We all know that by the middle of the summer, it can feel like we’re in a bit of a rut. And even the most dedicated theatrical troupe is no exception! If you and your young thespians need a break from rehearsing a production – or even from re-reading classic books about the Bard in the comfort of an air-conditioned room – why not try a Shakespeare-themed treasure hunt?
This is the perfect activity for the August slump: interesting to plan, fun to carry out, and totally versatile no matter the weather. On a sunny day, hide the treasures outdoors in a park or your backyard; if it’s rainy, use an interior space.
When it’s time to choose the sought-after items, keep it simple. Draw from your stock of props, or even reimagine household items. You could hide Prospero’s wand from The Tempest, for example, or King Henry V’s crown. If you can go outside, flowers from A Midsummer Night’s Dream fairy glen could be a lovely addition. For the clues, you can guide the children to the items through a line of dialogue. We recommend thinking about the characters and / or plays that matter the most to your children – every group has their favourites!
By the same token, why not ask the children to plan the treasure hunt themselves? This kind of group activity builds on an existing spirit of camaraderie; at the same time, it offers even the more reluctant young actors an opportunity to engage with Shakespeare’s words. After all, as well we know, all the world’s a stage!