Shakespeare for kids

A new summer day camp provides a fun way for young children to discover the art of theater and the works of William Shakespeare.

The Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival presents Will Power Summer Camp, with morning sessions for students entering first through third grade, and afternoon sessions for fourth through sixth grade. Sessions are available the week of June 18-22 and June 25-29 at the Performing Arts Center on Grand Valley’s Allendale Campus.

“Each session revolves around one of the Bard’s works as campers explore the process of drama through a variety of fun activities that expand their imagination,” said camp director Whitney Hershberger, a Grand Valley Theater alumna who is currently a MFA candidate at the Utah Shakespearean Festival.

Professional actors from Michigan’s own Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company will lead campers in an array of workshops from the language of Shakespeare to safe stage combat. Grand Valley theater and education students will also work as counselors and assist with teaching.

Campers will discover what goes into creating a play and fun activities that explore storytelling and theater vocabulary. The week ends with a showcase for friends and family to share what campers have accomplished during the week.

Camp prices begin at $100 per weeklong session, with discounts for additional campers or sessions. A limited number of need-based partial scholarships are available. For more details and a complete schedule, visit http://www.gvsu.edu/shakes, or contact Professor Karen Libman in the School of Communications at 331-3510, or by email to [email protected].