Workshop Overview

1-5 DAY RESIDENCIES | ALL AGES | UP TO 25 PARTICIPANTS

Join a collective celebration of Shakespearean artistry with Texas Hamlet, an inclusive community production featuring participants from classrooms, after-school programs, libraries, theatres, clubs, and community centers across the Lone Star State.

Workshop Highlights:

Duration: This five-hour collaborative workshop immerses participants in the world of Shakespeare, blending filmmaking and live performance for a unique and memorable experience.

1. Interactive Exploration (1 hour): Dive into the workshop with Hamlet-inspired drama and improvisation games, setting the stage for creative expression and team building.
2. Rehearsal and Filming (4 hours): Engage in a short but intensive rehearsal period (1.5 hours) leading to the exciting filming of a scene from our ongoing web series (2.5 hours). Participants play dual roles as both actors and behind-the-scenes film crew, offering a hands-on cinematic experience.
3. Post-Workshop Showcase: Following the workshop, your scene will be professionally edited and showcased on the ImprovEd Shakespeare YouTube channel, allowing participants to share their talent with a wider audience.

Adaptability: This program is tailored to meet the unique needs of each participating group. Whether you choose a multi-day residency or a full-day workshop, the content can be adapted to suit your specific goals and preferences.

Options:

• 5-day Residency: Five one-hour sessions.
• 3-day Residency: Three 1.5-2 hour sessions.
• 2-day Residency: Two 2.5 hour sessions.
• Full-day Workshop: A comprehensive five-hour session, ideal for groups who choose to memorize lines beforehand.

Texas Hamlet promises an unforgettable journey into the world of Shakespeare performance and filmmaking.

Workshop Overview

40-120 MINUTES | K-12 | UP TO 30 STUDENTS

Step into a world where Shakespeare meets the unexpected in the whimsical Shakespeare Pigeon Theatre workshop. This unique experience combines the timeless tales of Shakespeare with the charm of live pigeon ‘actors,’ resulting in an unforgettable fusion of creativity, education, and entertainment.

In Shakespeare Pigeon Theatre we dwell,
Where tales of old with avian charm we tell.
A TikTok canvas for the Bard’s grand plot,
Each scene performed, with pigeons as our lot.

Key Features:

• Synopsis Exploration: Dive into the captivating world of Shakespearean drama as students explore the synopsis of a selected play. Uncover the twists, turns, and timeless themes that have captivated audiences for centuries.
• TikTok Scene Creation: Get ready to bring Shakespeare to the digital age. Students channel their creativity into crafting a dynamic TikTok video scene that captures the essence of a Shakespeare play in a modern and engaging format.
• Live Pigeon Performers: Elevate the experience with live pigeon performers. Witness the magic as these feathered actors take the stage, adding a delightful and unexpected twist to the world of Shakespeare studies.
• Hands-On Learning: Shakespeare Pigeon Theatre goes beyond traditional learning by offering a hands-on, immersive experience. Students actively participate in every step of the creative process, from script exploration to voiceovers in the final TikTok production.

Educational Objectives:

• Shakespearean Literacy: Gain a deeper understanding of Shakespeare’s works by exploring and condensing the plot into a compelling TikTok scene.
• Digital Storytelling: Develop skills in digital storytelling and media creation by adapting classical literature into a modern, accessible format.
• Creativity and Innovation: Encourage creative thinking and innovation as students find inventive ways to interpret and present Shakespearean stories using live pigeons.
• Team Collaboration: Foster teamwork and collaboration as students work together to script, direct, and film their TikTok scenes, learning the importance of coordination and collective creativity. 

Workshop Overview

20-60 MINUTES | K-5 | UP TO 25 STUDENTS

Unlock the world of early literacy with the innovative “Shakespeare Minutes” workshop, led by the dynamic Andee Kinzy. This unique session seamlessly merges the richness of Shakespearean language with on-your-feet, full-body play, offering a transformative approach to early literacy.

Key Features:

• Early Literacy with Shakespeare: Shakespeare Minutes is designed to introduce young minds to the captivating world of language through the lens of Shakespeare. It’s an engaging fusion of play and learning that sparks curiosity and enthusiasm for literacy.

• On-Your-Feet Full-Body Play: Participants don’t just read Shakespeare; they embody it. Andee Kinzy expertly guides students in on-your-feet, full-body play, making the learning experience dynamic, interactive, and memorable.

• Memorization Techniques: In each 20-60 minute session, Andee leads students through the art of memorizing a Shakespearean monologue suitable for their age group. This process isn’t just about rote learning; it’s a journey that enhances cognitive development.

• Body-Mind Connection: Memorization isn’t confined to the mind alone. Participants use their bodies to create movements corresponding to each word, forging a unique connection between language and physical expression.

• Visual Reinforcement: To fortify the memorization process, the monologue text is printed on an accompanying poster or whiteboard. The written text acts as a powerful tool, reinforcing the auditory learning experience and creating a multisensory approach to literacy.

Why Memorization for Early Literacy?

Memorization isn’t just about recalling words; it’s a holistic approach to early literacy. By engaging the body in the process, children connect with language on a deeper level. Sounding out syllables on the written text adds an extra layer of comprehension, turning the act of reading into a vibrant, multisensory experience.

In “Shakespeare Minutes,” literacy becomes an adventure, a play, and a journey of self-expression. Join us as we explore the magic of Shakespeare through the eyes, ears, and bodies of our young learners.