Shakespeare Live! with Ms.Barr

          Shakespeare Live! is an eight week hands-on literature and theater residency.  Sixth graders jump in to the history, politics and daily life of the Roman Empire to compliment the reading and analysis of “Julius Caesar”. Understanding the language, metaphors, humor and wisdom of Shakespeare’s writing does not need to wait for high school! Students will then perform an adapted version of the play complete with: togas, collapsible knives, student led crews for props, costumes, set, and sound effects.

Part of each lesson involves drama training, enunciation, body awareness and posture, improvisation, and community building exercises to help adolescents feel confident and ready for the stage. The benefits of embracing and truly understanding Shakespeare, performing memorized lines, and collaborating as a class builds skills that will last them a life time. Each classroom performs their own show for parents and peers.  A quality DVD of the filmed show will be given to each actor to share with family members who could not make the performance and to cherish for years to come.

Ms. Barr taught for 28 years (23 at Bell!).  She has a passion for unleashing hidden potential, and helps students recognize commonalities and talents across the curricula, while also keeping it fun. Above and Beyond employs teaching assistants to help with rehearsing scenes to maximize efficiency in contact hours.  You won’t want your child to miss out on this opportunity.  “The fault lies not in our stars, but in ourselves.”

Above and Beyond