When applying, you'll have the chance to tell us your skills and preferences. We’ll try to match you with suitable roles such as ushering, set construction, costume work, or facility maintenance. However, assignments depend on availability and Festival needs.

Unfortunately, not at this moment. Space in the program is limited due to its being a new initiative, but will be ramped up in the future. Acceptance depends on volunteer needs, scheduling, capacity, and how far in advance you apply. We’ll review each application and notify you if you’re accepted, along with next steps and training info.

To earn a free ticket, you must complete 4 hours of volunteer work with the Festival. Volunteer time is calculated at a rate of 1 hour per $5, so after 4 hours, you'll earn a voucher for one free $20 ticket. You can accumulate hours over time or all at once.

No, you must complete your volunteer hours at least one week before the performance you want to attend. We recommend applying as far in advance as possible (at least 3 weeks in advance) to allow time for scheduling, orientation, and volunteer work.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. We cannot accept unaccompanied minors for any volunteer work, regardless of interest or availability.

Not necessarily, but we hope you'll stick around! While the program allows you to volunteer in exchange for individual tickets (and save them up!), our greatest need is for dedicated volunteers who want to be part of the Festival long-term. Volunteers who stay involved often find a strong sense of community, gain valuable experience, and become an essential part of our team. If you love theatre and want to support the arts in Scranton, we’d love to have you with us beyond just one show.

No. If your play is picked as the 2021 Scratch Night winner, we will produce your play without needing your presence in the US. If you'd like to come visit us at the festival to see your show in action, however, you're more than welcome to!

Yes. As long as you are able to give us the sole permission to use your script for Scratch Night and the performances at Scranton Shakes, should it be picked, there is no problem for you to apply.

We'd prefer that our scripts have at least an underlying theme of ghosts, though it's important to point out is doesn't have to be the classic person under a white sheet!!

We charge a minimal fee of $5 to help pay for our wonderful script readers and ensure that we have the time and resources to give you feedback on your submission.

There may be potential opportunities for students to be considered for roles in Scranton Shakes’ mainstage productions. Please indicate your interest in your application. This additional opportunity is not included in the Youth Ensemble programming and is completely optional/separate. Students will be cast at the discretion of the director for that show just like any other professional production.

Accessible theatre is one of the founding purposes of Scranton Shakespeare Festival. If you are in need of a scholarship to cover the cost of this program, please note in your application that you are interested in being considered. Only a limited amount of scholarships are available. At this time, we regret that we are only able to provide scholarships for our high school programming.

Hear what our students have to say about performing Shakespeare!

Please visit each individual program page for specific time commitments. The basic schedule of Youth Ensemble middle school and high school acting programs is M-F 10am-5pm. Schedules are subject to change. Orchestra and Designer programs' schedules are subject to change based on the availability of the designers, students, and the production schedule.

Please see individual program breakdowns above for specific age requirements to participate in the Youth Ensemble's programs.

Students ages 10-15 who are passionate about learning the foundational and introductory practices to theatre are encouraged to apply for our Youth Ensemble Foundations program. This week long program introduces students to basic concepts, and is perfect for someone who can't commit to the full summer. The Youth Ensemble program is built for high schoolers ages 14-19. This program is open for students willing to commit to a full-length pre-professional production process who are looking to expand their practice. Students are encouraged to also audition for one or both of our productions. This program is audition-based and will cast based on talent and skill level. Youth Orchestra instrumentalists should be proficient in their instrument enough to perform an entire musical theatre score. Youth Designers need not have prior experience to participate.

Yes! There are jokes aplenty for every member of the family.

We encourage all teachers and administrators to fill out our student nomination form linked above, which will prompt students to receive a message that they have been nominated by a faculty/staff member from their school.

Yes! Please fill out our informational session request form linked above and we will be happy to set up either a Zoom or in person meeting to talk more about our program with your students.

Of course! Thank you for your donation. Please coordinate with Lizzie Gumula at lgumula@scrantonshakes.com.