Arts Activities Support

15 students from different socio-economic backgrounds will learn Shakespearean acting techniques (voice, movement, textual analysis) while performing The Comedy of Errors in the round. Three goals are: 1) Challenge the students' intellect and their assumptions by engaging with difficult material 2) Expand worldview 3) Cultivate both compassion and confidence through collaboration across multiple boundaries. Students will also interact with and learn from visiting guest speakers and presenters from the Minneapolis theater scene who will both address the participants about the craft of acting and share exercises around acting, voice, and movement techniques through a workshop format. The students will see a professional Shakespeare production and enjoy a Q and A session with the actors. Finally, by hiring two professional Shakespearean teaching artists, Minnesota Shakes is able to provide the best training to the students and ensure growth and guidance. Success is defined by (1) Did the students enjoy themselves and feel proud of what they learned and shared? (2) Were they challenged theatrically and intellectually? (Most students will not seek a career in theater; however, the Shakespearean knowledge and confidence of stage acting will serve them throughout their lives.) (3) Did they grow through collaboration and benefit from the diversity and friendship of the other students? Since we also welcome a wide range of theatrical experience into the program, success for each student can be very different. As long as we encourage the type of success listed above, each student will have an opportunity to be challenged and express in a safe, non­-judgmental environment. At the close of the session, the students will perform for their friends and family. The students, audience, teachers, and families will all be given evaluations. The board will review the comments and make necessary changes.