+ How long have you been doing Summer Camps?

After a very successful first year in 2016, and a pandemic online shift for 2020, ESC Players Camp returns for 2021. The format, curriculum and teaching artist training comes directly from San Francisco Shakespeare Festival's nationally recognized curriculum which is now in their 30th season of Shakespeare Camps, and serves over 750 campers every summer in 35 locations.

+ How old should you be to attend Teen Camp?

Teen Camp is for students ages 13 through 18 (rising 8th graders to graduating Seniors). Campers must be the appropriate age at the start of the camp session.The days are longer than Player’s Camp, with the training and production content designed for the emotional maturity and stamina of an older, teen-aged student. If your camper is 13, we leave it to parents' discretion whether their 13-year-old will most benefit from being the oldest camper or youngest camper in a group.

+ Is it okay to go to Teen Camp if you've never acted before?

Yes! ESC Camps are designed for beginning and intermediate campers. Classes are small enough that our teaching artists are able to work with each individual at his or her level, including those who are new to performing. That said, the camper should be curious about theater and willing to try new things. Everyone performs.

+ What is the student to teacher ratio at camp?

Approximately 8:1. The maximum number of teen campers is 16, with 2 teaching artists. With guest artists, camp manager and designers, everyone gets plenty of individual attention and a speaking role specifically suited to their skill level in the final production.

+ Who are the teaching artists at Players' Camp?

Our teaching artists are working actors, stage managers, directors, and designers. Most have extensive teaching experience in other camps and programs. About a third have postgraduate degrees in theater. All our teaching artists attend our classroom management and curriculum training sessions. At least one per site is certified in First Aid and CPR. We do criminal background checks on all teaching staff. We are very proud of the quality of our teaching artists and curriculum.

+ What happens during a typical day?

For the first half-hour, from 9-9:30 am, the whole group meets together to do a warm-up. Then the group divides up into smaller groups for classes. Afternoons are dedicated to rehearsal for the final performance.

+ What are the classes?

In Teen camps, the classes include Voice & Movement, which helps each actor to learn to use their voice and body to tell the story of their character; Acting Shakespeare, focused on exploring the words of Shakespeare, how he used his language and classical acting skills; and then there will be other classes focused on skills needed for this year's performance and highlighting the special skills of the teaching artists. These will likely include stage combat, clown, rhetoric, the Elizabethan World Picture, music and more. There are often guest artists, who are members of the professional company, brought in during Teen Camp

+ What if my child is unhappy with his/her role?

Most campers, even if they are initially unhappy with their casting, find that they love their roles after a day or two of rehearsal. We find that even if cast in a role that has only one scene and a few lines, an actor with a good attitude can make the most of it, and often becomes one of the most memorable actors in the show!

+ How do you cast the camp shows? Does everyone get a part?

During the first day or two of camp, the teaching artists will describe the characters and action of the play and have campers read aloud from the script. More advanced campers, who can be heard and understood, stand comfortably on-stage, and seem energized and committed, are likely to be cast in roles with a larger amount of stage time. Beginning actors, who still need to work on the above skills, will probably start with smaller roles. Every effort is made to give each camper an appropriate role for his or her level of experience and comfort on stage. And yes, everyone gets a speaking role.

+ When is the final performance?

Final performances for Teen Camp 2021 will be over the weekend of August 13-15th at the Youth Shakespeare Festival. The Teen Campers will perform several times, premiering on Friday August 13th. It is important that every teen camper be available for that weekend of performances.

+ What is the disciplinary procedures at camp?

Each camper is asked to sign an agreement before the start of camp saying that he or she will agree to follow our basic camp rules of respect for the teaching artists, respect for the site, and respect for each other. During the first morning warm-up, the teaching artists will go over this agreement and ask campers to give suggestions for positive ways to support each other and the productions. If a camper violates a camp rule, he or she will first receive a warning, then a time-out with the manager, then a parent call from the manager, then a call from the Education Director and expulsion from camp. Major infractions will result in immediate expulsion. We do not tolerate behavior that interferes with other campers' enjoyment of camp.

+ Do you accept students with special needs?

Yes. In the past we have had campers with autism, cerebral palsy, Asperger's syndrome, diabetes, and other mental and physical challenges. We find that most of these campers do extremely well at camp. Those with severe challenges may need the on-site attention of a parent or caregiver - this is decided on a case-by-case basis. We ask that all parents of children with special needs indicate this on the emergency form. The more we know, the more prepared our staff can be.

+ Is it okay to miss days during Shakespeare Camp?

The campers who are able to attend every day of camp undoubtedly have a more rewarding experience. Even a short absence can cause your camper to miss out on a lot! Of course, emergencies and illnesses happen, and we do our best to work with them. Parents and children should remember that putting on a play requires a team effort from all cast members, and absences hurt the production. Please do not plan your vacation to overlap with the camp. There are no discounts for missed days of camp.

+ How can my teen best prepare for camp? Do you recommend any books or videos?

Although it's fine for campers to walk in without having read the plays or seen any Shakespeare, it's always an advantage to have a little prior experience with the language. Look for a reading list in Elm Online for books and videos we suggest for our campers.

+ Do you have scholarships?

Yes. We offer need-based scholarships on a case-by-case basis. Please email Education@ElmShakespeare.org with your needs, or fill out the form on this webpage. You will need to apply before registering. We have never had to turn away a camper with genuine financial need, although we may have some restrictions on which camp sessions are available.