KidsAct!

We love summer with KidsAct!

This six-day learning experience for students entering grades 1-8 offers instruction in Shakespeare, safe sword-fighting and stage combat, and comedic improvisation from qualified, professional teaching artists. Students then perform in an hour-long showcase to be presented for friends and family in Starr Jaycee Park.
KidsAct! 2024 ran July 29-August 2. Mon-Fri 9 am – 3 pm with a showcase performance at 11:00 am Saturday, August 3, 2024.
KidsAct! 2025 information will be available in March of 2025
TBD
Healthy snacks and water are provided daily; however KidsAct! will not provide lunch. Be advised that this summer’s KidsAct! Program will again be nut free. It is suggested that each student bring a lunch packed with a beverage, insect repellent, and sun block. Loose, comfortable clothing appropriate to the weather, including a hat, is also recommended. For the comfort and safety of your student, we ask that NO Crocs, clogs or flip-flops be worn. Sturdy shoes that buckle or tie are required.
For the final performance, the students will be asked to wear black or navy blue pants, shorts, or skirts (no jeans, please!) Also, each student should wear a bright, solid-colored shirt free of logos or designs, along with dark colored, laced or buckled soft-soled shoes.
KidsAct! sessions for the 2024 season took place July 29–August 2, 2024, with the showcase performance on August 3 at 11:00 a.m. Students must arrive at the park by 10:00 a.m. but parents may not enter the theatre until the House officially opens. Drop off during the week begins at 8:30 a.m.; classes begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. and pick up time is promptly 3:00 p.m.
We are thrilled to work with your young performers this summer! Please feel free to email the Education Director at:
education@shakespeareroyaloak.com
with any and all questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Program Questions:

There IS a sheltered area at Starr Jaycee Park, so don’t worry. If the rain fails to pass over, we may contact parents by phone to pick their students up early. If we don’t already have your contact numbers, make sure you give them to us the first day of the program. Make sure you have an emergency contact listed so that we can reach someone at all times.

At this time in consideration of the health and safety of students, staff, and interns, if heavy rain is forecast before class begins, a Zoom session will be scheduled for the day. If rain is likely, a teacher or member of the Water Works staff will contact you either the night before or the morning of classes to notify you.

Call us at 248-399-3727 or email education@shakespeareroyaloak.com.

Starr Jaycee Park is located on 13 Mile Road between Main and Crooks. Student drop-off and pick-up will occur in the central parking area by the main sign.

KidsAct! Questions:

The students have a final KidsAct! performance for family and friends on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. The students will perform in Starr Jaycee Park on the same stage as the professional actors! The show typically lasts about an hour. 

No, there’s room for all your family and friends! Bring blankets, cameras, cushions, or short-backed chairs for seating. Bug spray is recommended. Bleacher seating is also available.

Solid colored shirts (NO logos, please) with black or dark blue pants or shorts. Shoes should be sturdy and have either laces or buckles to close. KidsAct! Is a very active program; for your child’s safety we DO NOT allow bare feet, Crocs, flip flops, clogs, or other “slip-on” shoes. This rule applies for the entirety of the program.

Do you still have questions? Feel free to call us at 248-399-3727 or email education@shakespeareroyaloak.com. See you in the park!

Director of Education

Xue Findlay

Xue Findlay (she/her) is a graduate of Wayne State University holding degrees in both theatre and graphic design. In school, she was part of many projects, both onstage and off. She currently resides in Detroit, MI and freelances creative work. A Royal Oak native, she is proud to come back and be a part of the Shakespeare Royal Oak team, and help foster a love of theatre in our KidsAct! and Teen Ensemble crews. Xueyun has worked with local theatres such as Stagecrafters and Planet Ant, and plans to continue working in the local theatre scene growing in Detroit.

Summer 2024 Instructors are CC Findlay, Paige Clark, Lucy Reinke, and Camden Maccognone.