A little Shakespeare after school

Story and photos submitted By Christine Stefanizzi

Shakespeare...that one word intimidates many adults but it was no problem for a group of local children. Thanks to four hard working university students and the Nipissing University Biidaaban Community Service-Learning Program children ranging in age from 8 - 11 years received some early exposure to the works of the famous bard.

Working in conjunction with the North Bay Public Library, Nipissing University created "Shakespeare After School," a seven week program designed to introduce children to Shakespeare. Using a text adapted specifically for a younger audience the group of 11 children put together a play of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". After working with the play to learn lines and stage direction the children were able to gain a basic understanding of the plot and story line, a task high school students struggle with each year.

The one-hour production, staged this past Saturday at the North Bay Public Library Auditorium, was attended by an audience of about 50 family and friends. Awards were given out at the end to celebrate various accomplishments, like best characterization, and contributions, like most enthusiastic.
When asked how they felt about Shakespeare some of the students felt that many of the words were 'weird' but over the course of the program, they learned what those words meant and how to say them. The students also declared Shakespeare 'fun' and, in the end, that was really the whole purpose of 'Shakespeare After School'.