MySHAKESPEARE
Added to and prominent on our roster this season is a program that has been developed over the past months called MyShakespeare. Exemplifying the philosophy of the Education Department that theatre is a catalyst to inspire creativity in young people, MyShakespeare will use Shakespeare’s boundless writings to support educational growth, literacy, social skills, teamwork, and creative independence.
"…the program is praised by both students and faculty alike. My own daughter, a 2nd grader, has shared with me information she has gained and evidences an interest in theater I hadn’t seen before. The approach the program takes is one of active participation by all students and teachers. Part of the idea is to break down the barriers in language between our students and Shakespeare’s time. This is done through both group and individual activities. In addition, the students become alive to the powerful themes and dramatic issues presented in the plays and are encouraged to relate them to their own experience and observation."
– Patrick Murdoch, teacher at Young Public School
“It was creative, fresh, and made me feel like I was understanding Shakespeare for the first time.”
– Dani Piastowski, student at Crossroads High School
Shakespeare’s plays are ideal for cross-curricular work because, while they can be deeply personal and emotionally evocative, they are also political, issue-based, and universal in their exploration of the human experience, while also teaching dramatic structure through the meter and verse of iambic pentameter.
After a successful pilot season with year-long partnerships in four schools during 2011-2012, MyShakespeare is looking for new partners in both Tucson and Phoenix. Short-term residencies and single-engagement workshops will also be available. At the conclusion of each season, ATC Education staff will hold feedback and planning sessions with participating classroom teachers to review and reflect on the successes of the program and how to refine it moving forward.
For More Information
Phoenix:
Bryanna Patrick, Education Associate
(602) 256-6899 x 7008
bpatrick@arizonatheatre.org
Tucson:
April Jackson, Education Manager
(520) 884-8210 x 7513
ajackson@arizonatheatre.org
