Summer Shakespeare

Applications for Summer Shakespeare 2025 are now open! Deadline for applications is June 1st with a possible extension to June 23rd.

Program

Summer Shakespeare is a five-week summer intensive that is free for qualifying students. Twenty-two students are selected to train five days a week in voice, movement, ensemble work and scene study (50 hours of classes total). The program culminates in a production of an abbreviated Shakespeare play. Summer Shakespeare is an intensive program that requires the quick understanding and execution of new skills. To learn more about this exciting, free program, click here to read about it in the Wall Street Journal and click here to read about the program in American Theatre magazine. You can also click here to hear from Artistic Director Tom Oppenheim on NY1 and see the studio’s facility.

2025 Schedule:

Orientation: Monday, July 7th from 11:30am-2:30pm (11:15am call time)
Master Classes: July 8th – 11th from 12-2pm (11:45am call time)
Play Rehearsals: Mondays – Fridays, July 14th – August 7th
Final Performances: Friday, August 8th

Application Form

For more information, please email Program Director, Yeauxlanda Kay at yolanda@stellaadler.com with the subject heading: Interested in Free Actor Training.

Arts Justice Summer Shakespeare students and faculty after a rehearsal of 2019's production of Twelfth Night

Criteria

How are students selected for this program?

  • Applicants must be enrolled in a New York City high school.
  • Applicants must demonstrate financial need (priority consideration for students who qualify for or receive SNAP benefits or similar.)
  • Applicants must demonstrate a need for arts exposure (priority consideration for students who do not have access to arts programming.)
  • After completing a short application and Zoom interview, applicants may be invited to present a 60 second memorized Shakespeare monologue at an audition at the studio.

Please note: This program adheres to a strict attendance policy and professional standards. All students must be on time and ready to participate in all classes. Those who are unprepared or late will be excused from the program.

Please also note: While we cover full tuition for the program, we do not cover transportation costs.

Apply Online Today