Theatricum Botanicum Will Host Summer Youth Shakespeare Camps in Topanga Canyon

Three Shakespeare drama camps for youth will come to Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. Camps offered include Young People's Camp for the littlest campers, ages 4 to 7; Youth Drama Camp, geared to kids ages 8 to 13; and a Teen Repertory Summer Intensive for high school students ages 14 to 18. Each takes place on the grounds of Theatricum's unique outdoor garden theater, a place of rich history and natural beauty, where campers are sure to create memories, friendships and skills to last a lifetime.

At Theatricum, the magic of Shakespeare meets the fun of summer camp. Guided by members of the professional repertory company, campers explore everything from stage combat and fencing to improv, voice, speech, dance and song, all while working towards a final performance of a Shakespeare play. Along the way, they'll develop important life skills such as collaboration, empathy and active listening, essential qualities both on stage and in everyday life.

Theatricum has been shaping young artists and community leaders through its summer camps since 1975. Many former campers have gone on to successful careers in theater and the arts, and some are now members of Theatricum's board of directors. This legacy of excellence continues today as the theater fosters the next generation of creatives and changemakers.

Young People's Camp, for ages 4 to 7, takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from July 20 through August 7. Tuition is $700.

Youth Drama Camp (ages 8 to 13) is offered in two sessions, each taking place five days a week, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Session 1 runs  from June 15 through June 26, with the culminating performance set for Saturday, June 27 (no camp on Friday, June 19); tuition is $975. Session 2 takes place from June 29 through July 17, with the culminating performance on Saturday, July 18 (no camp on Friday, July 3); tuition is $1395.

The Teen Repertory Summer Intensive (ages 14 to 18) runs Mondays through Fridays from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. from July 20 - August 7; tuition is $1395.

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum has a rich history dating back to the early 1950s when Will Geer, a victim of the McCarthy-era blacklist, opened a theater for blacklisted actors and folk singers on his Topanga property. Friends like Ford Rainey, Della Reese, Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie performed on the dirt stage, igniting both artistic expression and grassroots activism. Today, two outdoor amphitheaters sit within the natural canyon, offering audiences the chance to relax and enjoy nature during a performance. From May through October, Theatricum continues to be a haven for compassion, community and the wonders of nature. The theater is a beloved historical landmark and multiple award-winner, including the prestigious Margaret Harford Award for "sustained excellence" from the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle.

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290. For more information and to register, go to theatricum.com/education

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