INTRODUCING STUDENTS TO SHAKESPEARE
An Artist residency in the Freshmen English classes at Juneau Douglas High School
Over a series of six class visits, Juneau artists help students bring to life scenes from a Shakespeare play currently being performed in the Perseverance Theatre season. The artists give students tools to understand and make sense of Shakespeare and, most importantly, make Shakespeare fun.
Prologue also provides historical and cultural education to its students. It gives classroom teachers the tools to integrate Shakespeare and dramatic literature into their regular language arts curriculum. It electrifies the academic classroom setting and creates an environment of joy in learning.
The program also fosters a community of adult artists in Juneau, working together to share their knowledge with young people and learning from young people as well. It establishes a continuing valuable dialogue between these artists and educators in the Juneau School District.
The program culminates with a day-time performance of an abbreviated version of a Shakespeare play at Perseverance Theatre by the students themselves. A family audience is invited. The students’ scene work is presented in sequence on the professional stage to honor the students’ work and to celebrate their skills and talents as artists.
Prologue develops a community of future artists and audience members among the students it touches. It also invites their families and friends - from communities throughout the Juneau area - to become a part of the movement that is Perseverance Theatre.
For more information contact Shona Strauser at 907-364-2421 ext 232.
