By Sophie Miller
The Hamptons Shakespeare Festival has announced its first-ever virtual program, Camp Shakespeare Online. This summer’s unique edition will incorporate the activities for which Camp Shakespeare has been known for more than 20 years — acting, theater games, improvisation, movement, voice, and theatrical arts and crafts — led by trained educators in an atmosphere of discovery and cooperation.
“I’m excited to see what new possibilities come from presenting a program we’ve run for decades in this new way. I think Shakespeare himself would be the first to log in!” said David M. Brandenburg, the festival’s artistic director.
The Hamptons Shakespeare Festival, a nonprofit organization, has provided cultural and educational programs on the East End since 1996. Its free outdoor productions, tailored to showcase scenic sites in places such as Montauk, have been seen by tens of thousands of people and families. Many children from Montauk to Manhattan have enrolled in its programs over the years.
While spending summers in the Hamptons away from New York City, Noah Miller, 11, has enjoyed Camp Shakespeare for the past two years and says he looks forward to experiencing his third. “The counselors teach throughout the week that a classical play can be a joy to learn and perform, through games and connections with other campers,” Noah said.
Creative games teach aspects of theater such as voice projection, movement, and dance, and the campers often play a one-on-one game where they can practice their best fall after “death.” Camp instructors plan to adopt best practices in distance education to make sure students feel part of a connected, playful, fully immersive community.
The camp will take place Aug. 10 to 14 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and is for kids and teens ages eight to 15. Tuition is $175, and financial aid is available. Pre-registration is required at hamptons-shakespeare.org/camp. Mr. Brandenburg can be reached for more information by email at [email protected] or [email protected], or by phone at 631-267-0105.
