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MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Stratford Festival offers year-round programming in which young people can learn collaboratively and experientially alongside their peers.

Our overnight Theatre Arts Camp has been running for more than 25 years. Unique in North America, we aim to provide an unparalleled, immersive learning experience here in Stratford. With a focus on process and taught by professional theatre artists, participants enjoy a variety of classes, workshops, discussion, rehearsal and theatre-going.

2026 sessions include: Musical Theatre, Shakespeare, Backstage & Design and Playwriting.

“This camp was one of the best experiences of my life.” (George Crosby, Musical Theatre)

“This was the most incredible week of my life, I learned so much about theatre. It gave me a new confidence in my ability to build a future and career.” (Shams Al-Haddad, Theatre Production)


Past participants report that our camps helped to increase their self-confidence, further develop their skills as theatre artists and allowed them to build long-lasting friendships. 


All are welcome. Space is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration closes June 1, but many sessions sell out early.

All meals, performance tickets and accommodation are included in the session price. Week-long camps include a ticket to four Festival performances and two-week camps include a ticket to eight. All camps culminate in a short performance or sharing of work-in-progress by the participants.

Full and partial financial assistance is available for participants who require it. Financial assistance includes support for camp fees as well as travel costs to and from Stratford, Ontario.

To apply, complete the short Financial Assistance Application form at the link below before registering for the program. We will then contact you with details on how to proceed with the program registration. All financial assistance requests are held in confidence.

Application for Financial Assistance

If you have any questions before or during the process, please don’t hesitate to contact us by email educate@stratfordfestival.ca or phone at 519.271.4040 x2293.

Financial assistance for the Stratford Festival Theatre Arts Camps generously provided by The Nancy and George Taylor Theatre Arts Camp Financial Assistance Program.

OVERNIGHT SUMMER SESSIONS

Shakespeare Focus: July 5 to 11

Our Grades 7 and 8 Shakespeare Focus camps provide a dynamic exploration of Shakespeare for young artists interested in learning classical theatre from an actor's perspective. Through creative voice work, text exploration as well as character and scene study, participants discover why Shakespeare's plays still captivate audiences today.

Cost: $2,100 + tax
Early-bird price until February 10: $1,950 + tax

Registration opens January 12

 

Information Sheet

 

Musical Theatre Focus: July 12 to 18       
Our Grades 7 and 8 Musical Theatre Focus camps provide young artists with the opportunity to practically explore the musical theatre canon from its historical beginnings to contemporary hits. Through guided exercises, specialized workshops and dynamic rehearsals, participants focus on voice, dance and performance as they stage some of the genre's greatest songs.

Cost: $2,300 + tax
Early-bird price until February 10: 2,150 + tax

Registration opens January 12

 

Information Sheet

 

Shakespeare Intensive: July 5 to 18       
Our Grades 9-12 Shakespeare Intensive camps provide young artists with a more rigorous, practical exploration of Shakespeare from an actor's perspective. Building on the foundations of classical theatre performance with an emphasis on developing performance skills through voice and text, participants will take part in specialized workshops as well as individual and ensemble-based exercises. Through guided rehearsals, young thespians stage their own reimagined adaptation of one of Shakespeare's classics.

Cost: $3,300 + tax
Early-bird price until February 10: $3,100 + tax

Registration opens January 12

 

Information Sheet

 

Musical Theatre Intensive: July 19 to August 1    
Our Grades 9-12 Musical Theatre Intensive camps provide young artists with a more rigorous exploration and deeper understanding of the musical theatre genre. Through individual and ensemble-based exercises, specialized workshops, coaching and dynamic rehearsals, participants focus on voice, dance and performance as they stage some of the greatest songs in the musical theatre canon.

Cost: $3,600 + tax
Early-bird price until February 10: $3,400 + tax

Registration opens January 12

 

Information Sheet

 

Backstage & Design: July 19 to 25

Our Grades 8-12 Backstage & Design camps provide young artists with an in-depth exploration of what goes on behind-the-scenes with an emphasis on hands-on learning. Through experiential learning and mentorship with professionals working at the Stratford Festival, participants explore the breadth of theatre production including: design, stage management, carpentry and scenic artistry, set and props, costume, lighting, sound and automation.

Cost: $2,300 + tax
Early-bird price until February 10: $2,150 + tax

Registration opens January 12

 

Information Sheet

 

Playwriting Intensive: July 26 to August 1

Our Grades 8-12 Playwriting Intensive camps support budding playwrights in developing their own creative voice. Young artists experiment with different writing styles and genres through dedicated independent writing time, 1:1 dramaturgy and ensemble-based creative writing exercises. With the goal of bringing a short, original script from page to stage, the camp culminates with rehearsal and a staged reading of their short piece performed by Stratford Festival actors.

Cost: $2,100 + tax
Early-bird price to February 10: $1,950 + tax

Registration opens January 12

 

Information Sheet

 

RISE UP: AN IBPOC YOUTH MENTORSHIP ENSEMBLE  

Thank you for your interest in RISE UP: An IBPOC Youth Mentorship Ensemble! If you have questions or would like more information, please reach out to us at educate@stratfordfestival.ca.

Application Information
Applications for this program will open on January 12.
Applications are due February 14.
Space is limited.

This mentorship program brings together young IBPOC students ages 14-18 with professional IBPOC artists working in various areas within theatre.

Program dates for the 2026 program are listed below. The one-hour mentorship meetings will take place at a mutually agreed-upon time between each mentor and participant pair. The spring meeting will take place virtually, via Zoom, and the summer meeting will take place in person, during the Theatre Arts Camp.

2026 Program Dates and Information
February 14, 2026: Applications Due
March 14, 2026: Program Acceptances Emailed
March 21, 2026: Deadline for Participants to Accept Offer of Participation
April 13, 2026, 7-8 p.m.: Virtual Welcome Meeting (Zoom)
May 9, 2026, 12-6 p.m.: Opening Retreat at the Stratford Festival including tickets to Guys and Dolls. (We offer a travel stipend of up to $180 to cover mileage or a round-trip ticket on the Stratford Direct Bus between Toronto and Stratford).
June 2026: Virtual Mentorship Meeting (Zoom) with date/time TBC based on mentor/participant availability
July 2026: Theatre Arts Camp at the Stratford Festival

This year, a key part of the program is full participation in our summer Theatre Arts Camp. Participants may choose one of the following options: Backstage & Design, Playwriting, Musical Theatre Intensive, or Shakespeare Intensive. Each camp experience includes tickets to performances, shared meals and active workshops taught by professionals in the industry. During their time at the Theatre Arts Camp, participants will also meet once in person with their paired mentor.

Full and partial financial assistance is available for our Theatre Arts Camp for participants who require it. Financial assistance includes support for camp fees as well as travel costs to and from Stratford, Ontario.