Re-enter the Bard: Camp returns to Bell Buckle

Ruth Cordell, left, marks out the rhythm of a piece with students from last year's Shakespeare camp. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

She may, however, come home saying things such as "Methinks" and "Odds Bodkins!" and with paint on her jeans and splinters in her fingers.

For the second year in a row, Ruth Cordell, the head of the drama department at Webb School, will be holding a Shakespeare camp -- Camp Tenn Shakes -- for promising young actors.

"We still have openings," she said.

In fact, she said, the early registration deadline has been extended to May 1, which cuts $100 from the overall tuition. There will be two sessions this year, two weeks each, from June 22 to July 4 and from July 5 to July 19.

The camp is open to students who will be going into 8th grade through high school, but she said some exceptions can be made -- for exceptional talent. The students have to send letters from teachers or drama coaches with their applications.

Extensive training

During the camp, the young actors explore the aspects of performing Shakespeare, from capturing the rhythm of the language to stage movement. Ruth even slips in some yoga to get her students limber and their minds prepared for the days' activities.

Actor-director Lane Davies drops in and helps, and both he and Ruth draw on years of experience with the Bard. Other actors, set designers and teachers contribute to the class.

This year, students can be day campers or board at the school, and the boarders will have additional classes and activities at night.

One thing they will all get to do, however, is participate in the proposed Tennessee Shakespeare Festival June 26-28, July 3-5, 10-12 and 16-19 -- in one way or another.

Last year, several of the young ladies participating in the camp played the fairies in Queen Titania's court during the festival's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Stage time

"We'll have a special audition," said Davies. "And they will have their own small production on the festival stage."

The recital performances will be on July 4 and 18.

Of course, they also get to participate in the behind-the-scenes work involved with a production. They help paint sets and make costumes and even lug chairs and equipment from place to place.

"It was fun," said Harley Walker, a 15-year-old Webb student from Beech Grove, last year.

CAMP TENN SHAKES

For more information or to get an application, visit tennesseeshakespearefestival.com/Camp.html.