ShakesCamp

Silicon Valley Shakespeare offers a summer camp with theatre training for youth and teens! Camp helps kids build confidence as public speakers, collaborate as artists and thinkers, and develop learning skills that will continue to serve them well after the summer’s fun is over.

Spend two weeks rehearsing an abridged production of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing with our dedicated team. The final day culminates in a free performance for friends and family.

Students will dive headfirst into acting, improvisation, and unarmed stage combat, in addition to behind-the-scenes action such as creating costumes, props, set pieces, and more. No prior experience is needed, and every student is cast in the play’s ensemble.

Whether you're a beginner to the Bard or already savvy on stage, make a scene with us this summer!

ShakesCamp is limited to 30 participants.

Much Ado About Nothing, Abridged
by William Shakespeare

June 15-26, 2026**
Mondays–Fridays
9 AM-2 PM

**Please note there will be no session on Friday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

For ages 8-18

History Park San José
San José, CA

$499/participant

NEW SHAKESCAMP ADD-ONS
BARDS OF A FEATHER
2:15–3:45 PM
This teen camp intensive is for ages 14–18.
+$175/participant

Led by teaching artist Kunal Prasad, students explore Shakespeare’s text as a way to inhabit language through breath, physical awareness, intention, and presence. Rather than focusing on “getting it right,” teens learn how to speak complex language clearly and connect honestly with an audience. Working with short Shakespeare passages alongside brief original writing and reflection, students will discover how acting tools can bring their own words to life. The intensive builds confidence in public speaking, creative expression, and self-trust.

This program is designed for teens curious about Shakespeare and language, students who enjoy writing, performing, or storytelling, and those who want to grow as confident speakers and collaborators. No prior experience is required. Curiosity and a willingness to learn are enough. The intensive complements the main camp rehearsal process while offering a focused space to explore language, presence, and self-expression.

SHAKESCAMP AFTERCARE
2–3:50 PM
Available for any ShakesCamp participant!
+$10/day per ShakesCamper

After a full day of rehearsal and play, ShakesCamp AFTERcare gives campers time to unwind in a relaxed, supervised environment. Campers enjoy self-initiated games, creative activities, and quiet time under the guidance of SVS Education Manager Amanda Le Nguyen. AFTERcare provides families with a convenient pick-up window while ensuring campers remain safe. supported. and engaged.

Donors Circle members at the Innovator level or higher receive a 20% discount. Additionally, more than one child from the same household receives a 10% discount on each additional student.

We are pleased to be offering five scholarships to cover camp fees, courtesy of the Richard T. Orlando Scholarship Fund. Granted on a rolling basis, the scholarships are made possible by the generous donation of a local community member who wants kids to thrive, in honor of the late Richard T. Orlando, who transformed the lives of thousands of artists, patrons, and students in Silicon Valley during his lifetime.

To apply for a scholarship, please email Education Manager Amanda Le Nguyen by clicking here and include a short “essay” from your child, answering the following three questions:

• Why do you want to attend camp?

• What do you hope to learn from camp?

• Why is Shakespeare DOPE?

The length of their responses (and how much you help) can be appropriate to your child’s grade level. Alternatively, if they would prefer to handwrite or draw their own answers, or record their responses verbally in a video, feel free to email a picture or video of their responses instead. We’re open to whatever format is most accessible for them!