Summer Education Programs
presents
The Jack Oakie and Victoria Horne Oakie
Summer Youth Programs 2026
Four Programs. Four Shows. One Unforgettable Summer. Ages 5-21
Audition Dates April 18 & 19 10 – 5 p.m. with callbacks April 25.
(No audition required for Stinky Feet participants.)
At Rubicon Theatre Company, summer is a season of imagination, discovery, and bold creative adventures. Our 2026 Summer Education Programs feature four distinct training tracks — each culminating in a fully produced show presented onstage at Rubicon Theatre. Whether your student is stepping into the spotlight for the first time or ready to take their craft to the next level, programs are designed to challenge, inspire, and connect young artists through the power of storytelling.
Programs are taught by working professionals and have received special recognition from the California State Board of Education.
Rubicon Theatre’s Summer Youth Programs for ages 12 and up are merit-based education programs, so casting is competitive. Placement is determined through auditions and callbacks, and because of both the volume of auditions we receive and the specific needs of each season’s productions, we are unable to offer everyone a spot in the program they auditioned for.
No student is turned away because of a family’s inability to pay. Applications are available for financial aid HERE.
For further information please direct inquiries to: [email protected]
Meet Your Summer Program Director
Joseph Fuqua (Summer Program Director | Founder, Fearless Shakespeare | Rubicon Company Member)
All four of Rubicon’s summer programs are led by Joseph Fuqua, a graduate of the Yale School of Drama and the first-ever Company Member at Rubicon Theatre. Joseph’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include Brighton Beach Memoirs and 110 in the Shade at Lincoln Center, with regional work at Actors Theatre of Louisville, Arena Stage, and Shakespeare Festival of Dallas. On screen, he portrayed J.E.B. Stuart opposite Martin Sheen in Gettysburg and Gods and Generals, and has guest-starred on The X-Files, Chicago Hope, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
At Rubicon, Joseph has earned an L.A. Ovation Award, multiple Indy Awards, and Robby and Rep Awards for performances ranging from Hamlet to My Fair Lady to King Lear. In 2025, Joseph celebrated 25 years with Rubicon Theatre.
Joseph founded the Fearless Shakespeare Intensive over fifteen years ago and has since expanded the summer program into four distinct tracks serving students from age 5 to 21. He is known for bringing humor, rigor, and genuine care to every rehearsal room—creating a safe, professional environment where students discover and explore their artistic craft in fellowship with their like-minded contemporaries!
STINKY FEET
THEATRE PROJECT
Ages 5 to 11
(No Audition Required.)
Tuition:
$750
Program Dates:
3-Week Workshop
June 8 – June 28
Performances:
June 27 @ 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
June 28 @ 11 a.m.
FEARLESS SHAKESPEARE INTENSIVE
Ages 16 to 21
Tuition:
$800
Program Dates:
4-Week Intensive
June 15 – July 12
Performances:
July 10 @ 7 p.m.
July 11 @ 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
July 12 @ 2 p.m.
INTERMEDIATE MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP
Ages 12 to 15
Tuition:
$900
Program Dates:
4-Week Camp
June 29 – July 26
Performances:
July 24 @ 7 p.m.
July 25 @ 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
July 26 @ 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
ADVANCED MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP
Ages 16 to 21
Tuition:
$1000
Program Dates:
4-Week Workshop
July 13 – August 9
Performances:
August 7 @ 7 p.m.
August 8 @ 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
August 9 @ 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Confidential Financial Aid
Our goal is to ensure that any student who wishes to participate may do so. No student is turned away because of a family’s inability to pay the tuition. Aid is based on need. To apply, click HERE.
Our financial aid policies may be found HERE. Applications usually open in May.
If you would like to provide support and help sponsor a student, please call
Karyl Lynn Burns at 805.667.2912, ext. 224, or email her at [email protected].
Oakie Awards
A limited number of merit and talent-based financial awards are made possible through the generosity of the Jack Oakie and Victoria Horne Oakie Charitable Foundation. These awards are given at the discretion of the administrative staff and approved by the foundation trustees.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities for the upcoming Jack Oakie and Victoria Horne Oakie Charitable Foundation 2026 Summer Program will open once the season is announced.
Past Education Programs Photo Gallery
SIGN UP FOR BACKSTAGE CREW
For our upcoming Summer Season
Lighting
Sound
Painting
Prop Building
Costuming
Set Dressing
Carpentry
If any of these things interest you, and you’d like to spend your summer learning more about it, we’d love to meet you! We need people with artistic and practical skills to help us make theatre magic this summer. Opportunities for the upcoming Jack Oakie and Victoria Horne Oakie Charitable Foundation 2026 Summer Program will open once the season is announced.
