Join us for PSF’s brand new summer camps!
We offer a warm, high-energy environment where students from Kindergarten through 8th grade can explore the wonders of performance, storytelling, and creative play. From “Forest Magic” for our youngest players to “Mastering the Monologue” for our middle schoolers, every child will find their voice, spark joy, and build confidence in our studios.
Middle School: Young Shakespeare Ensemble
Young Shakespeare Ensemble welcomes 6th through 8th graders into a creative space where collaboration, imagination, and theatrical exploration take center stage. Through dynamic “rehearsals,” character development, movement, and voice work, campers will discover what makes Shakespeare’s stories resonate across centuries—and how to make them their own.
In the studio each day, “Young Shakespeare Ensemble” students will work together to develop their performance skills and build an ensemble. We encourage risk-taking in a supportive environment where trying something new is celebrated and every contribution strengthens the whole. Shakespeare’s wonderful characters and compelling stories offer the perfect opportunity for young actors to challenge themselves and grow.
DATES:
July 20–24, 9am–3pm. (Wednesday, July 22—pickup at 4:30 for Moriarty performance.)
$300 per week.
Register for Young Shakespeare Ensemble HERE
Included in your weekly camp rate: Young Ensemble members will attend a performance of Moriarty. At the end of camp, families are invited to our showcase—a chance to see the dedication, teamwork, and artistry your child is developing.
3rd—5th Grade: Junior Bards
Shakespeare’s stories of adventure, friendship, magic, and imagination are the perfect playground for young performers! This summer, we’re creating a space where young children can explore, play, and discover the magic of storytelling together—through the timeless works of William Shakespeare.
Our “Junior Bards” studio welcomes 3rd through 5th graders into a supportive environment where engaging activities, movement, music, crafts, and collaborative play will bring Shakespeare’s stories to life in ways that are age-appropriate, accessible, and designed just for them.
Each day, children will work together to create characters, tell stories, and discover how much fun it is to make theatre with friends.
DATES:
July 20–24, 9am–3pm.
$300 per week.
Register for Junior Bards HERE
Included in your weekly camp rate: Junior Bards will see the PA Shakespeare Festival’s children’s show (Shakespeare For Kids). At the end of the week, families are invited to our showcase to see what we’ve been working on—a chance for our young performers to share their accomplishments and for you to see how much they’ve grown.
K—2nd Grade: Shakespeare Sprouts
Our youngest actors discover the wonder of Shakespeare through play, imagination, and creative exploration! This three-day theatre camp introduces K – 2nd graders to the timeless stories of William Shakespeare in ways that spark joy and build confidence.
Each day, the “Sprouts” will journey into enchanted forests, royal castles, and fairy kingdoms through age-appropriate adaptations of beloved plays like As You Like It, Romeo and Juliet, or A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Our teaching artists guide campers through fun warm-ups, character exploration, and pretend play that focuses on imagination rather than memorization. Children will create simple props in our stagecraft corner, practice “big feelings” through Shakespearean emotions, and learn that fancy words can be fun to say!
DATES:
July 13–15, 9am–3pm.
Camp total per student: $150
Register for Shakespeare Sprouts HERE
Included in your camp rate: Shakespeare Sprouts will view the performance of Sheila the Magical! The camp culminates in an informal showcase for families where each child shines in a group performance. No experience is necessary, just curiosity and a love of make-believe!
DeSales University Summer Theatre Institute (DUSTI) at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
DeSales University and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival partner to offer a unique educational opportunity for the pre-college theatre student: students can study with a professional actor during the day and then see that professional onstage acting that night, practicing the craft that they teach. This isn’t just proximity, it’s actual engagement. Our promise to you is that the same high standards that have made the DeSales University Theatre program a regional leader and a recipient of national recognition for excellence will be in full force at DUSTI.
PROGRAM DATES
- Two-week program: July 20 – August 1, 2026
- One-week program: July 20 – July 25, 2026
Our Instructors
Our instructors are committed to fostering each student’s unique talents while building a strong sense of ensemble. Whether your student is an experienced performer or new to theatre, we meet them where they are and help them grow.
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More Information
Reach out to Director of Education and Community Engagement: Kim Carson
[email protected].