Summer Youth Intensive 2026

Out-of-School Programs Summer Youth Intensive Youth Council Apply Now

Summer Youth Intensive

THE TEMPEST

An Actors’ Shakespeare Project and Central Square Theater Co-Production

Directed by Allison Taaffe

In our 16th annual Summer Youth Intensive, Actors’ Shakespeare Project is delighted to once again partner with Central Square Theater! Our ensemble will create, design, rehearse, and perform a fully staged Tempest, exploring all its magic, mystery, and treachery, and also have the unique opportunity to collaborate with CST’s Youth Underground ensemble on key themes of the play.

Over four weeks, the 2026 youth ensemble will develop our production, guided by experienced ASP and CST staff and teaching artists. Live performances will be the culmination of a month-long intensive collaboration among teens from a variety of Boston-area communities.

Ages 13-19 welcome. Youth actors, stage managers, designers, and technical crew are all welcome and encouraged to apply.

PLEASE NOTE: We are currently at capacity for actors in The Tempest; future applications from actors will be placed on a waitlist.

Tech positions are still available and open for applications.

Central Square Theater (450 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge; Red Line Central stop)

July 6 – August 2, 2026

Weekday rehearsals: Monday-Friday, 9 am – 4 pm

Tech: Friday, July 24, 9 am – 6 pm

Evening Performances: Thursday-Saturday, July 30-August 1, 7 pm (Youth called at 2 pm)

Strike: Sunday, August 2, 11 am – 6 pm

TUITION: $2,000; sliding scale scholarships available

APPLY NOW

“I have learned so much about Shakespeare through this program, gained confidence and met some really great people. I’ve become less afraid to be my true self around others.”

“Like no other program I’ve done before. You become so close with everyone and learn so much at the same time. ”

— Summer Youth Intensive Participants

SYI 2025: Romeo and Juliet

SYI 2024: Macbeth

SYI 2023: Twelfth Night

SYI 2022: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

SYI 2021: Much Ado about Nothing (Film)

SYI 2020: The Real (Merry) Housewives of Windsor

SYI 2019: The Tempest

SYI 2018: Measure for Measure

SYI 2017: Richard III

SYI 2016: A Midsummer Night’s Dream