ALLIANCE — Stemming from the decade-plus success of Shakespeare at the Castle (SATC), the University of Mount Union Department of Performing Arts held the first “Shakespeare Adventures!” camp for local youth interested in theatre.

The week-long camp brought in 18 students ages 10-13 for a variety of fun activities to learn about Shakespeare and the art of acting. The camp was led by Mount Union theatre alumna Elizabeth Domer ’20, who was also part of the 2025 SATC performance of “The Tempest.” Various members of the SATC company also contributed to lessons as part of the camp.

“Shakespeare Adventures!” was made possible by a $6,000 grant from the Sansom Foundation. This funding made the registration fee affordable for families at $25 and paid for lunches, t-shirts, camp staff salaries and promotional efforts.

“The Sansom Foundation was brought to our attention by Mount Union Board Member Ed Kolesar,” said Kevin Kern, professor of theatre at Mount Union and artistic director of SATC. “We’re grateful for Ed and the incredible work done by Dr. Heather Duda (Director of Grants at Mount Union) to secure the grant.”

The camp participants got their moment in the spotlight, as they performed a scene on the SATC mainstage before “The Tempest” on August 8, highlighting what they learned throughout the week. 

Kern aims to hold “Shakespeare Adventures!” again in 2026 in conjunction with SATC. Learn more at mountunion.edu/SATC.