Classes at Santa Cruz Shakespeare
Financial aid is available for those who qualify.* For details, please contact Rebecca Clark,
Director of Education, at education@santacruzshakespeare.org.
SPRING THEATRE CAMP -THE TEMPEST
February 3 - March 22, 2026; T/Th 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Performance: March 22
Location: Veterans Memorial Building
846 Front Street, Santa Cruz
ndrew Yabroff is an Actor and Teaching Artist who grew up right here in Santa Cruz. He taught at the 2024, 2025 SCS Summer Intensives, Fall 2025 camp and B40 Middle for SCS . Before returning to Santa Cruz in 2023 Andrew taught at various theaters across the country including; Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Island Shakespeare Festival, Tacoma Arts Live,Enact Theatre and was a Teacher Actor-Director for Missoula Children’s Theatre. Teaching workshops and co directing a youth production of Pinocchio in towns across the PNW. Andrew has a BFA in Performance with a minor in Shakespeare Studies from Southern Oregon University and studied at IO Improv in Chicago. 
Dor Cosby Atkinson is a professional director, kidlit writer, and teaching artist who loves working with young people to help them develop their craft. Specializing in socially-conscious and physical theatre, she has worked in San Jose, San Francisco, Seattle, Santa Cruz, and New York. She was Artistic Director of Edge Theatre Ensemble in Seattle from 2001-2008 and Turning Bone Theatre in Santa Cruz from 2012-2014. She teaches at UC Santa Cruz and Ohlone College as well as One Stage Theatre and ShakesEDU with SCS. She has her BA in Theatre Arts from UC Santa Cruz (’99) and MFA in Directing & Public Dialogue from Virginia Tech (’11).
SPRING BREAK - SHAKES SCENES!
April 6 - April 10, 2026; M-F 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Performance: April 11
Location: Veterans Memorial Building
846 Front Street, Santa Cruz
Ages 6 - 11 — $595
Ages 11 - 17 — $695
In Shakes Scenes young actors will dive into the drama, comedy, and magic of Shakespeare’s plays. Over five exciting days, students will explore Shakespeare’s language through fun theatre games, character work, and scene study, all while building confidence, teamwork, and stage skills.
Liam Kuhn is a Teaching Artist from Santa Cruz who specializes in education. He's worked on student producrions with ages ranging 6-18 and has worked with a number of production companies and schools in the area. He has a relaxed and patient method of teaching, and is good at getting more reserved students out of their shells. He loves to play theater games, and is a big fan of Shakespeare and coaching students in a more dramatic direction. Liam has worked for several years with Santa Cruz Shakespeare, and is excited to work with the Education department
After enrolling using the button above, please return here and fill out the Google contact form at https://forms.gle/vWNPCm5JS72n1L2F8 to complete the process of enrollment.
SUMMER CAMP 1 - COURAGEOUS CREATIVES
June 22 - June 26, 2026; M-F 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Pick-up at 5pm for an additional fee)
Performance: June 27
Location: Veterans Memorial Building
846 Front Street, Santa Cruz
Ages 10 - 17 — $595
Calling all young creators with something to say!
Do you and your friends care about current events, climate change, or issues shaping your community? This week-long theatre camp invites you to turn your ideas into action through creativity, collaboration, and performance.
Through theatre games, community-based storytelling, and dynamic styles like Newspaper Theatre, participants will explore how the stage can amplify real voices and real stories. Together, we’ll create original short works and share them with a live audience at the end of the week!
Choose your creative path:
- Performance & Writing Track — Step into the spotlight as an actor, playwright, or storyteller. Develop characters, write scenes, and bring powerful new pieces to life onstage.
- Tech & Stage Management Track — Prefer working behind the scenes? Learn the essentials of stage management, design, and theatrical technology while helping shape how each performance looks, sounds, and runs.
Whether you’re brand new to theatre or already love the stage, this camp is a welcoming space to discover your creative voice, collaborate with others, and make theatre that matters.
Let’s create something new together!
This camp features the opportunity for masterclasses with our professional company!
After enrolling using the button above, please return here and fill out this Google contact form to complete the process of enrollment.
SUMMER CAMP 2 - MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
July 6 - July 10, 2026; M-F 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Pick-up at 5pm for an additional fee)
Performance: July 11 @ The Grove
Location: Veterans Memorial Building
846 Front Street, Santa Cruz
Ages 6 - 11 — $595
Ages 11 - 17 — $695
Step into the sparkling world of Much Ado About Nothing, a witty adventure filled with clever pranks, secrets, and unforgettable characters! In this lively comedy, young performers explore themes of friendship, misunderstandings, honesty, and the courage to speak from the heart. Will you be the quick-tongued Beatrice, the charming Benedick, or the noble Hero?
Sharpen your artistic talents through acting, movement, voice, and character development as you bring this joyful story to life. Build confidence, collaborate with new friends, and discover the power of teamwork as you prepare and perform this delightful production!
This camp features the opportunity for masterclasses with our professional company and the chance to perform on the Grove stage!
After enrolling using the button above, please return here and fill out this Google contact form to complete the process of enrollment.
SUMMER CAMP 3 -GREEK CLASSICS
July 13 - July 17, 2026; M-F 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Pick-up at 5pm for an additional fee)
Performance: July 19 @ The Grove
Location: Veterans Memorial Building
846 Front Street, Santa Cruz
Ages 6 - 11 — $595
Ages 11 - 17 — $695
Calling all heroes! Step into the epic world of Ancient Greece — a land of daring heroes, powerful gods, and legendary adventures! From dramatic battles to clever disguises and larger-than-life characters, young performers will explore timeless themes of bravery, loyalty, friendship, and destiny.
Develop your artistic skills through acting, movement, voice, and storytelling inspired by classical theatre traditions. Build confidence, strengthen teamwork, and unleash your imagination as you bring these legendary tales to life in an unforgettable performance!
This camp features the opportunity for masterclasses with our professional company and the chance to perform on the Grove stage!
After enrolling using the button above, please return here and fill out this Google contact form to complete the process of enrollment.
The following classes are held throughout the year. Get on our education mailing list to be notified when these classes are offered next by sending a note to: education@santacruzshakespeare.org
SHAKESCHOOL
For teachers
A professional development workshop to equip teachers with practical tools for bringing Shakespeare's works to life in the classroom. Continuing education credit is available through the University of the Pacific.
Rebecca Haley Clark is the Director of Education at Santa Cruz Shakespeare. She received her undergraduate degree in Drama and Comparative Ethnic Studies at Columbia University, and is currently finishing her Masters of Fine Arts of Classical and Contemporary Text - Directing at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She also completed a Fulbright research grant to study Shakespeare and race studies in Rio de Janeiro. She continues to work within the intersection of social justice, education, and the performing arts. 
BUDDING BARDS
Calling all young poets and storytellers! Sharpen your writing skills and bring your creative vision to life in verse, monologues, scenes, or a short story. Be included in SCS’s youth publication The Quill.
For ages 10-17
BUST A RHYME
Unlock the power of rhythm and flow—hip-hop style. Learn how to use beat, meter, and rhyme to craft bars and express yourself! From the roots of Shakespeare to the fire of Kendrick, it’s all about owning your voice.
IMPROV: Foundations
Ages 6 – 11
Ages 11 – 17
In this energetic improv workshop, students will explore beginning improvisation through the lens of Shakespeare’s worlds and characters. Using fun, fast-paced games and exercises, young actors will develop quick thinking, creativity, and confidence on stage.
IMPROV: Scene and Character
Ages 6 - 11 — $295
Ages 11 - 17 — $295
Take your improv to the next level! In this workshop, students will build on their foundational skills as they dive deeper into Shakespearean worlds, exploring richer characters, more complex scene work, and advanced improvisation techniques. Through engaging games and collaborative exercises, young actors will expand their creativity, sharpen storytelling instincts, and strengthen confidence and teamwork on stage.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Because camps require advance planning for staffing and materials we use the following refund policy:
- Cancellations made 30 days or more before the start of camp will receive a refund minus a 10% administrative fee to cover registration and processing costs (maximum $75).
- Cancellations made within 30 days of camp are not eligible for refunds.
- We are unable to provide refunds or credits for missed camp days due to scheduling conflicts, vacations, or personal reasons.
- If a student becomes ill or experiences an unexpected emergency, please contact us. Camp credit or a partial refund may be offered on a case-by-case basis.
- If we cancel a camp session, families will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to another session.
Join the Excitement at Santa Cruz Shakespeare!
SCS Members enjoy early access to tickets, exclusive discounts, and other great perks!
