American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse
Private
The American Shakespeare Center Theatre Camp is a three-week residential Shakespeare intensive in Staunton for students ages 13-18 (rising 8th graders through rising college freshmen). Campers audition on their first full day, then rehearse with professional directors, train with ASC actors, and study with Mary Baldwin University faculty and visiting scholars, ending with a Final Performance Festival on the stage of the Blackfriars Playhouse, a recreation of Shakespeare's indoor theatre. Campers live in Mary Baldwin dorms, eat in the dining hall and attend ASC productions in the evenings; tuition covers lodging, meals and show tickets. The camp runs twice each summer for 30-40 students, and financial aid covering up to half of tuition is available.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★PY NotoQuality of their plays is really high. The theater is small and intimate. As an audience, I was not just watching a performance. I was engaged, invited to imagine and go for a journey. It’s an immersive experience whether it’s a comic or tragic play. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.
★★★★★Matthew CubaAlways a great performance. We attend performances there about twice a year. Most seats are great - there are a few balcony seats that aren't as good but definitely the first level ones are excellent. Staunton is a quaint town with some nice restaurants and everything is very walkable. The performances are wonderful here. Time and money well spent.
★★★★★Staci KSaw 12th night with the understudy playing the main role of Olivia/Cesareo *Lydia Sophia Christensen*. She absolutely killed it. I was privileged enough to sit on the stage and I could see the tears rolling down her cheeks as she absolutely crushed Shakespeare's vision and delivered her lines with passion. Girl has so much talent, and this comes from someone who has never heard the name or seen the face, but looks forward to her next performance. What an absolute delight. The drunken uncles of the court had me in stitches. I will 100% be back with more friends. What an absolute delight. And that's not to speak less of the rest of the cast. They had me captivated, laughing, tearing up. Please, if you get the chance, check out any of their plays. You won't be disappointed in the least.
★★★★★Cindy Swope"The Hound of the Baskervilles," ( spring season 2026) -- OMG! All four of us LOVED it! We laughed out loud throughout, as did the nearly full house around us. Outstanding ensemble cast, terrific direction, and a smile-filled usher experience made for a wonderful evening m. This one is a smidge racy at points, just as Shakespearean comedies are. Don't miss!
★★★★★Trix Lee-RainwaterWe went to watch A Christmas Carol when we visited Staunton and it was so much fun! The cast did pre-show Christmas performances and then also more Christmas performances during the intermission. I enjoyed this play. We were a bit late buying tickets online so we're seated on the side but our spot was still fine. But I do recommend buying tickets way in advance if you want the best seating.