Location: All classes will take place at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s newly renovated School of Theater building! Now located at 618 S. 8th street in downtown Boise, next to the Boise Public Library.
PLEASE NOTE: Read below to find dates, descriptions, and full information for our summer camp offerings scheduled for summer 2024. Please contact education@idahoshakespeare.org
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Ever thanks!
High School Apprentice Company
Idaho’s premier professional theater offers an Apprentice Program for Treasure Valley high-school students! Program includes over 200 hours of intensive acting instruction and a performance showcase on the Festival’s main stage. Apprentices may also work backstage on season productions. Admission by audition only. Click here for full information.
Shakespeare and Me! – Ages 3-5
In this one week camp, the wee players learn lines from some of Shakespeare’s most famous scenes and act them out for you. Families will glow as the students demonstrate their brilliance in a performance on the last day of class. There will be a short show and tell wrap up for friends and family on the last day of camp at 11:30am.
Cost: $125
Session I: June 3 – 7 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 10:30am – 11:30am
Session II: July 8 – 12 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 10:30am – 11:30am
Shakespeare Showcase* – Ages 6-8
*PLEASE NOTE: Both sessions are full, please email education@idahoshakespeare.org to be added to the waitlist. Thank you!
A game-filled two week camp, where students are immersed in kid-friendly versions of some of Shakespeare’s wackiest plays! They will learn how to fly like a fairy, clown around like a court jester, and rule like royalty. This is a class all about play, whether it’s reading stories, making arts and crafts projects, or singing songs. The play’s the thing!
Cost: $325
Session I: June 3 – 14 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 8:30am – 11:30am. PLEASE NOTE: This session’s performance will be in the ISF Rehearsal hall
Session II: July 8 – 19 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 8:30am – 11:30am
Short Shakespeare – Ages 9-11
Lots of adults find Shakespeare intimidating, how can a kid understand? That’s exactly what this two week camp is about! Making Shakespeare accessible (and fun), whether it’s setting A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a school or Macbeth on the moon, this camp focuses on putting on a 10-minute version of one of Shakespeare’s plays. Sometimes with updated language and narration. It is all about learning how to have fun while putting on a play. Why not use one of the greatest playwrights of all time as inspiration!
Cost: $325
Session I: June 3 – 14 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 8:30am – 11:30am. PLEASE NOTE: This session’s performance will be in the ISF Rehearsal hall
Session II: July 8 – 19 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 8:30am – 11:30am
Shakespeare Intensive I* – Ages 12-14
*PLEASE NOTE: Session II is full, please email education@idahoshakespeare.org to be added to the waitlist. Thank you!
Whether your camper has plenty of acting experience or has never stepped foot on a stage, this camp is right for them. All that’s needed is an interest in theater and telling a good story! Instructors will work over 3 weeks on putting together a 45-minute version of a Shakespeare play. They will work as an ensemble to create the world of the play, being involved in the scenic, sound, and costume elements, as well as playing a character. This camp is a great way to learn about everything that goes into putting on a play and performing it on a professional stage! Please note: Performances will be on the mainstage at Idaho Shakespeare Festival Amphitheater on the Monday after the three weeks of classes. Monday, June 24th at 6:30 pm (Session I) and Monday, July 29th at 6:30pm (Session II).
Cost: $535
Session I: June 3 – June 24 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Session II: July 8 – July 29 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Advanced Shakespeare Intensive – Ages 15-18
Whether your camper has plenty of acting experience or has never stepped foot on a stage, this camp is right for them! All that’s needed is an interest in theater and telling a good story! Instructors will work over 3 weeks on putting together a 45-minute version of a Shakespeare play! They will work as an ensemble to create the world of the play, being involved in the scenic, sound, and costume elements, as well as playing a character! This camp is a great way to learn about everything that goes into putting on a play and performing it on a professional stage! The Advanced Intensive can be a springboard to the ISF High School Apprentice Program. Please note: Performances will be on the mainstage at Idaho Shakespeare Festival Amphitheater on the Monday after the three weeks of classes. Monday, June 24th at 6:30 pm (Session I) and Monday, July 29th at 6:30pm (Session II).
Cost: $535
Session I: June 3 – June 24 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Session II: July 8 – July 29 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Camp Broadway* – Ages 6-9
*PLEASE NOTE: Both sessions are full, please email education@idahoshakespeare.org to be added to the waitlist. Thank you!
A popular one-week musical theater camp for youngsters itching to sing and dance their heart out! Students will perform songs and choreography from Broadway musicals and other popular hits at the end of the incredibly fun-filled week.
Cost: $215
Session I: June 17 – June 21 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 8:30 – 11:30am
Session II: July 22 – July 26 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 8:30 – 11:30am
Camp Musical* – Ages 10-18
*PLEASE NOTE: Both sessions are full, please email education@idahoshakespeare.org to be added to the waitlist. Thank you!
Our biggest and most popular camp! Sing, dance, and act your heart out while experiencing the joy of musical theater. Each group of students will dive deep into what it takes to be on Broadway! Students will learn choreography and music from some of Broadway’s hits and put all they have learned into a toe-tapping performance at the end of this one week camp!
Cost: $215
Session I: June 17 – June 21 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 8:30 – 11:30am
Session II: July 22 – July 26 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 8:30 – 11:30am
NEW Musical Intensive – Ages 12-14
*PLEASE NOTE: Sessions II is full, please email education@idahoshakespeare.org to be added to the waitlist. Thank you!
A new expansion of our popular musical camps, this two week intensive is perfect for students who are interested in singing, dancing, and acting! No experience is required, so whether you have been on stage or not, if you are excited to learn the ins and outs of being in a musical revue, this is a perfect choice! Students and instructors will work over the two weeks to create a 30-45 minute performance that will showcase different musical songs and other popular hits! Please note: Performances will be on the mainstage at Idaho Shakespeare Festival Amphitheater on the Monday after the two weeks of classes. Monday, July 1st at 6:30 pm (Session I) and Monday, August 5th at 6:30pm (Session II).
Cost: $325
Session I: June 17 – July 1 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Session II: July 22 – August 5 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 1:00pm – 5:00pm (PLEASE NOTE: Session ll’s performance will be in the ISF Rehearsal Hall)
NEW Advanced Musical Intensive – Ages 15-18
A new expansion of our popular musical camps, this two week intensive is perfect for students who are interested in singing, dancing, and acting! No experience is required, so whether you have been on stage or not, if you are excited to learn the ins and outs of being in a musical revue, this is a perfect choice! Students and instructors will work over the two weeks to create a 30-45 minute performance that will showcase different musical songs and other popular hits! Please note: Performances will be on the mainstage at Idaho Shakespeare Festival Amphitheater on the Monday after the two weeks of classes. Monday, July 1st at 6:30 pm (Session I) and Monday, August 5th at 6:30pm (Session II).
Cost: $325
Session I: June 17 – July 1 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Session II: July 22 – August 5 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 1:00pm – 5:00pm (PLEASE NOTE: Session ll’s performance will be in the ISF Rehearsal Hall)
Camp Improv! – Ages 9-18
Learn to “think on your feet” and say “yes” to the basics of Improv games and exercises. Students will learn to sharpen their wit and sense of comic timing with this fun and fast paced class! A performance at the end of this one week camp will show friends and families just how witty their students can be.
Cost: $215
Performance location: ISF’s School of Theater Building – Rehearsal Hall
August 5 – 9 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 8:30am – 11:30am
NEW Stagecraft – Ages 12-18
We totally understand how scary it can be to get up on stage and act your heart out. This brand new class is for those students who prefer to explore the non-performative parts of theater like props, costume, and scenic design! Students will have a chance to learn about different jobs behind the scenes, and make up their own artistic designs which they can take home at the end of the session!
Cost: $295
Session I: June 3 – June 14 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Session II: July 8 – July 19 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 2:00pm – 5:00pm
NEW Playwriting – Ages 12-18
Do you have a student who loves to think creatively and write their own stories? This brand new class focuses on the creative process that goes into making a story live on the page! A perfect class for those who like to work more behind the scenes, rather than on stage in front of an audience. Instructors will work with students to brainstorm different kinds of plot ideas, strong characters, and convincing dialogue, and turn them into a collection of small scenes that they can take home at the end of the session! This a perfect class for those who like to work more behind the scenes
Cost: $295
Session I: June 3 – June 14 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Session II: July 8 – July 19 ~ Monday – Friday ~ 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Each camp concludes with a performance open to the public. Performances are the last hour, of the last day of camp and will take place at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s stage (5657 S. Warm Springs Ave.) unless listed below. Please note: Student’s last day of camp will be at the performance space.
Where & When
Arrival and Departure
Teachers will meet students outside the building and take them to the pick up/drop off curb at the end of the day.
*It is important that your student arrives and is picked up on time. We are sorry but we do not have pre-class or post-class child care available.
Water & Snacks
Acting is thirsty work and can make your student hungry! Please send a water bottle with your student and make sure it is labeled with your child’s name! Three to four hours is a long time, so your child will probably need to have a snack. Please send something small and easy for them to handle. We usually have snacks “just in case”.
Clothing
Please have your student wear loose, easy-going clothing! We spend a lot of time up and down and on the floor. Also, please have your student wear shoes that are easy to move in, please no flip flops.
Observing
We have found that students participate more fully and are more focused when loved ones are not present. If you would like, you may stay for the first 20 minutes of their first class, but if you stay you will have to play! We will take good care of your children and you are invited to see all the wonderful work they’ve done at their final performance. If there are special circumstances please contact education@idahoshakespeare.org.
Classroom Buddies
We will make every effort to pair your student with siblings and buddies if you let us know. It is very difficult to do this on the first day of class without creating some hurt feelings with other students, as well as issues with class sizes. If you have a special buddy request, and have not already contacted me about it, please contact me as soon as possible and we will try to pair the buddies together.
Classroom Decorum
We want all our students to have lots of fun & enjoy the creative experience! So if a student becomes disruptive instead of joining in — we use the “time out” method & invite the student to rejoin the group when they’re ready. If it becomes an ongoing problem, we’ll contact you to help us.
Covid Safety Update
We strive to offer the safest environment for your students. At this time masks are optional, and vaccinations are highly encouraged. Should conditions change, we will follow CDC guidelines appropriate for our community’s current conditions.
*Should we come to the unfortunate event where a camp is canceled, your camp registration can be used for a later camp. If your camper is unable to attend a later camp, you also may donate it back to ISF, in support of our future educational offerings. As a nonprofit charitable organization, the Festival exists in large measure because of the community’s generosity; and you would join thousands (including many of you already) in making a gift to sustain the company and its educational programs. We would, of course, be thrilled to recognize your gift; and you would receive a confirmation letter, allowing you to consider this gift among your tax deductions. If neither rebooking to a later camp or donation are possible, we happily will issue a refund, and hope to see your student again next time!
