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This summer, a group of kids will arrive at an empty stage with a daunting task ahead of them: to put on a full-scale Shakespearean production in just five weeks. Many of these kids have never performed Shakespeare before, yet each year the magic of theater happens as part of the Calhoun Summer Shakespeare program. “The Summer Shakespeare program at The Calhoun School is as close to the summer stock experience as you’re likely to have in Manhattan,” says artistic director Bryan Grossbauer.

Calhoun Summer Shakespeare is a summer camp program for students ages 10-18 who are passionate about the performing arts. Under the artistic direction of seasoned directors John Regis and Bryan Grossbauer, the program takes young thespians through every aspect of a Shakespearean production — from casting to set building, costuming to performance — culminating in a final play during the fifth week of camp. This summer, the twelfth anniversary season, students will be producing The Taming of the Shrew.

When this summer’s cast arrives on set, only the play will have been decided. But when the curtain goes up for the first time, a transformation will have taken place. What was once an inexperienced group of kids will have become a troupe of players, performing Shakespeare at a high level. But this transformation goes beyond an improvement in drama skills. “I learned so much about Shakespeare and acting, and I’ve gained confidence in myself,” says Evelyn, a student in 8th grade. Lukas, a 6th grader, adds that “I grew as an actor. I explored how to be more dramatic and I found a new side of myself.”

Calhoun Summer Shakespeare will be held this summer from June 26—July 28, Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 3:30pm. The program is open to students from all schools. Visit www.calhoun.org/csscamp to learn more and register.