Summer Shakespeare

The application period is now open! Please fill out this application form by May 31st, 2024. 

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.

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

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 receive free lunch or reduced lunch)
  • 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.

More information on applying in 2024

We want to make the application process welcoming for all applicants. Here is some more info:

1. First step is to fill out the application online here.
2. Next you will have a chance to meet program director Yeauxlanda Kay on Zoom. After your application has been submitted, look out for an email to schedule a short time to talk. Please relax and be yourself! This is a chance for us to get to know you and for you to get to know the program.
3. Select students will be invited to audition with a one-minute memorized Shakespeare monologue. Please let us know if you need help finding a monologue!
4. Please let us know if you have any questions at any point in the process!
5. The program will run weekdays from July 8 through August 9. Students must be available weekdays for all rehearsals and performances. The week of July 8, classes in voice and speech, improvisation and more will be held from 12pm-2pm (arrival time is 15 minutes before each class at 11:45am). From July 12 on rehearsals will be held from 1pm-4:30pm (call time is 12:45pm). Performances will be held on August 8 and 9.

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