SUMMER YOUNG COMPANY
Ages 15–22 | Audition May 10 | Performance September 6
Step into the spotlight with Shakespeare by the Sea’s Summer Young Company—a one-of-a-kind performance program for emerging artists and serious young actors. This isn’t just a summer acting intensive. It’s your chance to train with award-winning professionals, join a tight-knit ensemble, and experience the magic of Shakespeare like never before—unrehearsed, outdoors, and unforgettable.
✨ What Makes It Special?
The Summer Young Company is your backstage pass into the signature Unrehearsed Shakespeare performance style that Shakespeare by the Sea is known for. You’ll receive text coaching, ensemble building support, and professional mentorship—but when it comes time to hit the stage, the performance is totally unrehearsed. That’s right. No blocking. No scene work. Just you, your cast, your courage, and the Bard.
📅 Program Dates
-
Auditions: Saturday, May 10 (10-minute slot | Shakespeare monologue from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 8–20 lines)
-
First Read-Through: Thursday, June 5
-
Ensemble Building Sessions: June 26 & August 17
-
Costume Session: Sunday, July 27
-
Performance Coaching: One session you’ll book between July 29 – August 2
-
Line Run: Thursday, September 4
-
Final Show: Saturday, September 6 at 7pm at the Cambridge Battery, Point Pleasant Park
(Rain date: Sunday, September 7)
Plus: Field trips to see Robin Hood (Aug 10) and As You Like It (Aug 24) at Shakespeare by the Sea!
🧠 What You’ll Learn
-
Deep-dive Shakespeare text work
-
Ensemble building and collaboration
-
How to confidently perform in an unrehearsed setting
-
The joy of live, outdoor performance
👩🏫 Who You'll Work With
Led by Jade and Drew Douris-O’Hara—SBTS’s Artistic Associate and Associate Artistic Director—this program connects young performers directly with working professionals who are passionate about mentoring the next generation of classical actors.
🎟 Who Should Audition?
We’re looking for 15 talented, bold, and curious performers aged 15–22 who are ready to:
-
Challenge themselves
-
Embrace the ensemble
-
Explore the thrill of performing Shakespeare unrehearsed
Whether you’re in high school, studying theatre in university, or taking your first steps as an emerging artist—this program is designed to meet you where you are and help you grow.
Please prepare a short speech from A Midsummer Night's Dream, in verse, 8-20 lines long.
⏰ Time Commitment
Roughly 20 hours of in-studio time, plus the time you’ll spend on your own learning your lines. Studio sessions are spread across the summer, designed to allow you to balance work, other programs, or summer fun.
💵 Fees
The tuition for this program is $300 + HST.
Scholarships are available if the cost would be a barrier to your participation, please ensure that you fill out the scholarship application form in addition to your registration form. Both forms must be complete in order to process your registration.
📢 Ready to Audition?
Spots are limited—only 15 actors will be cast.
🎭 Auditions take place Saturday, May 10
📍 Location: SBTS Building (Point Pleasant Park)
🎤 Prepare a monologue from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (8–20 lines of verse)
Click below to book your audition slot and join us for a summer you’ll never forget.