“All the world’s a stage”, and in the summer, the kids take over! At Bard Summer Camps, kids and youth make Shakespeare their own as they learn the stories, make connections, and bring their own unique interpretations to life on stage. Whether your child is new to theatre or has a different favourite Shakespeare play each day, Bard Summer Camps offer a warm and welcoming access point to the world of live theatre
Bard on the Beach is an iconic theatrical experience in Vancouver for families. Comprised of extremely talented actors who have learned the stories, history, and craft of performing Shakespeare, they are also the very same performers who lead Bard Summer Camps. That’s right, Bard Summer Camps are coached by professional actors who are eager to share their experience and expertise with kids. It’s a great place for kids to meet new friends, develop confidence and self-expression, and explore their creativity with supportive mentorship.
Weeklong camps are grouped by age and by play to ensure kids learn the ins and outs of a story in an age-appropriate way. During the camp, the group works together to explore the featured play and make creative decisions on how they’d like to present it. The instructors emphasize building the ensemble, expressing creativity through play and collaboration, and exploring various performance techniques that professional actors use themselves when rehearsing for performances. Your child will have the chance to bring the language of Shakespeare to life by showcasing their imagination, posing questions, and utilizing their voice. Bard summer camps have small class sizes so students can be guaranteed personalized coaching and direction.
On the final day of the camp, friends and family are invited into the Festival tent to watch the live performance of the work the group has created on the Bard stage. Additionally, every summer camp participant receives a complimentary ticket for themselves and a guest to attend a BMO Mainstage production. Camp spaces are selling fast for 2026; sign up here to secure your spot!
For 2026, the camps cover a wide selection of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays. Junior Camps (ages 6-10, 10 – 14, and 10-14) will focus on using Shakespeare’s original language to rehearse excerpts from selected plays. “Shakespeare Short” scripts help young thespians build collaboration and ensemble as they learn about the world of Shakespeare. Teen Camps (ages 14 – 18) will focus on learning Shakespeare’s original language as part of an abridged script where they collectively decide how to make an iconic script their own through themes and character choices. All youth and teen camps run from 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
Summer Camp offerings include:
Camps for ages 6 – 10:
Macbeth | July 20 – 24
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | July 27 – 31 & August 31 – September 4
The Tempest | August 10 – 14
Camps for ages 10 -14:
As You Like It | July 13 – 17
Julius Caesar | July 20 – 24
Macbeth | July 27 – 31
Henry V | August 17 – 21
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | August 24 – 28 & August 31 – September 4
Teen Camps for ages 14 – 18:
Julius Caesar | July 6 – 10
As You Like It | August 10 – 21 *Two Weeks!
Henry V | August 24 – 28
Registration is open now, and spaces are filling up fast! Past students return year after year for these exciting and dynamic camps. See what one youth participant had to say:
At Bard, I discovered friendship and, most importantly, a sense of family. Bard helped me learn to be myself, to be courageous, and to embrace who I truly am. –Youth Participant
Bard Summer Camps:
Dates: July 6 – September 4, 2026
Times: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Venue: Festival Tents at Sen̓áḵw / Vanier Park
Address: 1695 Whyte Avenue, Vanier Park, Vancouver
Website: bardonthebeach.org
Get ready for summer vacation with our full Summer Camp Guide here!
