At the Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC), summer means more than fun and games. It is a time for local students to grow, create, and discover new ways to express themselves. Through its annual Summer Theatre Camp, RCLC is making Shakespeare accessible, relevant, and exciting for youth in South Bend.
This year, the camp’s first session culminated in three performances of Hip Hamlet, a modern take on Shakespeare’s classic that reimagined the tragedy with vibrant music, captivating dance, and a touch of technology. Over the course of just three weeks, thirteen young actors learned to navigate Shakespeare’s language, embrace complex characters, and share powerful stories in front of a live audience.
“It’s amazing to watch them grow in such a short time,” said Jennifer Jermano Miller, RCLC’s theatre and fine arts program director. “It is important to me that each student has a role, where they can each take ownership and feel like they shine on and off the stage.”
This work, paired with the courage to perform, gave students a deeper appreciation for the arts and for their own potential. The integration of multiple team-building games, yoga sessions, and outside play fostered collaboration and developed student confidence.
McKenzee, a rising fourth grader at Marshall Traditional School in South Bend who played the role of Queen Gertrude shared, “When I first got there I didn’t feel like I could do it, but in a couple of days I knew I could because all of my friends were there to encourage me if I messed up.”
RCLC’s program is deeply rooted in its connection to the local community. The production team was led by professionals and Americorps members with strong ties to South Bend: Emma Connors, a music teacher at South Bend Community School Corporation’s Edison K-8 School; Lilly Brewer, Jacin Sims, and Ethan Walker, all former local high school theater and media students now pursuing college degrees; and Billy Gene Easton, a college student and local musician raised just blocks from RCLC.
“This is what community based arts education looks like,” Miller said. “The kids see people from their own neighborhoods leading, creating, and mentoring. It shows them what’s possible.”
Beyond the excitement of sharing their hip twist on Hamlet with the general public, the students had the opportunity to receive pro tips on everything from stage presence to fight choreography from local and Chicago based industry experts: Shakurah Nuruddin, RJ Cecott, Laura Leonardo Ownby, Jennifer Torchia, Tammy White, and David Rodriguez. The students also got to witness the actors’ special performance of The Complete Works of Shakespeare, Abridged, or how Torchia described it, “An attempt to do every single show of Shakespeare in an hour.”
“The kids were so excited,” says White. “There is no doubt that this performance of Hip Hamlet was a team effort, filled with many fun memories for all that were truly brought to life through song, dance, and impeccable onstage energy!"
The impact extends beyond the stage. This summer’s Hip Hamlet performance is already sparking excitement for the next production: Disney’s The Lion King, Kids, a familiar story rooted in Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Hamlet, King of Denmark. The upcoming show will feature even more community partnerships, including more choreography from Shakurah Nuruddin of Southold Dance, Zulu language coaching from members of the Goshen College community, and bracelet making led by a local artist. These collaborations help young actors explore culture, history, language and literature, all through the lens of theater. The Lion King will be performed at the end of month in the Robinson Center’s Kite Black Box Theater.
Support from local foundations like the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County helps ensure this work can continue, reaching more students and deepening their understanding of and experience in the arts.