Education
ASC at NJCU’s educational programming is designed to give students an appreciation for Shakespeare and other classic works. In a dynamic and participatory format, students are directly engaged in both the analysis and performance of plays and live theatre. All of the workshops are developed and led by ASC at NJCU’s professional actors.
School Programs: WINS - Will in Neighborhood Schools
Play it UP! - Elementary (grades 4-6)
• Designed especially for elementary school students, this course combines professional acting techniques with the works of William Shakespeare to create a dynamic, fun and varied introduction to acting for the stage.
• Over 20 weeks (10 in the fall, 10 in the spring) students receive an introduction to Shakespeare and stage performance.
• Classes conducted once a week for the length of a typical school class session.
• Students will attend two professional performances of a Shakespeare play by Actors Shakespeare Company at NJCU (Fall: Romeo and Juliet, Spring: The Tempest).
• The spring session will culminate in a 20-30 minute performance by students to which parents may be invited.
• Play it UP! reflects the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Visual and Performing Arts and English Language Arts.
Play it UP! - Special Learners (ages 12-21)
• Courses designed especially for students with a range of abilities and disabilities. These customized courses combine professional acting techniques with the works of Shakespeare to develop and encourage enjoyment of storytelling and performance.
• Over 20 weeks (10 in the fall, 10 in the spring) students receive an introduction to storytelling and performance.
• The duration of each class is between an hour and an hour and a half, depending on your school's needs. Students will attend two professional performances of a Shakespeare play by The Actors Shakespeare Company at NJCU (Fall: Romeo and Juliet, Spring: The Tempest).
• The spring session will culminate in a 20-30 minute performance to which parents may be invited.
Words & Action - (grades 7-12)
• Designed especially for teenage students, this course, combines professional acting techniques based on the Stanislavski methodology with a systematic, text-based approach to Shakespeare to create a sophisticated introduction to Shakespeare performance.
• Over 24 weeks (12 fall, 12 spring) students will cultivate the technical skills and theatrical understanding required to fully express classical texts.
• Classes are conducted once a week for the length of a typical school class session.
• Students will attend two professional performances of a Shakespeare play by The Actors Shakespeare Company at NJCU (Fall: Romeo and Juliet, Spring: The Tempest).
• The spring session will culminate in a 90 minute performance to which parents may be invited.
• Words & Action reflects the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Visual and Performing Arts and English Language Arts.
Trippingly on the Tongue - (grades 3-12)
• A two day in-class workshop focused on one Shakespeare play, in preparation for attendance at a professional performance (Fall: Romeo and Juliet, Spring: The Tempest)
• Interactive exercises and activities introduce students to the play’s characters, language, conflicts and themes.
• Students will rehearse and perform excerpts from the play for their peers.
The Purpose of Playing - Hamlet - (grades 9-12)
• A 90 minute program including a 60 minute rendering of the play with full costumes and combat.
• 30 minute Question and Answer session with the actors.
• Teachers are provided with a detailed study guide including classroom activities and discussion topics.
Main Stage - School Day Matinee Series
In addition to the in-school education programs, ASC invites students and teachers to our main stage productions through our School Day Matinee Series.
• Full performances of ASC at NJCU’s main stage work, not abbreviated “school versions.”
• Teachers are provided with a detailed study guide that includes classroom activities, follow-up questions and discussion topics.
• Following the performance students will engage in a Question & Answer session with the cast.
Our 2010 - 2011 Season
In our eleventh season, Love’s Transgressions, we explore the many faces of Love, and all of the human foibles that strive to defeat it. Shakespeare challenges our ideas about Love – both its potential and its limitations.
Student and Teacher Testimonials
FROM TEACHERS:
“The students remarked how they will never forget the experience and how they now understood what Shakespeare intended for his audiences. Students have learned the influence of culture and history in creating a work of art.”
“You emphasized one of the most crucial elements of learning--not knowing the answers, but knowing what questions to ask!”
“I noticed many of the students began taking on active roles in the class by becoming involved in [the activities], which built on their confidence and self esteem.”
“Due to the extensive group work during these [workshops], the class came together as a whole. The children learned to interact in a positive manner.”
FROM STUDENTS:
“They let us participate and act along with them and that’s what made it even better.”
“Before I didn’t really like Shakespeare and thought Romeo and Juliet was boring – now I feel much different. They helped me understand it and actually made it interesting. I hope they come back.”
“The play was wonderful. I liked the fact that the actors involved the audience by speaking to us.”
“Finally! I was able to sit through Romeo & Juliet and actually understand it!”
“Classical thought has posed the question of human purpose for centuries. Nowhere in the English language is that quest more fully drawn than in the works of William Shakespeare. By taking his plays off the page and standing them firmly on the stage we give the next generation the opportunity to make a connection to their profound truths.” |
For additional program information, please contact:
201-200-2398 or email: education@ascnj.org
