Festival Young company

Your Summer. Your Stage. Your Shakespeare! 🎭

June 7–16, 2027 | Ages 13–19 | Richmond, Virginia

Step into the world of Shakespeare this summer!

Join Richmond Shakespeare's Festival Young Company for an unforgettable summer of acting, creativity, friendship, and theatrical discovery. Whether you're new to Shakespeare or an experienced young performer, Festival Young Company offers the opportunity to train with professional theatre artists, develop your skills, and perform as part of the Richmond Shakespeare Festival!

What is the Richmond Shakespeare Festival Young Company?

The Festival Young Company (FYC) is a summer theatre training program for students interested in acting, history, Shakespeare, and making friends with other young theatre enthusiasts!

This summer, students will explore the extraordinary worlds of two of Shakespeare's most celebrated plays: The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet, presented in rotating repertory at historic Agecroft Hall.

From the magical island of The Tempest, filled with mystery, transformation, and forgiveness, to the passionate streets of Verona in Romeo and Juliet, where love and rivalry collide, students will discover the timeless power of Shakespeare's storytelling.

Over eight days of intensive training, students will work with professional theatre practitioners in:

Classical acting and Shakespearean performance techniques
Shakespearean scene study and text analysis
Voice, movement, and physical storytelling
Stage combat
Music and ensemble performance
Theatre history and character development

Students will also have the opportunity to prepare and perform monologues, scenes, songs, and other theatrical pieces as part of the Richmond Shakespeare Festival's traditional preshow Green Shows.

Who is FYC for?

Festival Young Company is designed for students ages 13–19, typically middle and high school students, who have an interest in theatre, literature, history, and performance.

No previous experience with Shakespeare or classical theatre is required!

Whether you're stepping onstage for the first time or looking to expand your theatrical training, FYC offers a welcoming, supportive environment where students of all experience levels can learn, grow, and collaborate.

What are the important FYC dates?

Festival Young Company 2027 Schedule

Monday, June 7 – Wednesday, June 16: Festival Young Company classes
Class Time: 9:00 AM–12:30 PM
Thursday, June 17: Festival Young Company Green Show performances begin
Sunday, June 27: Final Green Show and closing performance of the Richmond Shakespeare Festival

Classes meet Monday through Friday, June 7–11, and Monday through Wednesday, June 14–16, for a total of eight instructional days.

The professional Richmond Shakespeare Festival productions of The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet will run June 3–27, 2027, at Agecroft Hall.

When and what do FYC students perform?

One of the most exciting parts of Festival Young Company is the opportunity to perform for live audiences!

Following their training, students will have the opportunity to participate in our traditional Festival Green Shows, lively preshow performances presented before selected Richmond Shakespeare Festival productions at Agecroft Hall.

Green Shows feature a variety of theatrical performances, including Shakespearean scenes, monologues, music, movement, and stage combat.

In 2027, students will explore material inspired by the worlds of The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet, while also developing their skills in classical performance and ensemble storytelling.

Green Show performances will begin Thursday, June 17, and continue on selected festival performance dates through Sunday, June 27.

Participation in every Green Show performance is not mandatory, although students are encouraged to perform as often as their schedules allow.

Can FYC students audition for professional productions?

Yes!

Festival Young Company also serves as a pathway for young performers interested in gaining professional theatrical experience.

Richmond Shakespeare generally casts performers under the age of 18 from its Festival Young Company program.

Depending on the casting needs of each production, FYC students may have opportunities to audition for Acting Apprentice roles in our professional productions.

Acting Apprentices work alongside professional actors and creative teams, gaining valuable firsthand experience in the rehearsal and performance process.

For summer 2027, Acting Apprentice opportunities may be available in The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet.

Please note that Acting Apprentice casting is not guaranteed, and participation in FYC does not require students to audition for a professional production.

Students interested in Acting Apprentice opportunities should be prepared for additional rehearsals and performance commitments beyond the regular FYC class schedule.

Where does FYC take place?

Festival Young Company takes place in Richmond, Virginia, in conjunction with the Richmond Shakespeare Festival.

Green Show performances will be presented at Agecroft Hall, the historic setting for our 2027 summer productions of The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet.

Specific classroom and rehearsal locations will be shared with registered families before the program begins.

How much does FYC cost?

Program Tuition: $350

Tuition includes eight days of instruction with professional theatre artists and the opportunity to participate in Festival Green Show performances.

Scholarships are available!

Richmond Shakespeare is committed to making theatre education accessible to young people from all backgrounds. Families interested in financial assistance are encouraged to inquire about scholarship opportunities.