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Shakespeare In Action is a multi-racial
classical repertory company with a strong commitment to Arts-In-Education.
The programs we offer are part of our long range plan to make
the arts a vital and integral part of the education of our
children and our community. Our particular interest is in
the written work, the demonstration of language, the study
of the poetry and the history of Shakespeare. Our goal is
to inspire a love and appreciation for the spoken word and
to build a future audience through our innovative educational
workshops, projects, programs and productions.
It is our belief that Shakespeare can
and should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, race,
education, or socio-economic background. It is with this vision
that Shakespeare In Action, has been diligently pioneering
new projects and programs in both schools and theatres, touching
all sectors of society. Shakespeare In Action 's educational
programs inspire a new generation of students and scholars
to discover the resonance of Shakespeare's truths in the everyday
world, demonstrating the influence that classical theatre
can have within a community. By definition the word "action
", implies habitual activity characterized by energy
and boldness. "Action " truly captures the essence
of what makes this company vital in bringing Shakespeare ALIVE
in the classroom and on stage.
Shakespeare In Action has developed
techniques and methods that actively challenge students from
kindergarten through adult education to participate vocally
and physically in the speaking, performing and examining of
Shakespeare's language. Company actors conduct a series of
workshops with audiences that explore the written work, the
demonstration of the language, the form and structure of the
poetry and the history of the Elizabethan world. This process
demystifies Shakespeare, creating an immediacy with the language
and relevancy for our audiences.
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1988 – Bard comes alive in Metro-area
classrooms - Kids are loving it
“The program is
innovative, improvisational, flexible - Bill Taylor – The
Toronto Star
1990 – SHAKESPEARE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM: For young
Actors
“Shakespeare In
Action, a marvelously creative program.” Bronwyn Drainie -
Globe & Mail
1991 – SHAKESPEARE IN THE PRISON: Impacts upon young
offenders.
“A stimulating
and vital experience.” Warden, Andy Martinson
1992 - SHAKESPEARE’S WORKS MODERNIZED FOR NEW AUDIENCES:
Innovation in education
“Smart actors
have found a way to teach Shakespeare with action” Eric
Malling – W5
1993 – SHAKESPEARE GOES TO KINDERGARTEN: A program
for K-6
“At schools all across Southern Ontario,
something special is happening. Shakespeare is coming to
class in a way he never did before.” Rita Tonnelli – Global
TV, Kids Beat
1994 - DEMYSTIFYING THE BARD: –
Learn Shakespeare by doing Shakespeare
“Students actors
cracking language barrier to see how he uses it to address
important human questions” Bill Henry – The Sun Times
1996 – MAIN STAGE PROGRAM: SIA
- Innovative production of Romeo & Juliet.
“Why has this
company been kept away from the public for so long when they
do such interesting work?’’ Geoff Chapman – The Toronto Star
1997 – TEACHING SHAKESPEARE SUMMER
INSTITUTE: Program Established at York University, Toronto
“I gained new
strategies and maybe even more important, renewed enthusiasm
for teaching Shakespeare. Thank you”. Denise Graves
“…great ideas for
getting the students out of their desks and into
Shakespeare”. Patty Lewis
1998 - LEARNING TO LOVE SHAKESPEARE:
Interesting Canadians we’re glad we’ve met
“Michael Kelly founder of Toronto’s
Shakespeare in Action believes that by experiencing
Shakespeare, kids learn some history while they design sets
and costumes, some music while they figure out how to
accompany their own performance and a whole lot of
self-confidence when they realize they’ve tackled a
playwright who has been known to terrify teachers.” Cate
Cochran, Canadian Living Magazine
1999 – INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS DOWN
UNDER: - Behold, a changed Bard
“learning about the Bard was never this much fun,
student sing, yell, whisper and hiss his phrases. Michael
Kelly uses repetition, encouragement, pace and limitless
energy, contrast the end result with after half an hour’s
intensive workout and the results are, well, dramatic. This is
how the director of Canadian-based Shakespeare in Action has
passed his love of Shakespeare onto thousands of people around
the world.” – Lynn Freeman – The Herald, NZ
2000 – SHAKESPEARE FOR KIDZ SUMMER
PROGRAM: Summer program for children from 7-12
Critically
acclaimed “innovative and fun” by C.B.C. As It Happens.
“Your camp topped the charts, Jessie rated it 110
out of 100” Marie Sheppard, Parent – C.B.C.
2001 – A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: Hit production
critically acclaimed.
“A combination of
clever staging and an inventive use of shadow play and puppets
make it all possible.” Richard Ouzounian, The Toronto Star
2002 – EMPOWERING KIDS WITH SHAKESPEARE: Experiencing the creative process
Shakespeare is ” a great point of departure that
crosses over to dance, history, art and music, kids begin to
fall in love with the language, “ says Kelly, “ Romantic,
invigorating, “its empowering for kids of any age” Annemarie Brissenden – The Village Gleaner, Toronto
2003 – ARTISTS & THE COMMUNITY: SIA launches
innovative program for schools, parents and volunteers that
involves the whole school from kindergarten to grade six in
the production of a Shakespeare play.
“This production of the “Tempest” gave
all the children at Givins/Shaw a chance to participate
regardless of background and religion.” Karen Mackenna,
Parent
Awards
2003 Artistic
Director, Individual Artist Award (Canada
Council)
2001 Dora Mavor
Moore (Best costume design nomination A Midsummer Night’s
Dream
1999 Theatre
International Pilot Program Award (Canada Council for the
Arts)
1994 Ontario Arts
Council Award of Distinction (Arts Education)
1995 Special
Project Award (Summer Youth Project, Toronto Arts Council
1993 Residency
Program Award (Arts-In-Education, Ontario Arts Council)
1990 Individual
Artist Award – Artistic Director (Ontario Arts Council)
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©2006-2007 Shakespeare in
Action.
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