Atlanta Shakespeare Co & Therrell HS Produce Their Own R & J

A group of 40 high school students from Therrell High School in Ben Hill are exploring Shakespeare by producing their own version of Romeo and Juliet, under the guidance of a resident professional theatre company.

Their final performances on March 5th and 8th will be the culmination of an intensive ‘Shakespeare Residency,' an education program run by the Atlanta Shakespeare Company, the company that performs at the Shakespeare Tavern in Atlanta. Residencies involve the students in after-school rehearsals at least five days per week for eight weeks, during which students explore Shakespeare's text with help from professional actors. Participants also learn specialized skills, such as safe stage combat with swords, from certified theatre practitioners.

The ASC Education team developed the template for their Residencies at Woodward Academy, where they have guided a student Shakespeare production every year for five years. However, they have also worked diligently for two years to arrange a Residency in the Atlanta Public School system, in which 75% of students are under the poverty level and many schools do not offer any formal drama programs. Although ASC was unable to find funding to sponsor the project due to the economic climate, it decided to push ahead with the Therrell Residency, regarding it as an important ‘now-or-never' opportunity. The Company has ambitions to ultimately facilitate intensive Shakespeare Residencies in multiple public and private schools every year.

The Therrell High School Romeo and Juliet features students from all grades and disciplines, many of whom have never performed in a play. The program will end in two matinee performances in the Therrell auditorium on Thursday, March 5th, and a final public matinee performance on Sunday, March 8th, on the professional stage at the New American Shakespeare Tavern in Midtown.

Education Programs and Workshops: call or email Laura Cole, Education Director at 404-874-5299, X58 or laura@shakespearetavern.com

The Atlanta Shakespeare Company (ASC) at The New American Shakespeare Tavern is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA is a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art. Major support is provided by the Fulton County Commission under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council. Major support also is provided by the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs. But, PRIMARILY, ASC is funded through the generous support provided by people just like you through the Shakespeare Club, the Royals and the Exceptions.

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