Registration for Shakespeare & Company’s Riotous Youth summer theater programs for students ages 7* through 15 is now open for 2026. The one-, two-, and three-week sessions invite young actors to explore Shakespeare’s language, characters, and stories through imaginative, playful, and active theater-making.
Sessions run June 29 through August 14, offering participants the chance to build confidence, collaborate with peers, and bring Shakespeare’s worlds to life. For details on each session, including dates and tuition, visit shakespeare.org/education/riotous-youth.
2026 Riotous Youth sessions include:
One-week introductory session
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
August 10–14
Ages 7–12
“Through the forest I have gone…” Young actors explore the magical, mischievous world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in this fast-paced introduction to Shakespeare, where reality and illusion comically collide.
Two-week sessions
Ages 7–15
The Winter’s Tale
June 29–July 10
“Exit: pursued by a bear.” A jealous king’s choices plunge his kingdom into turmoil, sparking a journey of forgiveness, hope and healing — plus an unforgettable bear chase.
Twelfth Night
July 13–24
“If music be the food of love, play on!” After a shipwreck leaves her separated from her twin, Viola must find her way in a new land — navigating love, grief, pranks and the transformative power of music.
Hamlet
July 27–August 7
“Bloody, bawdy villain!” Following his father’s sudden death and his mother’s remarriage, Prince Hamlet faces a crisis of conscience when a ghostly visitor demands revenge.
Three-week advanced session
Riotous Company
July 27–August 14
For rising ninth – 12th-graders
Designed for experienced young actors, this advanced program may include ensemble building, voice, movement, clown, stage combat and acting. Participants will present selected Shakespeare scenes tailored to their strengths and interests.
Register for all sessions at shakespeare.org/education/riotous-youth, or contact Caitlin Kraft at ckraft@shakespeare.org or 413.637.1199 ext. 132 for more information.
*To participate in Riotous Youth, children should turn 7 by March 1, 2026.
About Shakespeare & Company
Shakespeare & Company was founded in 1978 by Tina Packer. Located in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, the company offers performance, education, and actor-training opportunities year-round, attracting more than 40,000 patrons annually with a core of more than 150 artists.
Photo Caption: Participants in Riotous Youth’s “Greatest Hits” Production of Romeo and Juliet, 2025. Photo by Four Wings Photography
