These fun and inspiring 1-, 2- and 3-week summer theater programs introduce students ages 6 to 17 to Shakespeare’s language, his stories, characters, and themes using imaginative and playful methods. Riotous Company is a more advanced 3-week program for high school students.
Scroll down to see Summer Program Dates and Information.
“Riotous Youth is one of the best summer camps in the region. My kids love ‘the awesome teachers who make it really fun and include everyone’. As a parent, I love that they teach the kids to really understand the Shakespeare play performed, and perhaps most importantly, I love seeing the clear confidence boost my kids gain by the end of camp.” -Riotous Youth Parent, Summer 2017

Riotous Youth 2023

2-Week Sessions for ages 7-15

July 3 – August 14
Tuition: $800
The Riotous Youth program is designed to introduce young actors to the language, stories, characters, and ideas in Shakespeare’s plays in imaginative and playful ways. Classes incorporating voice, movement, and acting enable students to explore Shakespeare’s text emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Students will then create a performance piece based on their experience of the play, which they will share with family, friends, and Company members on the final day of the session.

*In order to participate in Riotous Youth your child must have at least one year of full-day school.

2-Week Session Dates & Performance Schedule

Riotous Youth runs Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 3:00pm
*Excluding performance Fridays, which finish by 1:00pm or after your child’s show

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: July 3–14

Session A: 7-9 years; Session B: 10-12 years; Session C: 13-15 years
Final Performances for Family & Friends at the Rose Footprint Theatre
Friday, July 14 at 10:00am; 11:00am; 12:00pm

*This Session is closed for enrollment

Hamlet: July 17–28

Session D: 7-9 years; Session E: 10-12 years; Session F: 13-15 years
Final Performances for Family & Friends at the Rose Footprint Theatre
Friday, July 28 at 10:00am; 11:00am; 12:00pm
*Limited Spaces available in Session F for 13-15 year olds!

As You Like It: July 31–August 11

Session G: 7-9 years; Session H: 10-12 years; Session I: 13-15 years
Final Performances for Family & Friends at the Rose Footprint Theatre
Friday, August 11 at 10:00am; 11:00am; 12:00pm
*Limited spaces available in Session I for 13-15 year olds!

1-Week Introductory Sessions for Ages 7-12

The Game's Afoot!
August 14–18
Tuition: $425

A fast-paced one week exploration of Shakespeare’s Characters as they clash their way through raucous friendships and royal responsibilities. Using text and characters from Henry V. 

1-Week Session Schedule & Sharing Information

This session runs Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 3:00pm
Friday will begin at 9:00am, with a final sharing for Friends & Family at The Rose Footprint Theatre at 11:00am
Participants are finished after their final sharing and a brief closure
*Limited spaces still available!

Riotous Company: Advanced Teen Program

3-Week Program for High School Aged Students
July 31–August 18 
Tuition: $975
This 3-week advanced program is designed to provide an opportunity for young actors to take the next step in their training. Actors who are heading into 9th-12th grade who have participated in Riotous Youth for at least two sessions, or have equivalent experience in other Shakespeare & Company Education Programs, are eligible to apply.
Classes may include: ensemble building, voice, movement, clown, fight, and acting. At the end of the three weeks they will perform scenes chosen specifically for them from a number of Shakespeare’s plays.
Riotous Company Schedule & Performance Information

This program runs Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 3:00pm July 31 – August 18
Friday, August 18 will begin at 9:00am, with the Final Performance for Friends & Family at The Rose Footprint Theatre at 12:00pm
*Participants are finished after their Final Performance and a brief closure, at around 1:00pm

Riotous Youth Information & Required Forms

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Form

To apply for Financial Assistance, please complete the above PDF form and submit with a letter sharing with us a little about your current situation/need. Send to Meg Marchione, Education Programs Manager, at
  mmarchione@shakespeare.design OR mail to Shakespeare & Company, Att: Education, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA 01240

Our ability to provide financial assistance is made possible through generous contributions from friends of Shakespeare & Company Education. To make a donation to our Riotous Youth Scholarship Fund or to find other ways to support our Educational Programs, please reach out to our Development Office at (413) 637-1199 ext. 105.

Contact Information

Please contact Megan Marchione at mmarchione@shakespeare.design or call (413) 637-1199 ext. 172 with any questions.

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