Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Summer Conservatory program is tuition-free for those who participate in the Summer Shakespeare productions! For those who just want to attend the training and do not want to participate in the show, the cost is $800.

Training is three weeks in July, Monday/Wednesday/Friday evenings from 5-10 pm. Once training is complete, Summer Conservatory participants go into regular rehearsals for Summer Shakespeare. Summer Shakespeare rehearsals are typically 6 days a week; rehearsal calls and times vary per production. Once the Summer Shakespeare production opens, it runs for five weeks in Nashville. Shows are Thursday-Sunday nights and Labor Day Monday night. Summer Conservatory participants are required to attend strike.

*We work to accommodate students’ class schedules if they are returning to school.

Training takes place in the evening from 5-10 pm, to accommodate folks with day jobs.

Sample Schedule:

5-5:30: Check in, physical and vocal warm-ups

5:30-7 First Session. Each session will cover a different performance concept and include book work and physical exploration.

7-7:30 Dinner Break

7:30-9:30: Guest Artist Workshop. These workshops are taught by professional artists, many who teach at the college level and hold certifications in their specialty.

9:30-10:00: Group Review and check out.

We will provide all printed materials for training.

You just need to bring water, packed lunch/snacks, folder, paper, pencils, highlighters, yoga mat or blanket, focus toy(s), and anything else you need to be comfortable and present.

We design Summer Conservatory training so that participants learn pertinent skills for their developing craft, as well as those that may be specific to the Summer Shakespeare production. These include:

• Shakespeare Technique

• Text Analysis

• Monologue and Scenework Coaching

• Intimacy and Fight Choreography

• Yoga, Movement, and Breathwork

• Industry Workshops

Training culminates in a showcase on the final Saturday of Summer Conservatory. Particpants are also cast or get creative roles in the professional Summer Shakespeare production. Summer Conservatory students are also often understudies for larger roles in the show.

Summer Conservatory participants are given their role when they are offered a spot in the Conservatory.

The role of Summer Conservatory participant spans wider than just your role in the Summer Shakespeare production as you are an integral part of the ensemble, the tech process, and the overall company.

As part of the training, participants take on pre- and post- show technical tasks. These assignments range from costumes, lights, sound, front of house, props, and stage management and are assigned based on preference and the needs of the production. These tasks will not interfere with your performance work.

Before the show, Summer Conservatory members will check-in with their assigned team lead. Once pre-show tasks are complete, Summer Conservatory participants can begin their regular performance pre-show routine. Likewise, at the end of the show, participants check in with their department, complete a few tasks, and are free to go. They also participate in strike after the last performance of the show with shared tasks. The tasks may be outside of your normal pre-show assignment.

You don’t have to be an actor to be in the Summer Conservatory! We have had many apprentices in the past who were aspiring directors, stage managers, dramaturgs, you name it! All Summer Conservatory participants go through the acting training to build the ensemble and to support the experience of the Summer Shakespeare production. Summer Conservatory folks who do not perform in the show may be assigned creative production roles during Summer Shakespeare.

The Emerging Director track participates in all Summer Conservatory training and will also perform in the Summer Conservatory Showcase. They will have the opportunity to assist in directing showcase scenes and serve as Assistant Director for the Summer Shakespeare production, working closely with the director and creative team. This track is ideal for early-career directors looking to develop their craft in a professional setting.

That’s okay, we can help with that!

A headshot is any current photo of yourself that looks like you! Your hairstyle, glasses, facial hair, piercings, anything that shows us your essence. No filters please.

A resume is a list of your pertinent theatre experience. Please be sure to include your name and contact information. It’s also great to include schooling, work experience, stage experience (educational and professional), and special skills. Resumes should only be one page. Click here for a sample resume.

We know you’re way more than a sheet of paper, but we want to know more about your experience before you walk in the door for your audition.

You apply by signing up for an audition slot for Summer Shakespeare. In your paperwork, make sure to indicate your interest in the Summer Conservatory. You’ll need a current headshot and resume. For more information on auditions and what to prepare, visit our Auditions page.

Our hope is always to have Summer Conservatory participants join us for training and the full production run. If you are able to participate in both, your tuition is free. If your schedule does not allow you to participate in the show or you are only interested in the training, the cost is $800. Let us know ASAP if you are interested in this option.

If you have conflicts, it is important to communicate all of them as early as possible. On your audition sheet, please list them as clearly as you can. We will work with you as much as possible, but please keep conflicts to a minimum. Email Education Director Katie Bruno katie@nashvilleshakes.org if you have questions.