Artist: Shakespeare-in-the-Schools

For many students, studying the “classics” conjures up images of old books, stuffy language, and boredom. “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 will 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 based on challenging texts such as William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings or any work of literature from the school curriculum. A typical residency is 6-12 sessions. 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

Maximum # of students:

22 recommended

Requirements:

Flexible classroom space

Minimum sequential workshops:

12 recommended