Shakespeare & Young Company, Summer Conservatory

General Information

Summer Conservatory participants immerse themselves in the rich artistic life of the Berkshires, while being deeply integrated into the artistic and administrative functioning of our exciting and cutting edge summer performance season. Participants join the Company for a full summer of training, which includes:

• More than half a week immersed in classes including, but not limited to, examining Shakespeare’s text, Linklater Voice, Movement, Stage Fight, and Clown.
• Training with visiting guests drawn from Shakespeare & Company’s extensive company of Actors, Teachers, and Directors for a full breadth of artistic exposure.
• Attending Performances, Lectures, and Talk Backs of Company Performances.
• Working in Customer Service (Parking Cars, Box Office, Concessions, Assisting with Special Events and Galas, and a range of administrative and managerial duties).
• A final performance as a culmination of the experience, performed for Company members, family, and friends.

Our theater training develops the skills necessary to be open, spontaneous, and to effectively communicate thoughts and feelings in an ensemble environment. Alumni of Shakespeare & Young Company are sought after not only for their talent and skills, but also for the collaborative spirit they bring to any studio or rehearsal room.

Auditions

Participants must audition for this program, and prepare a 10-16 line monologue from Shakespeare about which they feel strongly. We are seeking text to which participants have a deep personal connection. Shakespeare & Company auditions are active; participants should wear clothing in which they feel comfortable working and moving. Students unable to travel to Shakespeare & Company, in Lenox, Mass., may submit video auditions and conduct a phone or Skype interview to accompany it.

For a Summer Conservatory Audition, contact mmarchione@shakespeare.org.

Schedule

The class schedule has been created to integrate Conservatory Members into the summer performance season, maximizing opportunities for work, training, and experiencing as much of the artistic work happening on property as possible. Mondays will consistently be a day-off, with the possibility of a second day-off each week. There will be approximately 20 hours a week of classwork, with additional hours each week assigned to customer service duties on property.

Housing

Shakespeare & Company cannot assume responsibility for housing Conservatory participants. In the past, non-local Conservatory members have made arrangements to stay with local families, board with other Young Company members, or rent their own summer housing. Although we are happy to direct you to Company supporters who are interested in renting space to participants, all housing arrangements are made independently of Shakespeare & Company. For more information please contact Meg Marchione, Education Programs Manager at (413) 637-1199 ext.172, or mmarchione@shakespeare.org.

Paid Positions

The Conservatory Program has been designed to allow interested Conservatory members to apply for paid jobs. There are several paid positions available (Box Office, House Management, Concessions) that will not conflict with your class/rehearsal schedule.

If you are interested in applying for a paid job, please fill out the Employment Application Form and mail it to Meg Marchione, Education Programs Manager, Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA, or scan and e-mail it to mmarchione@shakespeare.org.

The 2022 Summer Conservatory has been postponed. Please call (413) 637-1199 ext. 172 or e-mail mmarchione@shakespeare.org for more information.