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Shakespeare Theatre Company Education has launched a new, community-building initiative to ensure that students in the District of Columbia have access to the arts. The program, titled District Shakespeare, will engage students in D.C. Public Schools, grades 8-12, to provide a classical theatrer experience that encompasses Shakespeare’s artistry and relevancy for today’s youth.
Organized as a multi-year approach, District Shakespeare launched phase one in September 2011, in conjunction with the start of the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s 25th Anniversary Season. Prior to launching the program, STC had existing relationships with only 11 of the 53 public middle and high schools in D.C. Committed to reaching every school, Director of Education Samantha K. Wyer led the effort to contact school officials and schedule workshops.
After completing phase one, public schools will enter the program’s second phase which involves bringing the students into STC’s theatres to experience a live performance through the Company’s SHAKESPEARIENCE Student Matinee Program. District Shakespeare students receive free performance tickets and transportation to the SHAKESPEARIENCE matinee. In addition to the performance, the program includes pre- and post-performance workshops, a post performance discussion and a First Folio: Student and Teacher Resource Guide.
To date, STC has already brought District Shakespeare into 28 D.C. Public Schools – more than doubling the previous number – and has received commitments from many others. District Shakespeare is on track to reach all 53 schools by the end of the 2011-2012 school year.
