Shake Hands with Shakespeare – 6th Grade at University Prep

Shake Hands with Shakespeare

Last week, I was invited by veteran 6th grade teacher Sue Patella to record the development of her annual event: “Shake Hands with Shakespeare”.

Sue works with 60 11 year olds.  She divides them up into about 10 groups, each one doing a scene.  The sword fight at the end of Macbeth, Petruchio’s first meeting with Kate from Taming of the Shrew, the wall scene from Midsummer Night’s Dream, and yes even the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet.  The children memorize their lines, go into rehearsal, and perform for the school and parents  - all in 3 weeks.

I’ve been recording some of the rehearsals and short interviews with the actors. So far, it has been tremendous fun.

The children are engaged, having fun, are not scared and are getting into being their characters.  It is a joy to watch.

Cast for King Lear

photo by Steve Rowland

Macbeth