“I gained so much confidence. Thank you!”
–Student, Benet Academy, Lisle, IL
“This is the best extracurricular I’ve ever helped out with. We love this program and thank you for starting it.”
Teacher, Fenton High School, Bensenville, IL
Chicago Shakespeare Theater launched a new education program, now in its fifth year—the Chicago Shakespeare Slam. This high school Shakespeare slam-style competition, involving teams from schools across our region, invites students to dive deep into Shakespeare—and do so through an infinite number of lenses crafted out of students’ own imaginations. First and foremost an ensemble program, the Chicago Shakespeare Slam aims to build community among the members of a school’s team, and between the many schools’ teams participating across the Chicago region. The program serves as a national model for theaters across the country.
Chicago Shakespeare Slam evolved from a number of education programs here at Chicago Shakespeare and beyond—including a ten-year-long, national award-winning program, called CPS Shakespeare. CST’s Education Department partnered with CPS high school teachers and students in this after-school program, which brought an intergenerational ensemble of students and their teachers together to create an original Shakespeare production. In 2014, the program was honored in a White House ceremony, hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama.