NSF’s Youth Company (formerly known as Elf & Fairy Camp) is a special performance opportunity that invites young artists to be part of NSF’s Shakespeare in the Park productions.
We do not offer Youth Company every summer. Instead, we include it in seasons when a youth ensemble meaningfully enhances the storytelling and creates a genuine opportunity for young people to engage in professional theatre.
Participants rehearse and perform as ensemble members within our fully produced, professional outdoor performances at Centennial Park. Youth Company artists experience the responsibility and excitement of a professional rehearsal process while working alongside professionals.
2026 Youth Company: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
In Summer 2026, Youth Company will be featured in our Shakespeare in the Park production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. We will cast five groups of 10 young performers (50 total participants), ages 8–13. Each group participates for one week only, rehearsing Monday through Wednesday and performing Thursday through Sunday of their assigned weekend (or including Labor Day, if selected for Labor Day weekend).
Youth Company roles in A Midsummer Night’s Dream are ensemble roles woven into the world of the production. While these roles do not include lines, they participate in group scenes and are an essential part of the visual and storytelling fabric of the show. In each group, a featured performing for the Changeling Child will be selected, as well as a Changeling Child understudy.
Parent Webinar Recording
We invite parents to watch our virtual information session below led by members of the NSF staff.
Weekly Schedule
Monday–Wednesday: Rehearsal, 4:30–6:30 PM
Centennial Black Box TheaterThursday: Put-in / spacing rehearsal, 5:00–5:30 PM
The Bandshell at Centennial ParkThursday–Sunday (and Labor Day Monday): 6:30 PM call time
7:00 PM performance at Centennial Park
Participants are required to attend all rehearsals and all performances during their assigned week.
Rehearsal times are subject to change.
Cost and Scholarships
The participation cost is $250 per performer.
This fee helps cover rehearsal space rental, costumes, child supervision and support staff, and program administration. It also supports the Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s broader mission of providing accessible, pay-what-you-will theatre for our community. A 10% sibling discount will be available.
Up to 24 scholarships are available to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation. Families interested in scholarship support will have the opportunity to respond to a brief question on the audition form; requests are reviewed confidentially by the Executive Director.
Audition Information
When: Saturday, June 27th, 9am - 12 pm, one hour slots available by signup
Who: 8-13 year olds (must by 8 by August 17, 2026)
Where: Centennial Black Box Theater
What to Bring: Physical 4×6 headshot/photo
How to Sign Up:
Fill out Google Form with basic audition information and availability
Go to our SignUp page to reserve a slot for Saturday, June 27th. Auditions will happen in groups of 10, and there will be three slots each audition day.
What to Prepare: We ask participants to prepare 30-second story to tell the group. Participants will also be asked to participate in theater games and learn a simple song as a group.
Important Dates for 2026
August 17: Week 1 of Youth Company Begins
August 19: Invited Dress Rehearsal/Youth Company Preview/T-Shirt Pick Up
September 20: Week 5 of Youth Company Ends
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Youth Company is open to young artists ages 8-13. Participants must be 8 by August 17, 2026.
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Not at all! Youth Company welcomes all experience levels.
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Youth Company participants will be in ensemble, non-speaking roles that are integrated into the world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This could include participation scenes with Titania and Oberon, Titania’s lullaby, and the final dance scene. These roles are visually important and help bring the production to life!
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Each Youth Company group participates for one week only. Rehearsals run Monday–Wednesday, and performances are Thursday–Sunday of their assigned weekend. (Labor Day Monday will also be included for folks who are assigned to that week.)
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Because Youth Company is a focused, one-week rehearsal and performance process, participants are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances during their assigned week. Thank you for understanding.
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Tuition is $250 per performer, which helps cover rehearsal space, costumes, supervision, and support staff. A 10% sibling discount is also available.
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Yes, up to 24 scholarships are available to ensure cost is not a barrier. Families can respond to a brief scholarship question on the audition form; requests are reviewed confidentially by the Executive Director.
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Rehearsals will take place at the Centennial Black Box Theater and, if the weather is good, may also take place at the Bandshell at Centennial Park.
The performances will take place at the Bandshell at Centennial Park as part of Shakespeare in the Park. -
Parents will be asked to provide a simple base layer for their child (i.e. something similar to a white top and black pants). NSF will provide all costumes to be layered on top for Youth Cast participants.
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Youth Company is designed as a one-week experience. If space is available after all unique participant spots have been filled, we may offer additional week opportunities. Our goal is to extend this experience to as many young artists as possible.
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Our hope is to include as many young artists as possible. Because Youth Company is a one-week commitment, full availability for all rehearsals and performances during at least one of the scheduled weeks is essential. If a participant is not cast, it is typically due to limited availability rather than performance ability.
We truly appreciate the courage it takes to audition, and we’re grateful to every young artist who puts themselves out there!
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All Youth Company roles are ensemble, non-speaking roles, and every performer is an equal part of the storytelling. This is a collaborative experience, and no role carries more lines or status than another.
Each week, one performer will be assigned as the Changeling Child (featured ensemble) and one as the Changeling Child understudy. This role remains non-speaking and may be cast with any age or gender. All other ensemble roles are equal in stage time and importance.
Still have questions? Email our Education Director Katie Bruno using the button below.