Educational Resources
Play's the Thing!
People all over the planet continue to respect the plays of William
Shakespeare 400 years after his death, but many suffer a phobia when faced with
actually reading, studying, or performing his works. The poetic language,
sophisticated vocabulary, and historically distant subject matter can seem
daunting to the average person. In order to help today's audiences
overcome "Shakes-fear," Rosebriar Shakespeare Company has created Play's the
Thing, a comprehensive set of programming and resources. RSC believes
that the Bard's works are best appreciated through hands-on experience and taken
in the spirit of play. In addition to the intellectually invigorating
nature, exploring these richly complex works also offers participants insight
into human nature, a love of language, experience with collaborative creation,
and the chance to join in a conversation that has been happening for hundreds of
years. Our dedicated Education Staff works hard
to encourage this dialog through developments in programming, materials, and
other educational opportunities.
Programs
Rosebriar Shakespeare Company offers a variety of educational programming
designed to enhance the understanding and love of Shakespeare's work at all
levels. These fun and interactive events bring Rosebriar actors to your
school or organization where we present new ways to appreciate the bard!
All of our programs include some hands-on experience and may be adapted for any
class or group size.
For Students!
The classroom is
often the first place a person experiences Shakespeare. We bring
excitement to that moment with our programs designed for students at all grade
levels. Whether a single class or an entire school, we bring our
passion with us and show the students why Shakespeare is so
amazing. Click here for a full listing of
our program offerings for K-12 students.
For
Teachers!
Teaching the Bard can inspire great Shakes-fear,
too. So, we've designed several workshops designed to
help educators implement engaging lesson plans. Whether your
focus is language arts, drama, or anything else, we can provide ideas and
resources that will help you create lessons that will have a lasting impression
with your students. Click here to find out more about our teacher
workshops.
For Actors!
Shakespeare's
plays loom before many actors and theatre artists like a theatrical
Mt. Everest. Let us do away with those fears!
RSC offers
free workshops to performers of
all levels prior to each audition. Click here
to be added to our email list and receive notifications for these
workshops.
Private coaching for individuals or small groups may be
arranged as well. Email
for more information.
Materials
Rosebriar Shakespeare Company provides a wide array of online resources for
educators, including lesson plans, and activities. For actors and teachers
alike, we also offer Actor Notes that provide a detailed look
behind the Shakespearian stage. These aids provide educators and artists
of every kind with the tools they need to develop outstanding lessons on any
aspect of the Bard's work.
Production
Notes
With
each performance, our Education Staff works with the director and the performers
to explore the production process. These notes provide a unique
behind-the-scenes look at Shakespeare's works.
General
Knowledge
These
lesson plans focus on introductory and background information on Shakespeare's
work and Early Modern drama in general. They are designed to help
students become familiar with the basic concepts behind the study of
Shakespeare, and build a solid foundation on which to develop.
Common
Activities
Many of our lesson plans and activities can
work well with any of the plays. These materials are designed to teach
concepts and skills that are valuable regardless of what you are
reading.
The
Plays
Shakespeare was an amazingly prolific
playwright. Because of this, we work continuously to develop a wide range
of fun and engaging lesson plans and activities for each of his plays that
we perform. As such, this list of resources is continually growing, so
check back often!
Talkbacks
As part of every production, Rosebriar Shakespeare Company offers a talkback
following its Sunday matinee performance. After the show, the Education
Director offers the chance for an informal discussion of the play. This
Q&A is designed to explore the play and its major themes at a general level,
and offer a chance for the audience to ask questions and expand their
understanding. All talkbacks are a free part of the performance, and we
highly encourage everyone to stick around, whether student, teacher, actor, or
interested member of the audience. Information about our Talkback for our
next performance is available here.
Other Resources
Links
Rosebriar Shakespeare Company has assembled a list of other
websites that offer unique insights or opportunities for those interested in
Shakespeare or the stage. These sites, and the people behind them, enhance
the educational opportunities we provide with their own understanding and
passion. We highly recommend taking some time to explore these other
wonderful online resources.
Bibliography
Shakespeare's
works have enjoyed enormous love and success for over 400 years. As such,
there is never a shortage of adaptations and research materials. Rosebriar
Shakespeare Company has oragnized a list of some of those materials we feel are
particularly useful for educational purposes. This ever-expanding
resource is the perfect stop for works to supplement any unit on
Shakespeare.
For more information about any of our
resources, email our Education
Director.
