Orlando Shakespeare Theater Announces Summer 2014 Creative Arts Camps

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is excited to unveil its Creative Arts Camps for Summer 2014. With a selection of thirteen different camps running from June 10 - August 16, the Theater offers something for every age and level of experience. Each camp is taught by theater professionals, and designed to ignite the imagination, inspire creativity, and teach life skills. Space can be reserved by calling the Box Office at (407) 447-1700, online at www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in cultural Loch Haven Park.

Orlando Shakes' week-long summer camps offer short term solutions for the busy family. Little ones bring their favorite fairy tale characters to life through fun arts and crafts in Fairy Tale Puppet Theatre and Critter Mask Theatre. Grade level students learn basic acting and stage makeup techniques in Villains, and have fun with their friends Jack and Annie in Night of the New Magicians: A Magic Tree House Camp. High school students create their own cartoons using voice acting and animation skills in Camp Animation. Each week-long camp culminates in a final showcase in front of family and friends. Tuition for week-long camps starts at $190.

"From misunderstood villains to fairy tale puppets and back to the Bard himself, there is truly something for everyone this summer!" said Jennifer Bonner, Theater for Young Audiences Coordinator.

Orlando Shakes also offers production camps, which range from one to four-week sessions and focus on one of William Shakespeare's well-known plays including Much Ado About Nothing, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and Twelfth Night. Each production camp culminates in a performance for friends and family at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center. Tuition for production camps starts at $200.

Students Grades 7 - 12 have the unique opportunity to enroll in Shakespeare With Heart, a collaboration between UCP of Central Florida, the Exceptional Education Department of UCF, and the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Students with and without special needs work together over a two-week period to modernize Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. "We've set this dramedy about romance and money at Venice University, where cheerleaders and football players come to the rescue to make sure that love prevails!" said Director of Education Anne Hering. To register call the Education Department at 407-447-1700 ext. 208. Limited scholarships available.

2014 Creative Arts Camps are currently open for registration, with a 20% discount if registering more than one student from the same family. For detailed class descriptions, schedules, and frequently asked questions visit www.orlandoshakes.org/education. Call the Education Department at (407) 447-1700 ext. 254 for further information about summer camps and adult training.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of power2give.org/centralflorida, and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.