Shakespeare IS for the ages – six to eighteen!
Performing Shakespeare’s plays helps young people imagine their way into worlds they have never known. It develops sensitivity to the richness of the English language as it teaches cooperation - performing Shakespeare is a non-competitive team activity. Students develop self-esteem as they master the challenging material in Shakespeare’s plays. This is especially important for those whose horizons have been limited by social and economic forces.
Performing Shakespeare: A Way to Learn examines four programs. Second graders in Ontario explore and perform Shakespeare. High school students in Brooklyn recreate Shakespeare’s plays in “Street, Spanish and Shakespeare." Fifth graders in Los Angeles spend a year preparing uncut productions accompanied by their own hard driving rock band. A professional acting company in rural Massachusetts brings its unique approach to Shakespearean production to schools.
Performing Shakespeare: A Way to Learn helps teachers, directors and leaders of social programs enrich their work doing Shakespeare with young people. For those who have not yet done it, the book shows how to start.