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 the 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)
• The program culminates in a final performance 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

You must audition for this program. Please prepare a 10-16 line monologue from Shakespeare about which you feel strongly. We are seeking text to which you have a deep personal connection. Our auditions are active, so wear clothing that you feel comfortable working and moving in. If you are not able to travel to Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA, you may submit a video audition and do a phone or skype interview to accompany it.

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

The 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. Rehearsal and Class hours will increase and the day off may shift in the last two weeks of the program to accommodate for tech week and performance. You will be required to work at our annual community picnic and reading of The Declaration of Independence on the 4thof July, as well as at our summer Gala.

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 Jennie Jadow, Youth Programs Director at 413-637-1199x108 or Jenniejadow@shakespeare.org.

Paid Jobs

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, Etc.) that will not conflict with your class/rehearsal schedule. Please note that the start and end dates of your job may differ from Conservatory start and end dates.

If you are interested in applying for a paid job, please fill out the Employment Application Form found here: Link.

Mail it to Jennie Jadow, Youth Programs Director, Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA, or scan and email it to Jenniejadow@shakespeare.org.

Apply for the Summer Conservatory 2019

2019 Session Application

Financial Aid is available. Please fill out and submit the form below.

Financial Aid Form.

Additional available scholarships, pending eligibility requirements:
• Berkshire Resident Scholarship – for full-time Berkshire County residents.
• Mari and Kenneth Share Scholarship Fund - for African American student/actors.

Please call (413) 637-1199 x108 or Jenniejadow@shakespeare.org to find out more.