Keeping myself busy this summer is not really hard to do. Most of my time is being spent in rehearsals for the two Shakespeare Summer Nights shows, “Richard III” and “Return to the Forbidden Planet.” These shows will be performed the third and fourth weekend of July, so if you’re interested in seeing a free Shakespeare show –  this is a great experience.

Two different theatre camps take place here at Gannon University at the same time as the shows. They’re really cool, and perfect for high school students — no matter your experience level.

The first week, coinciding with “Richard III,” is shakeXperience. It is a summer camp for high school students that runs July 11-16. You do not need to be a student interested in doing theatre as a career to attend; this week long program is for all who share a love for the performing arts and, of course, Shakespeare. Throughout the week you will work with Gannon students like myself and professors by attending workshops in performance, movement, history of Shakespeare and improvisation.

The following week, the same time as “Forbidden Planet,” will be a traditional theatre camp. From July 18-23, students will be able to see what we do here at GU and participate in theatre history, performance, directing and technical theatre classes. At the end of both weeks, participants in each camp one of the two Shakespeare Summer Nights shows and will also be a part of a showcase to show what they learned. There is a plethora of things happening through our theatre department that you should take a look into.

Think about the camps and continue to have a wonderful summer!

– Allison

Check out what Matt Kridel is up to with his summer in his blog The Sci-Guy.