These fun and inspiring one-, two- and three-week summer theater programs introduce young actors* ages 7 to 17 to Shakespeare’s language, stories, characters, and themes using imaginative and playful methods.
Riotous Youth 2026
Registration Opens December 10!
Classes incorporating voice, movement, and acting enable participants to explore Shakespeare’s text emotionally, physically, and intellectually. On the final day of the session, participants create a performance piece based on their experience of the play, which they share with family, friends, and Company members.
One-week Introductory Session: Monday – Friday; August 10–14, 2026
For Ages 7–9* and 10–12
Two-week Sessions: Mondays – Fridays; from June 29 – August 7, 2026
For Ages 7–9*, 10-12, and 13-15
Session #1: June 29 – July 10
Session #2: July 13 – July 24
Session #3: July 27 – August 7
Riotous Company Three-week Advanced Session: Mondays – Fridays; July 27 – August 14, 2026
For Rising 9 –12 Graders
This program allows young actors to take the next step in their training. Actors who are heading into 9-12 grade and who have participated in Riotous Youth for at least two sessions, or have equivalent experience in other Shakespeare & Company Education Programs, are eligible to apply. Classes may include ensemble building, voice, movement, clown, fight, and acting. At the end of the three weeks, they will perform scenes chosen specifically for them from several Shakespeare’s plays.
*To participate in Riotous Youth, your child should turn 7 by March 1, 2026.
Hours & Location
Riotous Youth is held at Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA, both outdoors and indoors. The program runs from 9 am – 3 pm, Monday – Friday, with a final performance sharing mid-morning on the last day at the Rose Footprint Theatre.
Financial Aid
We are happy to extend an automatic 40% program discount to EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders. Additional financial assistance is available on a first-come-first-served basis, as available. Please submit our Financial Assistance Request Form, along with proof of income (i.e. the first page of your most recent tax return) to Caitlin Kraft, Riotous Youth Manager, at ckraft@shakespeare.org at the time of your registration.
Those seeking the EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare tuition discount should additionally email an image (PDF or JPEG) of their EBT/WIC/ConnectorCare card. Please feel free to let us know of any additional information about your current need that may not be reflected on the financial aid form.
Contact Information
Please contact Caitlin Kraft at ckraft@shakespeare.org,or call 413.637.1199 ext. 132 with any questions.
Our ability to provide financial assistance is made possible through generous contributions from friends of Shakespeare & Company Education. To make a donation to our Riotous Youth Scholarship Fund or to find other ways to support our Educational Programs, please reach out to our Development Office at 413.637.1199 ext. 105.
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