Here is an opportunity to enhance and augment the study of Shakespeare in your classroom!

An ensemble of professional actors, well trained in Shakespeare performance and the use of creative dramatics, will bring the words of the Bard to life for and with your students.

Students become performers, and in the process, discover the power of Shakespeare and the value of self-expression.

The result is a new appreciation of the classical language and universal truths of Shakespeare -- it's an experience your students will benefit from the rest of their lives!

Goals of the Program

Demystify Shakespeare and introduce students to the beauty and power of the dramatic language and the life-affirming values of classical theatre.

Move students from their books to their feet to involve them in the dramatic process and to physicalize the text.

Develop critifal analysis of the language of Shakespeare: Structure, sounds, images, and dramatic content.

Provide students with tools to unlock the text including: scansion of verse, Shakespearean slang and imbedded stage directions.

Direct and perform scenes to experience the full performance process.

One-Week Residency

...before the residency
The ensemble meets with teachers to discuss materials for the residency and a timetable.  We also discuss how to prepare the students for the residency and fine-tune the week's activities to better complement the school's curriculum.

...the week
On the first day, the ensemble will perform a collection of scenes, emphasizing the play the students are studying.  The artists then work with core groups of students in classroom sessions, examining and physicalizing scenes.  On the last day, the students perform the scenes they have worked on all week, and then discuss the scenes and the process.

...after school
The ensemble conducts participatory workshops with you and your colleagues to developed further strategies for teaching Shakespeare.  Parents can attends these sessions to involve them in the student's work.

...study guide
A study guide is available with additional exercises and readings to aid you and your students prior, during and after the residency.

...the fee
$2,500.  This fee covers all expenses except mileage and housing for distant residencies.  The Nebraska Art Council has been generous in supporting residencies, and NSF is ready to assist you in seeking funding for your residency.

One-Day Residency

...the residency
The ensemble or individual actors from the ensemble conduct in-class workshops for up to six hours.  The work emphasizes getting students on their feet and getting the words in their mouths as a means of actively studing the text.  This expereience is a wonderful way of introducing Shakespeare Unbound to your school.

...the fee
Since the one-day workshops are tailored for each class, a variety of options exist: each instructor for $250, or full ensemble for $800.

Other Outreach Opportunities

Guest Directors & Coahes -- work with you and your students on your Shakespeare production.

Camp Shakespeare -- a two-week workshop during Shakespeare on the Green with the professional actors of the NSF company.

Sonnet Writing Contest -- held each spring.  Winners are announced in a special ceremony and the winning sonnet is printed in the souvenir program.

Scheduling

To book Shakespeare Unbound or to receive more information about NSF programs contact:

Kasey Brandt, Director of Education
nebraska Shakespeare
C/O Department of Fine Arts
Creighton University
Omaha, NE 68178
402-554-3072

What others have said...

"This has been the best week of my entire year.  Thanks!"
-Crystal
Student at Beatrice High School

"Shakespeare  Unbound made people realize that Skakesspeare wrote for everyone."
-Zach
Student at Cozad High School

"the quality of the residency was outstanding.  It is an experience the students will continue to use throughout their eduction."
-Mary
English Teacher at Omaha Burke High School

"Giving students chances to sharpen these critical skills may be the most important thing that educators can do in the classroom."
-Debra
English Teacher at Millard North High School

"Delving into the script and bringing it to life enabled me to relate to Romeo & Jiliet to my life and to understand the motives behind my character."
-Kelsie
Student at Millard North High School

"A resounding success!  Such hands-on appraoch enhances the reading of the text in  ways impossible in the traditional classroom setting."
-Regina
English Teacher at Omaha Marian High School