Folks, we have our casts!

Campers arrived at the Blackfriars today fresh from a quick yoga session, ready for a morning full of acting, devising, and music. With our directors KP Powell (The Winters Tale) and Dave Quay (Mucedorus) in attendance, work began right away. The campers divided up into two groups and began collaborating together on a group devised piece with lines pulled from each show. Each group, focused on a different play, all had to abide by the same rules and guidelines that the staff had brainstormed for them. These ranged from the mundane – work in an entrance and an exit, to the fabulously interpretive – a shoe. Yes, that’s all they were told. Creativity and collaboration abounded.

After performing their pieces for each other, each camper took center stage to deliver their monologues. We had lovers, kings, and clowns – the full Shakespeare gamut. After a few rounds of cold reads from each play, campers had 60 seconds to show off any talent they wanted. Excitingly, we’ve got a very musical bunch this year! This bodes well for both plays, which will be featuring some groovy tunes.

Acting works up an appetite, so lunch was next on the agenda. While directors got to work sorting out their casts, campers headed to some workshops! First up was an acting class with ASC Artistic Director Brandon Carter, followed by a voice class with ASC staff member Summer England. Both of these fab ASC artists will be working with campers frequently to hone their skills and show them the ropes of performance. Trust us, they couldn’t be in better hands.

After classes, the big announcement dropped. With every camper performing in both shows this year, everyone gets the chance to do a little bit of everything. Casting news was followed quickly by dinner at Hunt to fuel everyone for their first read-thru of the plays.

But don’t be fooled into thinking that all we did was read the play. There were games, jokes, and ensemble-building exercises to help these campers prepare to tell stories together!

With directors ready to jump right into the world of their plays, the campers heard the story out-loud for the first time, together. Rehearsals have now officially begun for ASCTC 2022 and it is already shaping up to be a glorious summer.