Enrollment Open for Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s “ShakesEDU” Fall Classes for Local Youth
Acting, writing, production and a taste of hip-hop offered
August 5, 2025 – SANTA CRUZ, CA—Santa Cruz Shakespeare (SCS), a nationally recognized professional theatre company in Santa Cruz County with deep local roots that go back more than 40 years, today announced enrollment is open for ShakesEDU fall classes and theatre camp. Additionally, bookings are open for Shakes on the Move, a traveling troupe that will perform abbreviated productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and a bilingual version of Romeo and Juliet.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s ShakesEDU offers a wide range of theatre classes beginning in September. ShakesEDU provides students of all ages with a wide variety of opportunities to learn about Shakespeare in a fun and engaging environment, including acting, writing, production and even a taste of hip-hop. Enroll now for classes at https://santacruzshakespeare.org/classes/.
Traveling troupe Shakes on the Move returns Sept. 1. The dynamic, 45-minute adaptation of Romeo and Juliet infuses Shakespeare’s original language with a multicultural twist, celebrating the beauty of diverse storytelling. By blending languages and cultural influences, this production makes Shakespeare accessible, relevant and deeply engaging for modern audiences.
For those who missed A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the Grove, this high-energy adaptation brings music, humor and heart of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy directly into schools, libraries, retirement communities and other venues. To learn more about booking Shakes on the Move, visit https://santacruzshakespeare.org/tour/.
Beginning Sept. 13, fall classes include:
Shakeschool
Sunday, Sept. 13 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Location: Veteran’s Memorial Building, Downtown Santa Cruz
A professional development workshop to equip teachers with practical tools for bringing Shakespeare’s works to life in the classroom. Continuing education credit is available through the University of the Pacific. For teachers only, cost is $225.
Bust a Rhyme (age 10-17)
Sept. 22-26, Monday through Friday 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Show: Sept. 26 at 6 p.m.
Location: Veteran’s Memorial Building, Downtown Santa Cruz
Unlock the power of rhythm and flow—hip-hop style. Learn how to use beat, meter, and rhyme to craft bars and express yourself! From the roots of Shakespeare to the fire of Kendrick, it’s all about owning your voice. Cost is $295.
Budding Bards (ages 10-17)
Sept. 29 – Oct. 29, Monday and Wednesdays 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Show: Oct. 29 at 6 p.m.
Location: Veteran’s Memorial Building, Downtown Santa Cruz
Calling all young poets and storytellers! Sharpen your writing skills and bring your creative vision to life in verse, monologues, scenes, or a short story. Be included in SCS’s new youth publication The Quill. Cost is $395.
Fall Theatre Camp: Macbeth by William Shakespeare (ages 6-17)
Sept. 30 – Nov. 20 Tuesday and Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Ages 6 – 11) Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Ages 11 – 17) Show: Nov. 20
Location: Veteran’s Memorial Building, Downtown Santa Cruz
A Scottish general driven by prophecy and ambition, Macbeth descends into murder, madness, and mayhem to seize the throne. Develop your artistic skills, from acting and movement to singing and vocal production. Build confidence and learn teamwork as you lead the charge to perform in this amazing drama. Cost is $595 for ages 6-11 and $695 for ages 11-17. Enrollment closes Sept. 15.
About “ShakesEDU”
Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s “ShakesEDU” Education Program is dedicated to educating the community about Shakespeare and the art of theatre. The education program offers a variety of programs for learned of all ages, from touring productions, classes and in-school workshops to Book Clubs, professional development workshops and Weekend with Shakespeare. Learn more: https://santacruzshakespeare.org/educators/.
About Santa Cruz Shakespeare
Featuring professional actors from around the country and inspired by deep local roots that go back more than 40 years, Santa Cruz Shakespeare stages bold productions of the plays of Shakespeare and other great playwrights that stimulate audiences’ senses and spark their imagination. For more information about SCS, visit santacruzshakespeare.org.
