Greetings to all!
As we begin a new year (where did January go?) , I’m writing to bring you up to date on Camp Shakespeare. As many of you know, Robin and I learned in June—just before we began the 2018 sessions—that we would be losing our campsite at Briarfield, our home for the last 7 years. One of the owners is very ill and they’ve decided to sell the property.
So in August, with brilliant performances of The Comedy of Errors and A Midsummer Night’s Dream behind us, we began a search for a new site. And found one almost immediately! It is called “Rancho Pillow.” Google it when you have time. It is a very comfortable, creative, environment. My first thought was that it would also be a great place for the 50th reunion! It even has an air-conditioned tepee with a king-sized bed!
Anyway, that’s just the beginning of new things for Camp Shakespeare in 2019. Here are some more: we will be exploring The Merchant of Venice in Session 1 and Hamlet in Session 2 and having FOUR performances of each play rather than our usual three.. And to our usual venues at Winedale, Henkel Hall in Round Top and the Crystal Theater in Gonzales, we are adding The Scottish Rite Theater in Austin (thanks to Susan Todd), for matinee performances.
And we have added one day to each session, giving us the advantage of an evening performance at Winedale for the first time! We have also set a much earlier deadline for applications: March 1 rather than April 1. And, because our operating costs are about to rise with the new setting and escalating food costs, we have raised the Camp Fee from $1,000 to $1,500.
So a lot of new things. And we are pleased to note that we have already received some 35 applications for next summer and with each one, we get more excited.
And we are learning that many applicants will require financial assistance.
To make our budget we will need funding from the private sector, so please consider sending a gift. Your support in the past has made possible not only scholarship monies for financially disadvantaged kids but our van rental and other operating costs. This year I project our need at $18,000.
Robin and I treasure your contribution because you are a special part of the Shakespeare at Winedale program. Thanks for considering a gift to Camp Shakespeare.
As usual, you may send a check to Camp Shakespeare at PO Box 202, Round
Top Texas 78954. Please make it “to” The University of Texas and mark it “for” Camp Shakespeare.
Cheers,
Doc and Robin Grace
Jim (Doc) Ayres
Professor Emeritus, The University of Texas
Founding Director, Shakespeare at Winedale and Camp Shakespeare
Director of Mission, Camp Shakespeare