Theater

Artist: Shakespeare-in-the-Schools

Artists Residencies and Pre- and Post-Performance Workshops are essential components of Shakespeare-in-the-School's (SITS) mission. Whether during a single workshop or an extended residency, we always aim to empower, and challenge.

The “classics” conjures up images of old books, stuffy language, and boredom for many students. “Adapting the Classics” invites students to delve into the great masterpieces of literature to make their own discoveries and conclusions. Using Brown University’s ArtsLiteracy Project (www.artslit.org) as a model, Shakespeare-in-the-Schools’ Teaching Artists lead students through the process of exploring and dramatizing classics using writing exercises, improvisation, creative drama, and text analysis and comprehension strategies. The ArtsLiteracy process makes classical works relevant to today’s students. Shakespeare-in-the-Schools' "Adapting the Classics" residency enhances students’ literacy development through creativity and drama techniques around challenging texts such as William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club or any work of literature from the school curriculum. Residencies typically consist of 6-12 sessions based on a text chosen from the school curriculum. They are preceded by joint planning meetings where the teaching team creates the unit by exploring the text and themes.

“Students were able to visually and kinesthetically connect to Hamlet in a way different from discussion. Sam Turich, our teaching artist, did an absolutely wonderful job with the students and connecting with them!”
- Katie O’Lare, Trinity High School

Artist: Joann Kielar

In Art-Infusion K-2, visual artist/puppeteer Joann Kielar designs developmentally appropriate projects to enhance and reinforce curriculum objectives. Joann has been trained in techniques of arts integration through the Wolftrap Institute and enjoys collaborating with teachers to create one-of-a-kind experiences related to classroom standards and objectives.  She holds an MFA from the University of Pennsylvania and has worked for many years in classrooms throughout the Pittsburgh area.

Artist: Cheryl Capezzuti

Schools can add up to three 45 minute workshops before or following the performance (teachers select the participating classrooms) taught by Fuzzy Boundary's Cheryl Capezzuti and Kellee Van Aken. Children will work with recycled materials to create instruments, or other fun works of art.

Artist: Cheryl Capezzuti

Cheryl Capezzuti's Puppetmaking residency connects puppetry to language arts, including creative writing and storytelling, as students make puppets and perform original works. Cheryl is an exhibiting visual artist and educator best known for her work creating giant papier mâché creatures that appear in theatres and parades both locally and nationally. She has conducted visual arts workshops and created multi-disciplinary programs for students and educators through many of Pittsburgh's cultural organizations.

Artist: Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis

Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis is a university educator and performer who tours nationally as Dr. Goddess. Her teaching interests comprise many areas of Africana arts. Dr. Ellis' enthusiasm and belief in the transformative power of the arts will set the stage for engaging and active learning experiences.
Residency offerings include:

• Celebrating Kwanzaa/The Kwanzaa Song - (K-12)
• August Wilson for Young Minds- (6-12)
• Word! Poetry, Prose and Performance- (9-12)
• Poetry in Motion (like Word!, but with a dance focus)- (6-12)

Full descriptions available upon request.