Search Results

Parent Portal Welcome to the spot with ALL THE INFO! Hopefully all your questions about upcoming performances, camps, and events can be answered here. We are thrilled to partner with you and your child in bringing these wonderful productions to life. Families are the heart of our community and at the center of our program. We all know putting on high quality and family-friendly productions requires huge effort, and we could not do it without your support! In order to bring these great productions to our community, a parent (or other adult 18 or over) must serve on at least one or more of the committees during the production season. The committees and their responsiblities are listed below. Parents are also required to attend two mandatory parent meetings during the production season. Please also make sure that your child arrives and is picked up from all rehearsals on time. December 2, 2025 at 8p.m. Mumford Home (12110 Pinelands Park Ln., Humble) January 20, 2026 at 8 p.m. Mumford Home (12110 Pinelands Park Ln., Humble) Macbeth Main Page Audition information Everyone auditioning for Macbeth needs to participate in an Acting Audition and a Dance Audition. There are two slots: 5-7 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. You will need to prepare audition material (included in the Production Packet). Dance and Singing Auditions: The optional Singing and the required Dance Auditions take place from 6-7 p.m. We need everyone to participate in the dance audition. You do NOT need to prepare anything; we will teach you a short sequence as a group. There are a few singing parts in the show. If you are interested in singing, please prepare the song included in the Production Packet. We encourage all girls to audition, as some of the main and ensemble parts require singing. Audition Material: Please prepare the two monologues included in the Production Packet. For the Singing Audition, please prepare the song provided in the Production Packet. Production Packet: Please review the Production Packet and bring the signed page 8 to auditions. rehearsal schedule & conflicts Rehearsals will be held at a few locations. They are noted in the rehearsal schedule. ES: 12521 Will Clayton Pkwy., Humble SW: 14350 N Sam Houston Pkwy E., Houston ATA: 19618 Atasca Oaks. Dr, Atascocita Please list all your conflicts, directly on this digital sheet. It is crucial actors and crew attend rehearsals ; if you miss a rehearsal for a reason other than an emergency you may be dismissed from the show. Please look over the schedule carefully before you commit. On the schedule, list ALL conflicts you have for each rehearsal–those which can’t possibly be helped (Example: Nov. 16: No Lucy (piano) FLEX ). Please proactively check ALL sports, extracurricular, work and social calendars and coaches and teachers, etc. Please make a note if a conflict is flexible. Once cast, we’ll give more details about when each character is required at rehearsal. Some characters will not be required at every rehearsal; we will let you know as soon as possible any changes to the detailed schedule. Other Notable Dates November 14, 2025: Production fee due January 3, 2026: Actor Headshots Rehearsal Schedule COSTUMES, MAKEUP & HAIR Costumes will be provided for each character. Actors may need to provide their own footwear if it is a style they already own or can borrow. Stage makeup is required for every actor. Bright lights and distance blur facial features, and stage makeup defines them. We will coach actors on proper techniques, but each actor is responsible for their own makeup application. Hairstyles. We ask the cast to NOT cut/change their hair between their audition and the show performances, before consulting with the directors. With a period production, hairstyles are very important in creating the proper ambiance. We want everyone to look and feel attractive and confident. We will teach, coach, and provide materials to learn about the period-appropriate hairstyles. Actors are responsible for doing their own hair. production fee The actors' production fee is $100, crew fees are $50, and singers/drummer (who do not also have an acting part) are $50. This is due November 14, before the First Read-through. We want everyone who desires to audition to be able to participate. If the show production fee presents a hardship, please let us know. ticket prices FREE! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has wonderfully lent their facilities for our production, and they don’t allow ticket or concession sales. parent responsiblities Each family will be required to have at least one parent (or other adult 18 or over) on a committee. Please see the Production Committees below and fill out the six questions on your child’s audition form. production committees All the jobs and responsibilities for each committee are listed below. Every committee will have a lead and their own team of parent volunteers. Each committee lead will work with one of the directors. While we do not require families with multiple children participating to sign up for more than one committee, we do encourage it. COMMITTEES Costumes: Costumes, completed by February 24, 2026 Size/fit each actor and actress to their specific character/characters Make/purchase costumes (if you know how to sew, we want you!) Make/purchase jewelry and footwear for each character Make sure each costume piece is bagged and tagged for dress rehearsal and performances Work within the budget Keep track of all expenses and turn in receipts for reimbursements Make arrangements backstage to ensure each costume piece goes on the specific character during the specific scene it’s designed for. Arrange clothing racks for both dressing rooms and quick-changing rooms Make sure each kid has a robe/cover for wearing over costumes while eating and not on stage (they can bring their own, but make sure they have one) Clean and care for the the costumes Sets: Work with the Stage Manager and stage crew. Build or hire someone to build specific set pieces Find or purchase set pieces Store and maintain set pieces Bring/arrange set pieces to be brought to dress/tech rehearsals and performances Set up and take down set pieces Bring/Arrange set pieces to be brought to dress/tech rehearsals and performances Set up and take down set pieces Work within the budget Keep track of all expenses and turn in receipts for reimbursements Risers: Transport the stage risers from Atascocita church bldg. once ( 19618 Atasca Oaks Dr., Atascocita to the Eagle Springs Building, 12521 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble. Return the stage risers from the Eagle Springs church bldg. to the Atascocita church bldg. once. Find trucks to transport or rent a Uhaul. Set up risers for performance days as well as for some rehearsal days (once we transport them to the SW building we can leave them there. When you set them up, you will not need to transport them again. Props: Borrow or purchase props needed for the show Store props Bring and set up props backstage for rehearsals and performances Label props Make sure that no one touches the props backstage and that they are used properly at all times. Make sure all correct props get taken on stage at the correct time during a performance. Make sure any borrowed props get returned to their owner at the end of the performances Work within the budget Keep track of all expenses and turn in receipts for reimbursements Advertising: Manage all advertising for the show: Print and distribute posters and fliers with the show info to local schools and companies Advertise on social media, including creating pictures, videos, or reels to advertise on All The World’s A Stage socials* Work within the budget Keep track of all expenses and turn in receipts for reimbursements Program: Print and fold programs for 3 performances (about 200 programs) Work within the budget Keep track of all expenses and turn in receipts for reimbursements Upload program as JPEG so Eva can add it to the website as a digital program Music and Sound: Find/create music for specific scenes, transitions, before the performance, intermission and after the performance. Find, store, set up and take down music and sound equipment used for rehearsals and performances Run the music and sound during the tech week rehearsals and performances. Work within the budget Keep track of all expenses and turn in receipts for reimbursements Find, store, set up and take down music and sound equipment used for rehearsals and performances Find sound effects, and cue and play sound effects during rehearsals and performances Lighting: Cue and manage lights according to script during rehearsals and performances Find/buy lights, cords, power strips, etc necessary for the rehearsals and performances Store, bring, set up and take down lights and any other equipment needed for lighting for rehearsals and performances Photography and Videography: Take headshots of each of the actors on Saturday, January 3 and/or 10, 2026 Take photos during the dress rehearsal on Friday, February 27 from 5-10 p.m. and Thursday, March 5. 5:30-10 p.m. Send the headshots and rehearsal photos to the program designer Video the performance T-shirts: Collect T-shirt sizes (they should be available from the audition forms) Design* and purchase T-shirts for the play for all actors, directors, and crew of the play. Hand out T-shirts to everyone Work within the budget Keep track of all expenses and turn in receipts for reimbursement Backstage (Stage Manager) and Green Room: Be in charge of following the script backstage, cueing curtains, cueing lights, cueing green room, cueing entrances. Find and create a backstage crew to move set pieces when needed during the show (Kids will sign up in the audition process, and we will put you in touch with them.) Designate a person to be in charge of opening and closing curtains Designate a person to follow along in the script and do the lights when cued in the script Keep the actors in the green room and follow along in the script, listening for stage management cues for actors to go backstage. Runner, to be in the hallway and make sure all the actors are quiet backstage, look good before they go on, and have all the props they need. Hair and Makeup: Plan different styles of makeup and hair for every scene and every character Purchase/ borrow hair accessories and makeup for performances for all characters Bring all hair and makeup to dress rehearsals and performances Do or designate a crew for doing all the hair and makeup of all characters for dress rehearsal and performances Work within the budget Keep track of all expenses and turn in receipts for reimbursements Hospitality: Get snacks for backstage (crowd sourced or reimbursed) Provide dinner in between shows on Saturday performances (crowd sourced or reimbursed) Arrange a crew to… Set up and take down chairs for each performance Sweep floor and clean up any trash before and after each performance Arrange for ushers to hand out programs and help people find seats for each performance Design* and decorate the theatre and lobby

Masquerade! Summer 2026 Mistaken identity, deception, disguise, Appearance, facade, a sudden surprise! Secret romance, illusive charade, Anything goes in this grand MASQUERADE! Join us this summer as we explore how Shakespeare uses disguises to explore romance, escape societies’ expectations, or disguise treachery. More Info Shakespeare Camp SCHOLARSHIPS Shakespeare Camp Scholarship Program We’re excited to offer the se scholarships to third-year+ Shakespeare Camp alumni enrolled in the 2026 camp t o provide opportunities for accelerated growth in directing, teaching, and leadership. Scholarships Shakespeare Camp extra challenges For those summer campers looking for more Shakespeare learning on their own, we have provided several fun, optional challenges. Finish by camp to earn a prize! Challenges Shakespeare Camp challenges thou art the quintessence of knowledge! Fun Fact! Campers who complete all four summer camps will have learned about all 38 of Shakespeare's plays. Masquerade! 2026 We discuss how Shakespeare often used masquerades and disguises in his works as a way to help characters step out of their roles and explore emotionally. Let's Dream! 2025 Theatre allows actors and audiences to dream and escape reality. We explore how Shakespeare's mastery of word play and imagery sends us on a journey. wanderings 2024 “In this wide and universal theater” Shakespeare brilliantly crafts characters-- whether milkmaid or merchant, soldier or senator, cook or king—who help us understand our common humanity. We discuss the connections we all share and learn how “one touch of nature makes the whole world kin!” The Play's The Thing 2023 Shakespeare is a master of the theater and especially a play within a play. We delve into Theatre as a Metaphor and really focus on how all the world's a stage!

A Midsummer Night's Dream It’s 1942 in Athens, Illinois. The U.S has just entered the Second World War, and many couples are rushing to marry before serving their country. Mayor Theseus and beauty queen Hippolyta plan to marry within four days. Lysander and Hermia elope to the forest to avoid Hermia’s unsympathetic father. Demetrius runs after them in hopes of stealing Hermia’s heart away from Lysander. The distraught but ever loyal Helena pursues Demetrius, hoping to win her former beau back. Meanwhile a group of terrible actors heads to the forest to rehearse a play for the mayor’s wedding day. But the forest is a busy place! Fairy royalty Oberon and Titania are in a horrible fight, and Oberon’s plan to get back at Titania goes hilariously awry. With a little help from the mischievous Puck, soon the forest is abuzz —everyone seems to have an unlikely new love interest and the actors have lost their lead player! What will become of this mischief on a midsummer’s night?

The Play's The Thing June 19-23, 2023* Shakespeare is a master of the theater and especially a play within a play. During The Play's The Thing Camp we delve i nto Theatre as a Metaphor and really focus on how all the world's a stage! Camp is packed full of exciting, interactive workshops, including: Essential Theater Performance Skills Shakespeare’s brilliant language, themes, and plays Immersion into Four Greatest Works: Love’s Labour’s Lost The Taming of the Shrew Hamlet Richard III Fight choreography International culinary experiences Hands-on Renaissance garb crafting “The Play’s the Thing” finale performance ...and so much more! *Shakespeare camp is more than just a week in the summer! Mark your calendars for two pre-camp events : Shakespeare’s Birthday Bash April 21, 2023 P arty like it’s 1564 as we celebrate at Will’s Birthday Bash and discuss The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood. The Shakespearean Festival May 5, 2023 Walk the streets of 1600s London and go backstage at the Globe Theatre. At-a-Glance Details Who : All Teens, ages 13-17 What : A Shakespeare Camp with a Friday evening performance When : June 19-23, 2023 Monday to Wednesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., then perfor mance at 7 p.m. (campers arrive at 6) Where : Mumford Home, 12110 Pinelands Park Ln., Humble TX Other Important dates (more info below): March 2 - Parent Meeting April 21 - Shakespeare’s Birthday May 5 - Shakespeare Festival mandatory Pre-Camp Events Parent Meeting: Thursday, March 2 from 8:30-9:30 p.m. at Jeri Wyn Mumford’s home. We will lay out the whole camp experience, discuss costumes, and answer any questions you may have. Shakespeare’s Birthday Bash – April 21, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Mumford Home. Let’s kick off camp as we party like it’s 1564 as we celebrate at Will’s Birthday Bash and discuss The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood. Shakespeare Festival –May 5, 5:30-9:30 p.m., Cultural Hall, 12521 Will Clayton Pkwy. Enjoy a night of intrigue and fun as you walk the streets of London and go backstage at the Globe Theater! Guests are $15 for materials. Camp Registration Dates and Costs Registration opens February 1 at 10 a.m.! $250.00 per person $20 Sibling discount! Payment is due within 24 hours of registration. Venmo @JeriWyn-Mumford and put "Shakespeare Camp" and your child's name in the description. Cancel before March 1 to receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation fee. Space is limited - make haste! Reserveth thou thy spot today! Waiting list available. Included with your payment: All the camp and pre-camp interactive workshops mentioned above All materials for costume accessories we will be handcrafting with the youth Binders for each youth and all printed materials (four 30-minute play scripts, workshop worksheets, etc.) Hot lunch provided daily (main dish, vegetables, fruit, starch) Camp T-shirt Materials You Will Need to Provide The Shakespeare Stealer at Shakespeare’s Birthday Bash on April 21. You can purchase it on Amazon or check it out at the library. Linked below. Costume : Each youth will need to provide their own costume for the Friday evening performance. We will give more information about this at the parent meeting, including ways to use materials on hand as well as where to purchase inexpensive costumes online. No tights required! Friday Evening Performance June 19, 2023 (students arrive at 6 p.m.) The culminating experience of the week will be the youths’ starring in “The Play’s the Thing: Select Performances from Shakespeare’s Greatest Works.” Families, friends, and the community are invited to attend. We have carefully selected wonderful, accessible scenes with Shakespeare’s original language; each scene is edited for length and will last 3-4 minutes. Participants will be given their scene script at least 1 month before the camp, and they will be required to completely memorize their parts before the first day of camp. At pre-camp we will teach fun memorization tricks and how to understand meaning, so all youth will be completely prepared to learn their parts. During camp we will teach all necessary acting techniques, providing daily one-on-one guidance, feedback, and time to practice their scenes. Camp Policies We are going to have a lot of fun at our camp, but we expect all youth to behave respectfully to other participants and adults. We will not tolerate bullying of any kind, destruction of personal property, crude language, or swearing. Our days will be packed with engaging activity, and, so everyone can get the most out of the experience, we also have a NO-CELL-PHONE POLICY: Your youth can either leave their phone at home or place it in a basket in the entryway upon arrival. If you need to reach your child you may contact any teacher and we will make sure your child can reach you if he or she needs to. If your child chooses to bring their phone we are not responsible for lost or damaged phones. Should your child violate any of our policies they may be asked to leave the camp, and no refund will be given. Additional Challenges (Optional) If campers would like to do fun, extra Shakespeare learning on their own, we have provided several optional challenges. Youth have between now and the Friday Performance date to complete their challenges. However, we will need to know by Friday, June 16 which projects they WILL HAVE completed by the last day of camp. They will need to pass each one off to a parent, and then the parent will email AllTheWorldsAStageTX@gmail.com with the specific challenges the child has completed. A certificate will be awarded to each student at the Friday evening performance, listing their completed challenges. Anyone who reads The Shakespeare Stealer AND completes at least 6 challenges will receive a SPECIAL prize. Challenges will be available March 2. Quick-Start Challenges: For those first-time campers who would like to feel more comfortable with the content in The Play’s The Thing, you may want to complete the 3 Quick-Start Challenges before camp. Each Challenge you complete will count toward the 6 needed for the Special Prize.

Pride & Prejudice A Teen Production Feb. 28 - Mar. 1, 2025 One of the most popular novels of the English language, Pride and Prejudice has been adapted for the stage in this delightful production, full of Austen’s satire, wit, and humor. Bring the whole family for an evening of regency whimsy and fall in love with Austen’s most beloved characters! Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a spirited young woman from a middle-class family, and the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy, a landowner, and their initial disdain for each other, as they navigate the social pressures of 19th-century England. . Through misunderstandings and self-reflection, both characters must overcome their pride and prejudice to eventually recognize their true feelings for each other, leading to a transformative journey of personal growth and love amidst societal expectations of marriage and social class. Watch the Performance Show Program Pride & Prejudice cast longbourn estate & relations Mr. Bennet: William Le Sueur Mrs. Bennet: Ellie Mumford Jane Bennet: Katelyn Hatch Elizabeth Bennet: Audrey Smith Mary Bennet: Carmen Brown Kitty Bennet: Ellie Armendariz Lydia Bennet: Jane Hatch Mrs. Philips: Fay Guglielmetti Mr. Gardiner: Eli Van Duker Mrs. Gardiner: Fay Guglielmetti Ms. Hill/Dancer: Cora Page Sarah: Heidi DiVall Thomas: Damon Brown Jonathon : Joshua Lindstrom LUCAS LODGE Sir William Lucas: Beckham Ririe Lady Lucas: Katie Riedel Charlotte: Violet Le Sueur Maria: Brittin Nuttall NETHERFIELD estate & relations Mr. Bingley: Cody Wharton Caroline Bingley: Madison Hatch Mr. Hurst: Dallin Dockstader Mrs. Hurst: Brielle Herbst Andrew: Isaac Horton pemberley HOUSEHOLD Mr. Darcy: Kaleb Ross Georgiana/Dancer: Anna Le Sueur Mrs. Reynolds/Dancer: Violet Le Sueur Colonel Fitzwilliam: Neil DiVall THE MILITIA Colonel Forster: Damon Brown Mrs. Forster: Heidi DiVall Captain Carter: Neil DiVall Mr. Denny: Eli Van Duker Mr. Wickham: Dallin Dockstader ROSINGS/HUNSFORD estate stage crew Lady Catherine de Bourgh: Katie Riedel Mr. Collins: Logan Fleck Gavin Dockstader Joshua Lindstrom Macey Miller Clara Riedel Juliana Camacho Isaac Horton

ABOUT US We are a group of women and moms with children in all stages of life. We all share a love for literature, theater, acting, and the genius William Shakespeare. We want to offer a variety of opportunities for teens to improve their acting skills, confidence, and creativity and come away with a great appreciation for the Bard in an uplifting environment. If you are looking for something different to stretch your teen while providing a blast and opportunities for building brain power and friendships you’ve come to the right place! With summer camps to full theater productions to travel opportunities, we offer a variety of engaging events to connect and grow! Contact Jeri Wyn Mumford Jeri Wyn fell in love with literature and drama as a child when her mom read stories to her and her siblings, doing all the voices! As she grew older she tried some dramatics on her own, singing and acting in musicals in high school and performing and touring with the Ballroom Dance Company at BYU, where she majored in English literature. After graduate school she taught at BYU and UVSC for many years, co-authoring an English reading/writing textbook and making language come alive for her students! For over a decade Jeri Wyn has led the Literary Girls Club for her daughters and their friends and headed a classics book group for herself and her friends, putting on several fun Shakespeare read-aloud nights throughout the years! She recently completed the Teaching Shakespeare course at the Utah Shakespeare Festival and has had a blast co-directing awesome youth in A Midsummer Night’s Dream , set in the 1940s, and Much Ado About Nothing , set in 1860s El Paso, Texas. Jeri Wyn loves hanging out with her husband and 3 girls, taking road trips, creating, and working with wonderful women on projects like these! About Me Sharlene hatch Sharlene first auditioned at the local community theater while in middle school and that sparked a lifelong love for theater arts! After that her love only grew as she danced and acted in plays like Oliver, Peter Pan, and The Princess and the Pea. Throughout her life she traveled with her mom to many cities to soak in all the Broadway shows. Later, she enjoyed an opportunity to be student director, learning and directing everything behind the scenes. In college she expanded her studies of the arts with many broadcasting, film and theater arts classes. Even though she eventually graduated with a degree in Geography, she continued attending plays and even acted in her last one in 2016. Since 2021, she has co-directed four Shakespeare summer camps complete with performances, and full productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Much Ado About Nothing . About Me Eva Armendariz Eva has loved drama since she was little and made her little brother wear tights and a leotard and be the Nutcracker to her Sugar Plum Fairy. Her love for Shakespeare really started in high school with A Midsummer Night’s Dream and its magic, wit, prose, and imagery. She starred in a few plays in high school and loved costuming and working the backstage crew. Eva graduated from BYU with a degree in Print Journalism and was an editor for the University’s Arts & Entertainment page and a lifestyle magazine writer. At BYU she also dabbled heavily in costume design, French, humanities, foreign film, clothing construction, and textiles. She co-directed the youth productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2022 and Much Ado About Nothing in 2023. She currently chases three children and when she can she sneaks in Broadway, good books, shows, new recipes, writing murder mystery parties, exploring the world, and lots of chocolate. About Me amy smith Amy loves teaching kids, performing, dancing, and Shakespeare. Anytime she can do any of these she is happy! What better place to be than Shakespeare camp? She has assisted in the two previous years of camp and they can't keep her away! Amy also has assisted as a dance coach on the 2023 Much Ado About Nothing and the 2025 Pride & Prejudice productions. At Utah Valley State College, she performed and competed on the UVSC Ballroom Touring Dance Team for four years. Amy now thoroughly enjoys teaching others how to dance and sharing that love and excitement with them. She is a mother to four kids, loves travelling, playing games, and taking long walks in nature. She is excited for another year of camp... let's dream! About Me

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our auditions, productions, camps, and more. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to help. are there age restrictions for productions and camp? We are so thrilled with anyone's love for Shakespeare and theater, currently our show scripts and curriculum are geared for actors and students ages 13 to 17. Sometimes we need younger actors and we'll advertise that. is there a production fee for participating in a show? why? Yes. Every actor/performer pays the same fee to help with production expenses. If you have more questions or concerns, please contact us. what should we expect from your shakespeare summer camp? Lots of fun! Check out the Summer Camp page for more details!

Let's Dream 2025 Camp Challenges Please follow the linked titles to complete the Google Form associated with each challenge. Challenges in blue denote Let's Dream-specific Challenges. the fine print If campers would like to do some fun Shakespeare learning on their own, we have provided several optional Challenges. Camp participants have between registration and the Friday Performance date (June 6, 2025) to complete their Challenges. However, we will need to know one week prior (May 30, 2025) which projects you WILL HAVE completed by the last day of camp. You will need to pass each one off to a parent or guardian, and then they will email AllTheWorldsAStageTX@gmail.com with the specific Challenges you have completed. A certificate will be awarded to each student at the Friday evening performance, listing their completed Challenges. Anyone who reads The Wednesday Wars AND completes at least 6 Challenges will receive a special prize. Please note : If you have already completed any of the Challenges for a previous camp, you are welcome to complete the Challenge again as long as you do it differently. For example, for the Memorize 15 Famous Quotes Challenge, the quotes or passages you memorize must be different from those you used earlier. quick-start CHALLENGES (Everyone is welcome to complete these first 3 Challenges*; we just recommend first-time campers start here.) *Categorize Shakespeare’s 38 Plays into Comedy, Tragedy, History: Given the titles of Shakespeare’s 38 plays, sort each into its own category without assistance: Comedy, Tragedy, and History. See a list of all the plays here . *Learn the Characteristics of Comedy, Tragedy, and History: Read all about the Characteristics of Comedy, Tragedy and History . Read The Tempest summary and identify 3 characteristics of Shakespeare’s comedies. Read A Midsummer Night’s Dream summary and identify 3 characteristics of Shakespeare’s comedies. Read the Macbeth summary and identify 3 characteristics of Shakespeare’s tragedies. Read the Henry IV, Part I summary (William Shakespeare Plays) and identify 3 characteristics of Shakespeare’s histories. *Watch 1 Full-length Shakespeare Play and Notice Basic Acting Aspects: Following are four basic acting and staging terms and their definitions. Learn each one, and then watch a full-length Shakespeare play (not a movie) live or online and observe each aspect below. Write up one thing you noticed about each aspect and how the actors’ use of this aspect made the play easier for you to understand and more enjoyable for you to watch. Basic Acting and Staging Terms and Definitions: Blocking : The placement and movement of figures on stage, especially for the purpose of telling a story Cheating Out : Turning your body towards the audience so that they can see your face and expressions Diction : The style of enunciation of words in speaking and singing Projection : The volume at which you speak (loud enough so all the audience can hear) How did the blocking contribute to the effectiveness of the play? Did the actors cheat out? How was it helpful? How was the diction of the performers? How did the clarity of speech (or not) contribute to your understanding of the play? How did the actors do at projecting? Were there any times you could not hear their voices? If so, what would you recommend for improvement? Read the Condensed Version of the Plays Discussed in The Wednesday Wars : The Merchant of Venice, The Tempest, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing . Write down what Holling learns from reading each play. Here are some acceptable books where you can read abridged versions. A Stage Full of Shakespeare Storie s The Shakespeare Stories Box Set 20 Shakespeare Children's Stories Tales from Shakespeare We prefer you read abridged version of the plays from one of the books above or something similar. However, if you do not access to one of these books, you may read the full online summary here: William Shakespeare Plays . Learn the Characters and Basic Plot of 4 Plays : Choose 4 of Shakespeare’s plays that are not included in this year’s camp. Learn the main characters’ names. Learn the basic story plot of each play. Summarize each in at least 5 sentences orally or in writing. Make a 3D Model of the Globe Theater: Research the Globe, and include at least the following in your model: Main Stage Upper Stage Inner Stage Flag Tiring House Galleries Open Yard Trapdoor Answer the following questions: Why do you think they designed the theater this way? If you were to design your own theater, how would you design it and why? Read a Summary of Each of Shakespeare’s “Romance” Plays : The Tempest, Pericles, Cymbeline, The Winter's Tale, and Two Noble Kinsmen. Identify the romance aspects and common themes in each of the plays. Read or Watch One Full-length “Romance” Play : The Tempest, Pericles, Cymbeline, The Winter's Tale, and Two Noble Kinsmen Summarize the play to a family member. Tell them a favorite scene and why. Share the theme of the play. Memorize a Famous Passage from a Shakespeare Play: Select a famous passage to memorize, at least 10-15 lines long, either from the passages we’re going to discuss in our camp or one of your own choosing and then do the following before reciting the passage to your parents: Give the title of the play and the background of the scene. Tell them who is speaking. Recite the passage without any assistance. When complete, fill out the Google form. Memorize 15 Famous Quotes from Shakespeare’s Plays : Several websites with Shakespeare quotes are given below, but you may find your quotes anywhere. No Sweat Shakespeare Parade.com Buzzfeed Brainy Quote Biography.com Please Note: A quote is a whole sentence or more. A phrase is a few words put together but not a quote. For example, “A rose by any other name” is a phrase because it is not a complete sentence. The quote which includes that phrase is “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” To pass off this challenge with a parent, do the following for each of the 15 quotes: Have your parent prompt you with a key word or two from your quote list. Recite each quote without assistance. Tell what play the quote is from and who is speaking. Tell the meaning of the quote. Read the Abridged Version of the Plays We Will Discuss in Camp: We are focusing on these four plays for the Let's Dream Camp: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest, Macbeth , and Henry IV Part I. Here are some great print sources: A Stage Full of Shakespeare Storie s The Shakespeare Stories Box Set 20 Shakespeare Children's Stories Tales from Shakespeare We prefer you read abridged versions of the plays from one of the books above or something similar. However, if you do not have access to one of these books, you may read the full online summary from this website: William Shakespeare Plays . If you want to wait until you receive your camp binder the week before camp, you may also read the summary there. Answer the following question in the Google Doc Form: What do two of the plays (or three, or all four) have in common? Why might we have chosen them to complement our “Let's Dream” focus this year? Just from reading the summary, what would you like to know more about one of the characters in each play? How do you think the plots of the plays might relate (or not) to today’s culture? Choreograph Stage Combat : Choreograph one of the following fight scenes. Write down the choreography and then perform it with a friend: A Midsummer Night’s Dream : Demetrius vs. Lysander, Act 3, Scene 2 A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Helena vs. Hermia, Act 3, Scene 2 Macbeth : Macbeth vs. Macduff, Act 5, Scene 8 Henry IV : Douglas vs. Blunt (disguised as King Henry), Act 5, Scene 3 Common Themes and Motifs : Read or watch one Shakespeare play and identify themes and motifs and what effect these have on the audience's understanding of the play. Write down three themes you see in the play and give examples of how each theme is exemplified. Write down 2 motifs you see Shakespeare (or the director) use in the play. Write down what effect the motifs have on the audience’s understanding of the play. Read or Watch a Full-length Shakespeare Play: After reading/watching the play, do the following: Summarize the play to a family member. Tell a favorite scene. Tell why you chose that scene. Share the theme of the play. Watch a Full-length Shakespeare Play, Focusing on Acting Techniques: Do the following: Watch for how the characters demonstrate emotion through their dialogue. Notice how the actors use vocal variety (loud vs. soft voice; fast vs. slow speaking, etc.). Pay attention to how the actors act when they are not saying anything (nonverbal acting). Make a list with 3 examples of each item you are watching for. Note: The play you watch for this Challenge must be different from the one you watch for the other Challenges.) William Shakespeare Interview: Pretend you are a journalist interviewing William Shakespeare. Write an article all about his life, his inspirations, his favorite play he wrote, how it is to work with the play company, how he feels about living in London, etc. Do a lot of research on Shakespeare’s life and times to discover how he may answer your questions. The article needs to be at least one typed page. Write a Page on the Shakespeare Character You Most Relate To: Describe the character and what play they are in. Include different facets of their character which make them fully rounded. What makes them interesting to you? Write at least ½ -typed page. Write a Shakespearean Sonnet: Compose your own sonnet. The rhyme scheme is abab cdcd, efef, gg. The rhythm is iambic pentameter: da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM. (If you need more direction, we will learn about sonnets during the camp.) How many lines are in a sonnet? What is the rhyme scheme? What meter is used? Write a Scene in Shakespeare’s Style, Using both Prose and Iambic Pentameter. Perform it for your Family. Shakespeare often uses different language to differentiate between social classes: Generally higher class characters use Iambic Pentameter while lower class characters use prose. Come up with a short scenario with at least two characters from a higher and a lower class. Then write a 3-page scene and depict these social differences in your scene by using iambic pentameter for the higher class and prose for the lower class. Find someone to perform your scene with you for your family or friends. After your performance, write a short half-page analysis.

Masquerade! 2026 Camp Challenges the fine print If youth would like to do some fun Shakespeare learning on their own, we have provided several optional challenges. Camp participants have between registration and the Shakespeare Camp Performance date to complete their challenges. However, we will need to know one week prior which projects you WILL HAVE completed by the last day of camp. Campers will need to pass each one off to a parent or guardian and then fill out the google form linked below with the specific challenges completed. A certificate will be awarded to each camper at the Friday evening performance, listing their completed challenges. Anyone who reads Shakespeare’s Secret AND completes at least 6 challenges will receive a SPECIAL prize. PLEASE NOTE: If you have already completed any of the general Challenges for a previous camp, you are welcome to complete the Challenge again as long as you do it differently. For example, for the Memorize 15 Famous Quotes Challenge, the quotes or passages you memorize and the plays you read or watch must be different from those you used earlier. Challenges in red are specific to Masquerade! Camp. quick-start CHALLENGES (Everyone is welcome to complete these first 3 Challenges*; we just recommend first-time campers start here.) 1. Categorize Shakespeare’s 38 Plays into Comedy, Tragedy, History: Given the titles of Shakespeare’s 38 plays, sort each into its own category without assistance: Comedy, Tragedy, and History. See a list of all the plays here . 2. Learn the Characteristics of Comedy, Tragedy, and History: Read all about the Characteristics of Comedy, Tragedy and History . Find summaries of each of the following plays here . Read Much Ado About Nothing summary and identify 3 characteristics of Shakespeare’s comedies. Read Twelfth Night summary and identify at least 3 characteristics of Shakespeare’s comedies. Read Romeo and Juliet summary and identify at least 3 characteristics of Shakespeare’s tragedies. Read Henry VIII summary and identify 3 characteristics of Shakespeare’s histories. 3. Watch 1 Full-length Shakespeare Play and Notice Basic Acting Aspects: Following are four basic acting and staging terms and their definitions. Learn each one, and then watch a full-length Shakespeare play (not a movie) live or online and observe each aspect below. Write up one thing you noticed about each aspect and how the actors’ use of this aspect made the play easier for you to understand and more enjoyable for you to watch. Basic Acting and Staging Terms and Definitions: Blocking : The placement and movement of figures on stage, especially for the purpose of telling a story Cheating Out : Turning your body towards the audience so that they can see your face and expressions Diction : The style of enunciation of words in speaking and singing Projection : The volume at which you speak (loud enough so all the audience can hear) How did the blocking contribute to the effectiveness of the play? Did the actors cheat out? How was it helpful? How was the diction of the performers? How did the clarity of speech (or not) contribute to your understanding of the play? How did the actors do at projecting? Were there any times you could not hear their voices? If so, what would you recommend for improvement? 4. Read the Abridged Version of the Plays We Will Discuss in Camp. We are focusing on these four plays for the Masquerade camp: Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, and Henry VIII We prefer you read abridged versions of the plays from one of the books above or something similar. However, if you do not have access to one of these books, you may read the full online summary from this website: William Shakespeare Plays . Finally, if you want to wait until you receive your camp binder the week before camp, you may also read the summary there. Here are some great print sources: A Stage Full of Shakespeare Storie s The Shakespeare Stories Box Set 20 Shakespeare Children's Stories Tales from Shakespeare What do two of the plays (or three, or all four) have in common? Why might we have chosen them to complement our “Let’s Dream” focus this year? Just from reading the summary, what would you like to know more about one of the characters in each play? How do you think the plots of the plays might relate (or not) to today’s culture? 5. Learn the Characters and Basic Plot of 4 Plays: Choose 4 of Shakespeare’s plays that are not included in this year’s camp. Learn the main characters’ names. Learn the basic story plot of each play. Summarize each in at least 5 sentences orally or in writing. 6. Make a 3D Model of the Globe Theater: Research the Globe, and include at least the following in your model: Main Stage Upper Stage Inner Stage Flag Tiring House Galleries Open Yard Trapdoor Answer the following questions: Why do you think they designed the theater this way? If you were to design your own theater, how would you design it and why? 7. Shakespeare’s Language Learn the meanings of the words/phrases on the first 2 pages of Understanding Shakespeare’s Language. Create a short story of your own (or use a common fairy or folk tale, such as “Cinderella”, “Little Red Ridinghood”, “Snow White”, “Jack and the Beanstalk, etc.) Use at least 15 of the words/phrases in your story. Entertain a family member by reading your story, using your best expression. 8. Memorize a Famous Passage from a Shakespeare Play: Select a famous passage to memorize, at least 10-15 lines long, either from the passages we’re going to discuss in our camp or one of your own choosing and then do the following before reciting the passage to your parents: Give the title of the play and the background of the scene. Tell them who is speaking. Recite the passage without any assistance. When complete, fill out the Google form. 9. Memorize 15 Famous Quotes from Shakespeare’s Plays: Several websites with Shakespeare quotes are given below, but you may find your quotes anywhere. No Sweat Shakespeare Parade.com Buzzfeed Brainy Quote Biography.com Please Note: A quote is a whole sentence or more. A phrase is a few words put together but not a quote. For example, “A rose by any other name” is a phrase because it is not a complete sentence. The quote which includes that phrase is “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” To pass off this challenge with a parent, do the following for each of the 15 quotes: Have your parent prompt you with a key word or two from your quote list. Recite each quote without assistance. Tell what play the quote is from and who is speaking. Tell the meaning of the quote. 10. Read a Summary of the Problem Plays: Read a summary of each of Shakespeare’s “Problem” Plays: All's Well that Ends Well, Measure for Measure, Troilus & Cressida, Timon of Athens, The Merchant of Venice Problem Play Characteristics: Plays which combine both elements of tragedy and comedy, not falling neatly into either category. For each play identify both the comedy and the tragedy characteristics. Explain why each play is characterized as a problem play. If you had to categorize each play as either a comedy or a tragedy, how would you categorize it and why? 11. Read or Watch One Problem Play: Read or watch at least one of Shakespeare’s “Problem” Plays: All's Well that Ends Well, Measure for Measure, Troilus & Cressida, Timon of Athens, The Merchant of Venice Summarize the play to a family member. Tell them a favorite scene and why. Share the theme of the play. 12. Stage Combat: Choreograph one of the following fight scenes. Write down the choreography, perform it with a friend, then answer the question below. Much Ado About Nothing: Benedick vs. Claudio, Act 5, scene 1; Twelfth Night : Sir Andrew vs. Viola (disguised as Cesario), Act 3, scene 4 Romeo and Juliet : Mercutio vs. Tybalt and Romeo vs. Tybalt, both Act 3, scene 1 How did it go? What techniques and props did you use? What would you do differently? 13. Read or Watch a Full-length Shakespeare Play: After reading/watching the play, do the following: Summarize the play to a family member. Tell a favorite scene. Tell why you chose that scene. Share the theme of the play. 14. Watch a Full-length Shakespeare Play, Focusing on Acting Techniques: Do the following: Watch for how the characters demonstrate emotion through their dialogue. Notice how the actors use vocal variety (loud vs. soft voice; fast vs. slow speaking, etc.). Pay attention to how the actors act when they are not saying anything (nonverbal acting). Make a list with 3 examples of each item you are watching for. Note: The play you watch for this Challenge must be different from the one you watch for the other Challenges.) 15. William Shakespeare Interview: Pretend you are a journalist interviewing William Shakespeare. Write an article all about his life, his inspirations, his favorite play he wrote, how it is to work with the play company, how he feels about living in London, etc. Do a lot of research on Shakespeare’s life and times to discover how he may answer your questions. The article needs to be at least one typed page. 16. Stage Design and Lighting: Choose one of the plays we are discussing in the Masquerade! Camp, imagining you had an unlimited budget, and choose what type of stage you’d prefer to perform on, design how the stage would look for two scenes, and include the lighting colors. You can either draw it on the included stage design work sheet or build a 3D diorama version out of a shoe box (only one scene). Write a paragraph about why you chose that particular design and lighting choices and what you hope the design will convey to the audience. 17. Shakespeare’s Monologues : HERE are 10 of Shakespeare’s most well-known monologues. Look through them and choose one to memorize. Perform the monologue for your family (giving them the background beforehand). How did you do? What is your favorite part of the monologue? 18. Masquerade in Shakespeare’s Plays : The plays we are learning about this camp all have a theme of masquerade: Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, Henry VIII . Choose one of the plays and write a couple of paragraphs on why Shakespeare incorporated the masquerade (or masked ball) into the story and what it contributes to the story. Decorate the attached mask t o fit one of the characters from the play you chose. 19. Write a Page on the Shakespeare Character You Most Relate To: Describe the character and what play they are in. Include different facets of their character which make them fully rounded. What makes them interesting to you? Write at least ½ -typed page. 20. Write a Shakespearean Sonnet: Compose your own sonnet. The rhyme scheme is abab cdcd, efef, gg. The rhythm is iambic pentameter: da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM. (If you need more direction, we will learn about sonnets during the camp.) How many lines are in a sonnet? What is the rhyme scheme? What meter is used? 21. Write a Scene in Shakespeare’s Style, Using both Prose and Iambic Pentameter. Perform it for your Family. Shakespeare often uses different language to differentiate between social classes: Generally higher class characters use Iambic Pentameter while lower class characters use prose. Come up with a short scenario with at least two characters from a higher and a lower class. Then write a 3-page scene and depict these social differences in your scene by using iambic pentameter for the higher class and prose for the lower class. Find someone to perform your scene with you for your family or friends. After your performance, write a short half-page analysis. Challenges Form

HOME

productions We love to bring Classics, including Shakespeare, to the people! We've been so proud of these young actors and their understanding and delivery of the wit and imagery. upcoming PERFORMANCE! March 6-7, 2026 More Info pride & Prejudice 2025 One of the most popular novels of the English language, Pride and Prejudice has been adapted for the stage in this delightful production, full of Austen’s satire, wit, humor, and regency whimsy! MORE INFO much ado about nothing 2023 In dusty 1800s El Paso, Texas, cattle ranchers rule the town. Cowboys returning from a long cattle drive bring more than longhorns home in this hilarious comedy full of trickery and romance. Will pure love survive scheming and jealousy? Will all be set to rights? Dust off your boots and come see if it’ll come to blows or if it’s all just much ado about nothing! MORE INFO A Midsummer Night's Dream 2022 Set on the home front in the 1940s, at the height of World War II, Shakespeare’s hilarious tale of how over hill and over dale “the course of true love never did run smooth”... but then it’s on to VICTORY! MORE INFO audition process We start with a large open audition where everyone interested may audition. We then hold rounds of call backs to see variations of actors together. During auditions, we watch for individual acting abilities, interpersonal acting, chemistry, etc.

Coming Up Next What's happening in our world... MACBETH March 6-7, 2026 Set in Scotland’s chilly air, where “fair is foul, and foul is fair,” Will great Macbeth rise or will he fail in Shakespeare’s spellbinding tale? All the Details! Masquerade! SUMMER CAMP 2025 REGISTRATION OPENS January 2026! Join us Summer 2026 as we explore how Shakespeare used masquerades and disguises to allow characters to explore, deceive, and excite! more info free performance! Join us for Masquerade! An Evening with the Bard scenes from shakespeare's greatest works the Finale Performance for the 2026 summer camp