Education

"I know for a fact that this was the first play to make me really think about my life."
–Student, Jacobs High School, Algonquin, IL
 

"Our discussion the next day [following the performance] was magic. So that’s why I became a teacher!"
–Marine Math and Science Academy, Chicago

Shakespeare remains a cornerstone in schools—for many reasons. His portrayal of human nature is encompassing; his language, unparalleled; and his plays bridge generations, nationalities, cultures, and neighborhoods. In a world increasingly divided, he challenges us to think, again, about what binds us, still.

But… Reading Shakespeare can pose a real challenge—to students and to teachers. His work is some of the most difficult that a student is required to read. Here at Chicago Shakespeare, we view it as a responsibility, and a privilege, to support this central component of the English curriculum, and to make it accessible, achievable, fun, and enlightening for students and teachers alike. Our program unites the skills of theater artists and classroom educators to bring Shakespeare to life in the school curriculum—through live performance, professional learning for educators, comprehensive teaching resources, and opportunities for students to perform Shakespeare. Serving more than 40,000 teachers and students each year, Team Shakespeare is one of the most comprehensive and highly respected arts education programs in the country.

MAJOR SUPPORTERS OF TEAM SHAKESPEARE

Additional Support Provided by
Arts Midwest, BP, Helen Brach Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, The Grover Hermann Foundation, Kimberlee Herold, James and Brenda Grusecki, The Malott Family Student Access Fund, Mazza Foundation, Pritzker Foundation Team Shakespeare Fund, and The Segal Family Foundation Student Matinee Fund