, while the Players (ages 14-18) spend three weeks preparing an abridged production of a Shakespeare play.
To round out the Summer Shakespeare Academy, the Theatre is debuting a playful and supportive week-long program for ages 6-9 called Camp Shakespeare!
“We often hear our students express gratitude for the passionate community of bright, silly, and imaginative young artists that the Summer Shakespeare Academy brings together,” McCarthy says
Madison & Florham Park
973-845-6742
shakespearenj.org
