August 10 – August 14, 2026
Monday - Friday: 9:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.
Early Drop-Off: 8:30a.m. - 9:30a.m.
Late Pick-Up: 4:30p.m. - 6:00p.m.
2026 Tuition: $700
Early Drop-Off: $40
Late Pick-Up: $40
Summer Shakespeare Academy
ENGAGING · CHALLENGING · REWARDING
New Name, Same Great Programs!
The Summer Shakespeare Academy (for ages 6 – 18) combines professional acting instruction and classic literature in a creative environment where students develop self-confidence and creativity and engage in teamwork and collaboration — all in the setting of an acclaimed regional theatre.
Members of the Academy become part of a vibrant artistic community that shares an unwavering commitment to excellence. For this reason, many Academy members choose to continue their relationship with us. Our alumni have returned in subsequent years to participate in our Summer Professional Training Program and in Main Stage productions. These alumni are proof of the Shakespeare Theatre's dedication to nurturing the next generation of theatre artists and audiences.
EARLY BIRD PRICING – NOW THROUGH JANUARY 4, 2026:
If you register your student(s) by January 4, 2026, you lock in at the 2025 rate:
Shakespeare's Players – Early Bird Pricing:
● $1,550 per student - Use code PLAYERS at checkout
Shakespeare's Players, Jr. – Early Bird Pricing:
● $1,100 per student - Use code PLAYERSJR at checkout
2026 tuition goes into effect January 5, 2026.
NEW PROGRAM: Camp Shakespeare (1 Week, Ages 6-9)
Introducing our brand-new program — Camp Shakespeare! This is a one-week program designed for any and all, ages 6 – 9. Over the course of a week, participants will explore Shakespeare through creative movement, storytelling, and beginner-friendly acting activities. With plenty of laughter, teamwork, and guidance from the Shakespeare Theatre Education staff, students will discover the joy of the stage while building confidence — all in a supportive, high-energy environment perfect for budding actors.
Shakespeare's Players, Jr. (2 Weeks, Ages 10-14)
July 27 – August 7, 2026
Monday - Friday: 9:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.
Early Drop-Off: 8:30a.m. - 9:15a.m.
2026 Tuition: $1,200 (register by January 4, 2026 and only pay $1,100)
Early Drop-Off: $40/week
($100 discount for returning students, subscribers, and siblings)
Shakespeare's Players, Jr. (formerly Junior Corps) is a two-week summer acting program for young artists (ages 10 – 14) ranging from first-time performers to budding stars. Members of Shakespeare's Players, Jr. participate in daily classes (Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) under the direction of The Shakespeare Theatre's Education staff, and meet with the Theatre's professional resident artists in master classes and discussions.
Each day is varied, fast-paced, and exciting! The focus of Shakespeare's Players, Jr. is ensemble work — and each two-week session culminates in a final presentation that involves the entire group performing a theatrical version of a piece of classic literature. Previous groups have performed works such as The Odyssey, Julius Caesar, and Beowulf! Parents, friends, and professional company members all attend these final showings.
Shakespeare's Players (3 Weeks, Ages 14-18)
July 6 – July 24, 2026
Monday -Friday: 9:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.
2026 Tuition: $1,600 (register by January 4, 2026 and only pay $1,550)
($100 discount for returning students, subscribers, and siblings)
Shakespeare's Players (formerly Senior Corps) is a three-week summer acting intensive for teens (ages 14 – 18) who are serious about growing as performers. Building on the skills introduced at the Junior level, Shakespeare's Players features a special focus on Shakespeare and the individual actor. The three-week session culminates in a final presentation of an abridged Shakespeare text. Previous groups have performed works such as Julius Caesar, As You Like It, The Tempest, and A Midsummer Night's Dream! Prior participation in the Junior level is not required.
Members of Shakespeare's Players participate in daily classes (Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) under the direction of The Shakespeare Theatre’s Education staff, and meet with The Theatre's professional resident artists in master classes and discussions. Each day is varied, fast-paced, and exciting! Classes focus on acting, text analysis, characterization, bringing Shakespeare's language to life through voice and movement, audition techniques, and more! Each student also comes away with a rehearsed and critiqued Shakespeare monologue of their choice — a great asset when auditioning for colleges and other theatre programs.
Testimonials
Summer Shakespeare Academy Alumni
"It is of the highest quality, and the teachers are very welcoming and supportive. I learned so much about Shakespeare and acting, it was truly a transforming experience."
"I loved being able to share a passion with people and feel part of a community where we're all about the same thing.”
"Out of all the theatre experiences that could have been my first I'm glad it was this one. I wouldn't have it any other way. It was just an overall great experience and was an incredible amount of fun."
Former Summer Shakespeare Academy Parents
"Students are treated like thinking, whole people; the production is perfectly abbreviated to achieve the goals of a short program without loss of integrity; the production value is incredible, especially given the constraints; students feel connected to one another, to Shakespeare, and to themselves. Just all around one of the best things a student can participate in!”
"My daughter loved working with the instructors and learned so much from them. [T]his program gave her the opportunity to do what she loves. She was so engaged and excited and this program reinforced and deepened her love of Shakespeare."
Location
Camp Shakespeare:
● All classes will take place at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University in Madison, NJ.
Shakespeare's Players and Shakespeare's Players, Jr.:
● All classes and rehearsals will take place at the Thomas H. Kean Theatre Factory in Florham Park, NJ.
Final performances for Shakespeare's Players and Shakespeare's Players, Jr. take place at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University in Madison, NJ.
Food Policy
Camp Shakespeare: During the day, classes and workshops meet in sessions of 30 – 45 minutes. We will take a dedicated snack break mid-morning (around 10:15a.m.), and a lunch break midday, in addition to shorter 5-10 minute breaks, as needed, throughout the day. Meals and snacks are not provided, so students will need to bring a packed lunch and snack. Students will also need to bring a water bottle. Please note: there will not be access to refrigeration or microwaves, please plan accordingly.
Shakespeare's Players & Shakespeare's Players, Jr.: During the day, classes and rehearsals meet in sessions of 60 – 120 minutes. We will take a lunch break midday as well as two or three breaks per day of about 10 minutes each. Meals and snacks are not provided, so students will need to bring a packed lunch and may wish to pack a snack and/or bring money for vending machines on campus. Please note: there will not be access to refrigeration or microwaves. Students should plan accordingly.
For more information, please contact the Education Department at Education@ShakespeareNJ.org or call (973) 845-6742.