A Variety of Uses
The plays in Shakespeare Tools have been abridged for use with children and are suitable for many purposes. They can be used to host a read-aloud with a group or they can be used to produce a live stage production. They can be used for a production that is structured to have weekly rehearsals after-school or they can be used for a camp. Our experience is with a week-long camp and we have included several documents that will help with the administration of such a project. We also include a lot of extras that would be fun with any type of production: tickets, programs, etc.
The Scripts
Our abridged scripts are now available at Amazon in both print and Kindle versions. In our camps the actors brought their scripts each day and marked the stage directions and director's comments on them. One task I give all my students is to write the cue to “get ready” in the margin of their scripts. They learn to find their entrance and write the cue one page earlier. During the performance they follow along in their scripts and the cues help them know when to go backstage.
When we first put on a Shakespeare play we realized that the unabridged versions were too long for the students. Though we were reluctant to abridge Shakespeare’s work, we have since discovered that it is a common practice among professionals. The plays we developed are actually less abridged than many film and stage productions, and they clock in at just under one hundred minutes for the performance. There are always students who are motivated to read the unabridged play to see what was left out. This is a good exercise for the students and is another way that producing these plays has stimulated further study and thought among our students.
Programs and Tickets
Shakespeare Tools comes with programs and tickets for your production. The program template is designed to be imported into your word processing program (in landscape orientation) so that you can add the names of your actors next to their roles. You can also add original artwork to the cover if you like. Print the two pages front and back (and fold) to create a simple program.
The ticket template can also be imported into your word processing program. Add your date, place of performance and troupe name. The tickets may be printed or sent as an attachment by email.
Two Secrets of our Success
Our productions have always turned out beautifully, and I would like to share one attitude that has helped us reach our goal of actually producing a Shakespeare play with children. We have been willing to be relaxed. We always remind ourselves that the experience of putting on a play together is more important than having every detail perfect. This means we don't have to have a complicated set or fancy costumes. We have been amazed at how powerful Shakespeare’s plays can be with even the simplest accoutrements.
Second, we always ask, “How can we help each student to shine?” If we have a student who can play the recorder or violin, we work their skills into our play. We have had students who could sing, fence, design a set, compose music, and dance. We have found a way to showcase all these talents in our plays.
Extras
Our students enjoyed Shakespeare Camp so much, that they asked if we could do more projects together. The parents did not think we could realistically have a second Shakespeare Camp in a year, so we planned some other fun events. Check out the details under the Extras section of Shakespeare Tools. There is a menu for a medieval feast which you can print for your guests. There are also invitations for a Hobbit Elevensies (not everything is related to Shakespeare!) and a Shakespearean Valentines Party that you can print or send by email to your guests.
Fare thee well!