Support for Camp Shakespeare 2022!

Please donate to support young people’s exploration of Shakespeare -- and themselves -- through performance!

We are joyful to be back, after last year’s stunningly successful HornRaiser, to inaugurate a second campaign to benefit Camp Shakespeare, the University of Texas summer camp for young people, ages 11-16, dedicated to exploring Shakespeare Through Performance. Founded by James B. “Doc” Ayres, now led by Robin Grace Soto, and entering its 22nd year, Camp is an arm of the renowned Shakespeare at Winedale program, also founded by Doc Ayres in the Department of English at UT Austin in the Fall of 1970. Both programs offer its participants much the same experience: the challenge of playing out ideas on stage; the revelation of Shakespeare’s language by embodying it; the discovery of inner strength through study, play, and hard work; and the gift of friendships destined to last a lifetime. Camp Shakespeare provides this richness of experience and meaning at the crucial time of adolescence.

So much has been accomplished in the last year under the guidance of Doc Ayres and Director Robin Grace! The 2021 HornRaiser, which took in $45,000, paid for 6 guests artists and former campers to guide the work of over 25 students. Although in the face of COVID, campers were still able to explore 2 full plays through performance, and the virtual experience was fully documented, from morning warm-ups to circles of songs and improvisations. 

—Sweet are the uses of adversity— It is priceless to have the camp process documented in this way and to realize that the magic of camp can transcend space and time. 

You can view the 2021 plays here: Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night. 

This past year also saw the premiere at the Santa Fe Film Festival of the inspirational documentary film on Doc’s visionary teaching, Take Pains. Be Perfect, now available to stream on PBS. 

And, in an eloquent statement of support for the program by the University, Robin Grace has been hired year-round by UT to support the development and direction of Camp Shakespeare! This will allow the program to continue to grow, enable us to reach more students across central Texas and beyond, and empower us to devote time and resources to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Your donations will help fund production expenses for the in person performances and stipends for guest artists this summer!

The Camp experience is needed now more than ever as young students navigate the post-COVID world. We are thankful that Camp 2022 will be happening in person this summer! Six performances will be held across central Texas, including two Sunday afternoon performances in the Barn at Winedale: As You Like It Sunday, June 26th at 2pm and Macbeth Sunday, July 17th at 2pm. Camp directors Robin Grace and Doc will be joined by 5 additional guest artists and counselors— all former graduates of the program.

This return to in-person camp is a blessing, and we are now navigating the rising costs of hosting the program and sharing the 3 performances across central Texas. Much has changed since we last gathered in person in 2019; the cost of everything from eggs to housing has gone up significantly. To keep tuition as low as possible— thereby ensuring that anyone interested in the camp experience can have access— we are turning to our stakeholders - to you - to help cover rising costs.

The Camp Shakespeare Ambassadors are asking for your financial support to reach our HornRaiser goal of $20,000. Your donations will help fund in-person Performances, Production expenses, Stipends for guest artists, Costumes, Marketing for the plays and Transportation to La Grange Performing Arts Center, Crystal Theatre in Gonzales, and the Winedale Barn.

We hope for the broadest possible support from all the shining arcs of Winedale’s Circle: former Campers, Camper families, Winedale alums, loyal audience members, any and all touched by Winedale’s magic. And then we hope that you will experience or re-experience the radiant, astonishing performances we know this summer’s Campers will give, and that you will feel fulfilled to have played a part in bringing the plays to life!

Please, take a look at our Donation Levels on the right and give as generously as you can. Thank you!