Alice Laramore

“Often in school, students read plays without the chance to bring them to life. This project—in which professional actors join the classroom to coach student scenework—not only empowers students to get Shakespeare on its feet, it also advances social and emotional skills such as self-awareness, social-awareness, relationship-building and empathy through play. Students deeply explore characters' actions, reactions and relationships, theorize about why characters make particular decisions and build relationships with peers; skills that transfer into their everyday lives. By reflecting on and celebrating healthy risk-taking, the classroom transforms into a true ensemble of young actors and learners, increasing individual and collective confidence.”