Supporting Youth Artists at The Old Globe

The Old Globe in San Diego, CA, has established a strong reputation for its high quality, professional productions, some of which have made it all the way to Broadway. However, that is not the only focus of the prominent regional theatre company. 

Alongside their full production season, The Old Globe is also home to an extensive Arts Engagement department that hosts a variety of programs that focus on making the arts accessible to the community around them. One set of these are their Studio Programs for Youth, which includes the Pam Farr Summer Shakespeare Studio, Creative Youth Studio, and Theatre Design Studio.

Pam Farr Summer Shakespeare Studio

Of the three Youth Studio programs hosted by The Old Globe Arts Engagement, I have had the pleasure of working with the Pam Farr Summer Shakespeare Studio program.

The Pam Farr Summer Shakespeare Studio is a unique three-week program “dedicated to developing foundational skills for reading, interpreting, and performing Shakespeare’s plays.” Throughout the three weeks, rising 9th-12th grade students participate in curriculum including acting, movement, music, and writing classes, as well as training in voice and speech, stage combat, and text. 

The program selects 16-22 students from all experience levels and demographics, culminating in a diverse cohort that explores, creates, and bonds together. For some experienced acting students, the program offers an exciting glimpse into the professional arts world at The Old Globe and beyond, while for others it serves as a thrilling first experience with theatre and the performing arts. 

The best part of these programs? There is no cost for students to participate. Whether happening in-person or remote, each of the Youth Studio programs is free thanks to generous donations to The Old Globe.

The Results of Access for Youth Artists

I had the opportunity to work remotely as the Production Coordinator Intern for the Pam Farr Summer Shakespeare Studio last summer, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an exciting time to be working in the arts at all, and especially so because the program pivoted to a remote setting for the first time ever. Each staff member and intern was involved in re-inventing the wheel for the extensive, hands-on program, and together we rebuilt a structure that allowed everyone involved to thrive in the new virtual environment.

While watching our cohort of students in the program, I was inspired by their self-discovery, fearlessness, passion, and eagerness to build experience and receive constructive feedback. 

One of our students, Reagan, had a transformative experience in the time we worked together. From day one, Reagan was one of the most eager and cheerful students, but she was also held back by a lot of self doubt when it came to performing and expressing herself. Through working with her in groups, as well as in 1:1 rehearsals, the staff encouraged and pushed her to emerge from her quiet shell. By the end of the three weeks, Reagan was more bubbly than ever, and she produced a performance full of confidence, humor, and cheer. As a staff, we were collectively inspired by her significant growth in such a short amount of time.

It wasn’t just Reagan, either. All 16 students in the cohort went through a striking transformation. Whether it was due to the program’s inclusive nature, or the fact that the students were finally given the space to create after months of artistic starvation thanks to the pandemic, each individual clearly benefited from the opportunity to collaborate with one another and express themselves through their creativity. As a result, students left the program shedding tears of joy, thrilled by their final showcase and thankful for new friendships with the other young artists.

Through giving young creatives the power to devise and create their own work, their confidence and artistic skills are reinforced and given more room to grow. I urge all artistic youth programs to reevaluate how well they serve their students and allow for self-expression and the true ability to create. After all, these programs are necessary to foster the next generation of arts workers and leaders the industry needs.


To view the Pam Farr Summer Shakespeare Studio 2020 performance on YouTube, click here.