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Riotous Youth
These fun and inspiring 1-, 2- and 3-week summer theater programs introduce students ages 6 to 17 to Shakespeare's language, his stories, characters, and themes using imaginative and playful methods. Riotous Company is a more advanced 3-week program for high school students.
Scroll down to see Summer Program Dates and Information.
To Enroll your student into our Summer 2022 Riotous Youth Program, follow the RED APPLY NOW button to the right.
To Make a Balance Due Payment for an enrolled student, follow the RED MAKE A PAYMENT button to the right.
"Riotous Youth is one of the best summer camps in the region. My kids love 'the awesome teachers who make it really fun and include everyone'. As a parent, I love that they teach the kids to really understand the Shakespeare play performed, and perhaps most importantly, I love seeing the clear confidence boost my kids gain by the end of camp." -Riotous Youth Parent, Summer 2017
2022 Riotous Youth
2-Week Programs for Ages 7–15
July 5 – August 12
These fun and educational 1 and 2 week programs are designed to introduce young actors to the language, stories, characters, and ideas in Shakespeare’s plays in imaginative and playful ways. Classes incorporating voice, movement, and acting enable students to explore Shakespeare’s text emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Students will then create a performance piece based on their experience of the play, which they will share with family, friends, and Company members on the final day of the session.
*In order to participate in Riotous Youth your child must have at least one year of full day school.
Riotous Youth Schedule
Much Ado About Nothing: July 5–15
Session A: 7–9 years
Session B: 10–12 years
Session C: 13–15 years
Macbeth: July 18–29
Session D: 7–9 years
Session E:10–12 years
Session F: 13–15 years
The Tempest: August 1–12
Session G: 7-9 years - Session is FULL with a wait list.
Session H:10-12 years
Session I: 13-15 years
TUITION
2 Week Riotous Youth Session: $800
*The July 5–15 session will be at a reduced rate of $725. (No program July 4)
Wild & Whispering Woods
1-Week Program for Ages 6–8
July 25–29
1-Week Program for Ages 7–12
August 15–19
A fast-paced one week exploration of Shakespeare’s Characters as they encounter all manner of unexpected hijinks, love, and mysterious creatures in the woods. Using text from As You Like It, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Winter’s Tale.
TUITION
1-Week Riotous Youth Session: $425
Riotous Company
August 1–19
for High School Students
This 3-week advanced program is designed to provide an opportunity for young actors to take the next step in their training. Actors who are heading into 9th-12th grade who have participated in Riotous Youth for at least two sessions, or have equivalent experience in other Shakespeare & Company Education Programs, are eligible to apply.
Classes may include: ensemble building, voice, movement, clown, fight, and acting. At the end of the three weeks they will perform scenes chosen specifically for them from a number of Shakespeare’s plays.
TUITION
Riotous Company: $925
Financial Aid
Financial assistance is available. Please contact mmarchione@shakespeare.org to find out more.
COVID Safety Guidelines
Shakespeare & Company is a fully vaccinated campus, from our Full-time Employees, Seasonal Staff, Artists, Volunteers, and Program Participants. To ensure the health of our Shakespeare & Company community, all Riotous Youth and Riotous Company participants that are vaccine eligible, must be vaccinated against COVID-19.
As conditions of the global pandemic are ever-evolving, these guidelines are subject to change and will be updated accordingly. These guidelines are consistent with and/or exceed current Board of Health and State Orders at this time, and we may continue to establish stricter policies based on local conditions and Actors’ Equity Association guidelines. We thank you for your patience, communication and cooperation. We are looking forward to summertime!
Riotous Youth Information & Required Forms
Medical Emergency Form
General Release Form
Due to limited availability this summer, multiple sessions and / or siblings need to be enrolled separately. Thank you for your patience!
Contact Information
Please contact Megan Marchione at mmarchione@shakespeare.org or call (413) 637-1199 ext. 172 with any questions.
Shakespeare & Company is a professional live theatre company in the heart of the Berkshires, presenting a vibrant summer performance season featuring the works of Shakespeare in repertory with classic and contemporary plays. The Company offers one of the most extensive actor training programs by a regional theatre in the country, and is also home to an award-winning and nationally recognized theatre-in-education program.