The City University of New York Creative Arts Team
NYC Student Shakespeare Festival
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival – Overview
The 21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival is sponsored by NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, with additional support from Penguin Group USA, The Lucille Lortel Foundation, Jack Nadel International, and Participating NYC Dept. of Education Schools: Aerospace and Science Academy, P.S. 127 • Bronxdale High School Cobble Hill School of American Studies • Colonel David Marcus School , P.S. 217 Elijah Stroud, P.S. 316 • Energy Tech High School • Fordham High School for the Arts Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School • Franklin High School • George H. Lindsay, P.S. 250 H.E.R.O. High (Health, Education, and Research Occupations High School) High School for Youth and Community Development at Erasmus Information Technology High School • Mosaic Preparatory Academy • Muscota New School, P.S. 314 Quest To Learn • University Heights High School • Waterside Children’s Studio School, PS 317 William E. Grady Career & Technical High School • York Early College Academy
Special thanks to: Naomi Weinstein at Penguin Group USA, Andrea Delman at Jack Nadel International, Nancy Beer at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, Paul Thomas at The Parkside Group, Alexia Vernon, Chris Vine, Nancy Clarke, Rachel Castillo, Nassib Saad, and Kiran Rikhye. Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS Director’s Message .................................................................................................. 4 About the Festival .................................................................................................... 5 2014 Program Review .............................................................................................. 6 2014 Participating Schools .................................................................................... 10 Franklin High School .............................................................................................. 12 H.E.R.O. (Health, Education, and Research Occupations) High School........ 13 Information Technology High School ................................................................. 14 Energy Tech High School....................................................................................... 15 York Early College Academy (classes 1 & 2) ..................................................... 16 High School for Youth and Community Development at Erasmus ................ 18 Bronxdale High School (class 1) ........................................................................... 19 Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School ............................................................... 20 William E. Grady Career & Technical High School ........................................... 21 Bronxdale High School (class 2) ........................................................................... 22 University Heights High School .............................................................................. 23 George H. Lindsay, P.S. 250 .................................................................................. 24 Elijah Stroud, P.S. 316 (class 1) ............................................................................. 25 Aerospace and Science Academy, P.S. 127 (class 1) .................................... 26 Elijah Stroud, P.S. 316 (class 2) ............................................................................. 28 Mosaic Preparatory Academy ............................................................................ 29 Waterside Children’s Studio School, PS 317 ....................................................... 30 Colonel David Marcus School , P.S. 217.............................................................. 31 Aerospace and Science Academy, P.S. 127 (class 2) .................................... 32 Quest To Learn ........................................................................................................ 33 Cobble Hill School of American Studies ............................................................. 34 Fordham High School for the Arts ....................................................................... 35 Muscota New School, P.S. 314 ............................................................................ 36
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival – Overview
2014 Festival Team ................................................................................................... 8
Aerospace and Science Academy, P.S. 127 (class 3) .................................... 37 York Student Newspaper ...................................................................................... 38 About the CUNY • Creative Arts Team ................................................ Backpage 2014 New York City Shakespeare Festival Staff................................... Backpage
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Director’s Message
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival –Year in Review
This season, after two years of transitioning to our new Shakespeare Festival model, we had the satisfaction of seeing how incredibly high our teachers and students can soar. From the first professional development with our new teachers, it was clear to all of us that this was going to be a very special year. Though few of them had prior experience with Shakespeare or even with theatre, they were willing to fling themselves into our studentcentered, collaborative devising process, seemingly without hesitation. Using the techniques we’ve developed over many years, these inspiring teachers found a beautiful balance of freedom and structure with their students, offering them a powerful expressive tool to share their feelings about such issues as bullying, racism, misogyny, and family tension, all through the words of William Shakespeare. The teachers collaborated with their assigned teaching artists in site visits designed to support their work and challenge them further, and many of these pairings have grown into friendships over the months of festival preparation. After months of hard work, over 600 students from around the City convened for four days at the Lucille Lortel, an off -Broadway theatre, performing their Shakespeare-inspired creations to a packed and excited audience of their peers. Their day was kicked off by an inspiring performance by Sonnet Man, a rapper whose mission is to bring new rhythms to the Bard’s work. Not only did the Festival day mark the first time nearly all of the students had the opportunity to perform, but for most it was also the first time they had heard Shakespeare’s words spoken aloud, and for many it was their very first time in a theatre other than their school auditorium. Novices though they might be, they bravely and enthusiastically leapt into their delightful performances and into the day’s many activities, including a surprisingly rollicking round of Shakespeare trivia. And after the students proudly took their bows, they had the opportunity to celebrate the work of their partner schools in peer-feedback sessions which proved both insightful and moving. I am so proud of the work of the teachers, their students, and our team of teachings artists, and frankly cannot wait to begin this process all again in a few months.
Jon Stancato Director, NYC Student Shakespeare Festival Above: letters from Bronxdale participants
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21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival –Year in Review
NYC Student Shakespeare Festival Founded in 1993, CAT's Shakespeare program is a unique opportunity for educators and students to celebrate the raw power and dazzling beauty of Shakespeare's work. The program is built on the belief that Shakespeare is best learned in the act of performing his words. It's a one-of-a-kind opportunity for NYC teachers of grades 2-12 to learn how to use Shakespeare to build their students' academic, social and emotional skills, while addressing the Common Core Learning Standards, as well as NYS Arts Standards and the NYC Blueprint For Teaching and Learning in the Arts in an active, creative way. Participating teachers, under the guidance of CAT's professional teaching artists, increase their own understanding of Shakespeare, drama, learner-centered education, and classroom management. They lead their students in developing an original 8-minute piece of theatre marrying Shakespeare's language and themes with their students' interests and curricular goals. The experience culminates with students performing their theatre pieces before an audience of hundreds of their NYC peers at the famous Lucille Lortel Off-Broadway Theatre in Manhattan. Teachers walk away with myriad tools for ongoing drama education, academic success, and student engagement. Students walk away with a love of Shakespeare, enhanced language and drama skills, and new friendships.
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PROGRAM REVIEW The CUNY/CAT NYC Student Shakespeare Festival (NYCSSF) is a scaffolded program that features professional development workshops for educators, in-class coaching residencies with teachers and students, and a culminating performance during a multi-day festival at the Lucille Lortel Theatre.
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival – Overview
Through this program, teachers learned how to create, with their students, an original work of theatre using Shakespeare’s text that expresses stories and themes chosen by the students, and how to guide students with no theatrical experience through the acting process to perform these collaboratively devised pieces on an Off-Broadway stage. The professional development aspect of the program, held at the CUNY/CAT offices in Manhattan, focused on supporting teachers in developing the following skills:
Collective creation Acting Playwriting Directing Reading comprehension
Text analysis Vocal technique Physical comedy Conflict resolution Peer feedback
During this process, teachers receive thorough lesson plans as well as our comprehensive NYCSSF Teacher Resource Guide.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INTRODUCTION TO DEVISING WITH SHAKESPEARE December 6, 2013, 9am-2pm (New Teacher Training) The first professional development workshop was tailored as an introduction for new teacher to the NYC SSF experience. The teachers are introduced to the festival’s mission, to create a space in which students can create their own original work of theatre using Shakespeare’s text. This process allows them complete freedom of expression to tell the stories that are meaningful to them whilst giving them a clear structure as they attempt to express these stories by collaging Shakespeare’s poetry and prose. In this first training, we guide the new teachers in our process with activities to support each of the below steps: 1.
Find out what your students want to make a play about
2.
Explore these themes theatrically and physically with your students
3.
Choose a theme and create a series of tableaux to tell a story which communicates this theme
4.
Select excerpts from a Shakespeare play which can support this narrative
5. Layer them into the tableaux and add movement and repetition to support the action.
REMIXING THE BARD: DEVISING WITH SHAKESPEARE, PART I January 10, 2014, 9am-2pm After welcoming our teachers to the training by having them hurl Shakespearean insults at each other, we devoted the day to building several important skills which the teachers could implement after successfully achieving the above. They learned how to use some creative dramaturgy to expand their 5 frozen tableaux into 5 expanded and dynamic scenes, each with a clear beginning, middle, and end. They also learned how to use some innovative casting and staging techniques to create exciting performance opportunities for their large classes (sometimes up to 40 students!) within these scenes. Our veteran teachers got a special breakout session modeling different ways to transform a group of students into an activated ensemble.
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PROGRAM REVIEW REMIXING THE BARD: DEVISING WITH SHAKESPEARE, PART II February 7, 2013, 9am-2pm
CLASSROOM VISITS A total of 24 classes participated in the Shakespeare Festival, representing 20 different schools. Each class received three visits from CAT teaching artists. As a complement to the professional development training provided to teachers, these visits gave the students and teachers a chance to have a teaching artist work with them on their scenes. A total of 93 classroom visits served 570 students and educators.
21ST ANNUAL NYC STUDENT SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL The highlight of the program was the 4-day festival of performances held at the Lucille Lortel Theatre at 121 Christopher Street in Manhattan. 650 students performed in the festival, with over 700 students, teachers and guests attending the festival. After each performance, CAT actor teachers gathered with participating classes and teachers to share observations and feedback. Each class received an “award of excellence” for their unique adaptation of Shakespeare. All participants received a certificate and student-designed Festival t-shirt. Teachers received a set of Shakespeare texts for their classrooms, provided by Penguin USA.
OUTCOMES
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival – Overview
Our final PD offered a potpourri of mixed skills necessary to make the teachers’ pieces festival-ready. We offered tools to enhance students’ use of their voices and to help students make clear decisions with their text. The teachers explored, through our activities, some fundamental staging principles and had an opportunity to experiment with different styles of directorial feedback. They also learned how to marry the rhythms of hip hop with the poetry of the Bard. Finally, we grounded the teachers in some of the fundamental principles of comedy so they could further enrich their pieces.
On post-Festival surveys, 100% of the responding teachers reported that the Festival program helped develop their students’ self-expression, empathy, ability to collaborate, creative problem solving skills, their theatre appreciation skills and their enthusiasm and interest in Shakespeare. 100% of respondents also reported that the Festival increased students’ literacy skills, as identified by the Common Core, including: acknowledging different point of view, using words and phrases acquired through conversation, being read to, and responding to texts; making connections between self, text and the world around them; speaking audibly and expression thoughts, feeling and ideas clearly, and identifying real-life connections between words and their use. Pertaining to the Danielson Framework for Teaching, 94% of teachers agreed that the program helped them learn to effectively use and integrate student responses and ideas, encourage high levels of student participation in discussion, and create lesson plans that inspire student enthusiasm, interest, thinking and problem-solving. 82% of responding students said they would like to do more theatre; 48% of students said that they participate in no other in-school arts programming.
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THE FESTIVAL TEAM
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival – Overview
Jon Stancato NYCSSF Director Lauded as "ingenious" by the New York Times, Jon is Co-Artistic Director of Stolen Chair, the 3-time Drama Desk-nominated theatre company he founded with his partner, Kiran Rikhye, in 2002. He has co-created directed 15 original works for Stolen Chair, including 2013's The Man Who Laughs, a live silent film for the stage, and last season's Potion: A Play in 3 Cocktails. Jon teaches his distinctive approach to physical theatre to over 1,000 students each year. He has taught at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), Yale, the European College of Liberal Arts (Berlin), Bard College, Swarthmore College, and Pace University among others. Over the past eleven years, Jon has worked for the CUNY/ Creative Arts Team New York City Student Shakespeare Festival as a commentator, teaching artist, master teacher, and, now, artistic director.
Liz Eckert NYCSSF Teaching Artist Liz is a New York based teaching artist, voice and text coach, and performer whose love affair with Shakespeare began with her acting debut in the fifth grade as “dancer” in a school production of Romeo and Juliet. For many years, she has performed in and taught workshops related to several of Shakespeare plays with Flock Theater in New London, CT, and she studied with internationally recognized Shakespeare expert Kristin Linklater at Columbia University School of the Arts’ Graduate Acting Program. She is a Designated Linklater Voice Teacher and has have coached and taught at Columbia School of the Arts, Columbia Business School, Barnard College, The Linklater Center for Voice and Language, Circle in the Square Theatre School, LAByrinth Theatre Company, HB Studios, and Sibiu International Theater Festival (Romania).
Laura Butler Rivera NYCSSF Teaching Artist Laura has performed and offered theater workshops in Berlin, Japan, Romania, Italy, US, Australia, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. She was a movement Coach for Love’s Labours Lost, a Columbia University’s thesis, directed by Andrei Serban. Laura studied Voice & Speech and Shakespeare with Kristin Linklater and worked alongside Thomas Butts in Romania with the German actors company (Teatrul German de Stat Timisoara) coaching movement and speech for various Shakespeare monologues. She is an Artistic Director of One-Eighth Theater (UBU, The Proposal, and Cho H Cho developed at Mabou Mines), a co-founder of Cloud of Fools Theater Company (The Whistling Mortician and EUROPA), and an associate member of CABORCA Theatre (Zoetrope, Open Up Hadrian, and Las Minutas de Martí). Taught Acting I for Columbia University’s MFA acting class of ‘13 (Adjunct Assistant Professor). She is currently Faculty for the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts where she has taught Voice and Speech, Movement, and Vocal and Physical Dynamics for Camera. She has acted in: Comedy of Errors (NYC and Germany), Three Gifts for Lenny Bruce (Target Margin Theater Lab), so go the ghosts of méxico (La MaMa Theater); On The Beach (curated by Robert Wilson, BAC), Castle of Giants (The Windmill Factory), among others. She holds an MFA in Acting from Columbia University, and a BA in Drama from the University of Puerto Rico. laurabutlerrivera.com Page 8
THE FESTIVAL TEAM Javier Gonzalez NYCSSF Teaching Artist
As a director, in addition to his own plays, González has collaborated with the painter John Ransom Phillips on his multimedia performance piece Mommy in Four Acts, and has also created multiple site-specific works in Puerto Rico and New York. González has been a member of the Public Theater’s Emerging Writers Group, a Van Lier Directing Fellow, an Associate Artist at Classic Stage Company, and was named a NYTheatre.com“Person of the Year” in 2010. He holds an MFA in Directing from Columbia University.
David Skeist NYCSSF Teaching Artist David is an actor, teacher, and producer living in Brooklyn. He has performed at the Public Theater, Theater for a New Audience, Classic Stage Company, The Skirball Center, Peak Performances at Montclair State University, and Joe's Pub and has worked with artists such as Richard Foreman, David Gordon, Elizabeth Swados, Len Jenkin, and Adam Rapp. David has also worked often with some of New York's most innovative independent ensembles including Stolen Chair, Dangerous Ground Productions, PL115, The Representatives, and Caborca Theatre of which he is the Associate Artistic Director. He has played some of Shakespeare's most coveted and/or interesting roles in Romeo and Juliet, King Lear, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Titus Andronicus, Cymbeline, The Comedy of Errors, and Love's Labour's Lost, and was chosen for the highly selective Public Theater Shakespeare Lab in 2011. He has taught Acting and Movement at Columbia University and New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, as well as workshops for DreamYard Prep, The New School, and the German State Theatre in Timisoara, Romania. David holds a BA from Harvard and an MFA from Columbia.
Devon Glover The Sonnet Man Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Devon has enjoyed performing since childhood when he would perform songs for his friends. He has a degree in Mathematics from Ithaca College, where he also studied education while perfecting his craft performing/teaching on the stage. Devon Glover was able to begin blending his love for teaching and rapping while working for the company, Flocabulary, which varies in different subjects. Devon began working with Shakespeare while teaching the play Othello to a group of H.S. seniors in Brooklyn. His previous work and experience in education led to the creation of The Sonnet Man. As The Sonnet Man, Devon provides a unique form of edu-tainment (educational entertainment) where he adds the Bard's words to a contemporary hip-hop beat, followed by a breakdown from Devon. His success with The Sonnet Man has led to the making of The Sonnet Man CD, an appearance on The Today Show, a performance in Ontario, Canada, an annual show in Negril, Jamaica, as well as numerous workshops throughout the US. Devon is very excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Student Shakespeare Festival. www.thesonnetmannyc.com
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival – Overview
Javier writes, directs, and teaches theater in New York City and is the Artistic Director of Caborca. Productions of his original plays and adaptations include Zoetrope (Pregones Theater), Open up, Hadrian (Magic Futurebox), FLORIDITA, my Love (Teatro LA TEA /IATI Theater), Barceloneta, de noche (Union Theatre, London/IATI Theater, NY), Un instante en una especie de flash, (Yerbabruja, Puerto Rico), Never as Happy-Oresteia (Theatre of the Riverside Church), Uneventful Deaths for Agathon (FringeNYC) and Las minutas de Martí (Repertorio Español). FLORIDITA, my Love was published by New York Theater Experience as part of the anthology Plays and Playwrights 2011 and also online at Indie Theater Now along with Open up, Hadrian and Uneventful Deaths for Agathon. Other plays include: THE FUTURE OF BOOKS, The Actor in Spite of Herself and Dogwood.
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2014 Participating Schools (In order of appearance)
March 18, 2014 Franklin High School
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival – Overview
H.E.R.O. (Health, Education, and Research Occupations) High School Information Technology High School Energy Tech High School York Early College Academy
March 19, 2014 High School for Youth and Community Development at Erasmus Bronxdale High School (class 1) Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School William E. Grady Career & Technical High School Bronxdale High School (class 2) University Heights High School
March 20, 2014 George H. Lindsay, P.S. 250 Elijah Stroud, P.S. 316 (class 1) Aerospace and Science Academy, P.S. 127 (class 1) Elijah Stroud, P.S. 316 (class 2) Mosaic Preparatory Academy Waterside Children’s Studio School, PS 317 Colonel David Marcus School , P.S. 217
March 21, 2014 Aerospace and Science Academy, P.S. 127 (class 2) Quest To Learn Cobble Hill School of American Studies Fordham High School for the Arts Muscota New School, P.S. 314 Aerospace and Science Academy, P.S. 127 (class 3)
Congratulations to all! Page 10
2014 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
Aerospace and Science Academy, P.S. 127 98-01 25 Avenue Queens, NY11369
B.
Bronxdale High School 925 Astor Avenue Bronx, NY 01469
C. Cobble Hill School of American Studies 347 Baltic Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 D. Colonel David Marcus School, P.S. 217, Magnet Program: The International School of Arts & Letters 1100 Newkirk Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11230 E.
Elijah Stroud, P.S. 316 750 Classon Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11238
F.
Energy Tech High School 36-41 28th Street Queens, NY 11106
G. Fordham High School for the Arts 500 East Fordham Road Bronx, NY 10458
N. Muscota New School, P.S. 314 4862 Broadway New York, NY 10034
H.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School 5800 20th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11204
O. P.S. 250, George H. Lindsay 108 Montrose Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11206
I.
Franklin High School 500 Elizabeth Avenue Somerset, NJ 08873
P.
J.
HERO (Health, Education, and Research Occupations) High School 455 Southern Blvd. Bronx, NY 10455
Q. University Heights High School 701 St. Anns Avenue Bronx, NY 10455
K.
High School for Youth and Community Development at Erasmus Hall 911 Flatbush Ave Brooklyn, NY 11226
L.
Information Technology High School 21-16 44th Road Queens, NY 11101
M. Mosaic Preparatory Academy 141 East 111th Street New York, NY 10029
Quest to Learn 351 West 18 Street New York, NY 10011
R.
Waterside Children's Studio School, P.S. 317 190 Beach 110 Street Rockaway Park, NY 11694
S.
William E. Grady Career and Technical High School 25 Brighton 4th Road Brooklyn, NY 11235
T.
York Early College Academy 108-35 167 Street Queens, NY 11433
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival – Overview
A.
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FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL • SOMERSET, NJ
Running Out of Time
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 18, 2014
ADAPTED FROM: Much Ado About Nothing, Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet DIRECTED BY: Jennifer Little & Michael Pinnix What are you willing to sacrifice in the name of love? Abused and ridiculed by those in his own era, Lysander is transported via time machine into the distant past. A chance encounter with Princess Juliet as he is dragged before the king leads to love at first sight. The king deems Lysander unsuitable for his royal daughter and sentences him to death. Though the time machine comes to the rescue, Lysander and Juliet are separated forever by centuries and the integrity of the time-space continuum is preserved. ENSEMBLE: Orobosa Asemota Gabe Bonilla Anthony Brown Tasavia Clarke Danielle Dominguez Sophia Felix Janie Garcia Alaura Gladney Wesley Gonzalez Zachary Halfter Cat Haseloff Aditya Jayasuri Akash Jilla Nicholas Karsen Laura Kiesche Ashley Krushinski Rafeal Lozada Ulloa Marissa Madson Bobbie Mayo Jillian McDonough Oiseozoje Ohiwerei Krunali Patel Samantha Quintana Lauryn Rackley Deja Scott Haley Trimpert Renuka Venkatesh Clarissa Vickerie Kalimah White Amir Wilkins STAGE MANAGER Ariella Levine Chris Chaves
“My favorite part was practicing our show. We got to experiment a lot and it was a group effort.” “Learning the Shakespearean language was a great experience and also branching out of my comfort zone was nice.” “I enjoyed the freedom of writing the script.” “Body movement is just as important as dialogue.”
Festival Award: Excellence in creative and engaging storytelling Page 12
HERO (HEALTH, EDUCATION, & RESEARCH OCCUPATIONS) HS • BRONX, NY
Murder Midnight Date ADAPTED FROM: Macbeth DIRECTED BY: Daniel Quentin Greif
ENSEMBLE: Zuraiya Al Hassan Tiffany Delvalle Ashley Edwards Cossette Felix Lissette Hughes Jazira Encarnacion Shaiann Machado Jadesola Olusoji Mimisola Onijoko Yeshuarelee Orlando Joshua Parks
“I got used to reading the context a lot better.” “My favorite part was definitely the writing process, and making up stories.” “It doesn’t matter how good the play is, it’s about having fun and expressing yourself.” “I liked performing on stage because I gained some confidence.” “I learned to have patience, be comfortable and when you’re nervous do mindful breathing.”
Festival Award: Excellence in challenging psychological character work Page 13
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 18, 2014
Are we shaped by our past or by what we do? As a child, Jane Macbeth witnessed a brutal murder/suicide committed by her father against her mother. As a result of this psychological trauma, Jane has developed schizophrenia. At a high society ball hosted by her Aunt, she encounters a handsome cater-waiter, Macbeth, and they fall instantly in love. In an emotional state, she is visited by the murderous voices in her head, runs to the bathroom to collect herself but stabs another guest to death instead. One night thereafter, Jane has another fit of bloodlust and tests Macbeth’s love by asking him to murder his friend.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY HIGH SCHOOL • QUEENS, NY
Evil Lurking on a College Campus
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 18, 2014
ADAPTED FROM: Julius Caesar-Act II, Scene I, Macbeth-Act II, Scene I, and Othello-Act V, Scene II DIRECTED BY: Heather Conn A college sorority girl loses the battle between her inner angels and demons and in a fit of rage murders her ex-boyfriend. But now she is left with the problem of his fraternity brother who witnessed her bloody act. Another murder. Filled with pity for her murdered ex’s bereaved lover, she mercy kills her. After her stream of murders, there is but one option left to her. ENSEMBLE: Ashley Cruz Martin Garcia Toni G. Hazlewood Taesharra Hopkins Angelica Gomez Demetri Jenkins Sol Jimenez Soufian Mankour Marcus Medina Gustavo Regalado Tennille Vinson “My favorite part of this project was getting to know new people. I also enjoyed reading a new type of genre and acting it out. My most favorite part of this project was being able to perform on stage and not freak out.” “I learned that in order for a play to be successful everyone must collaborate. I also learned that you must be prepared for anything.” “My favorite part was to experience the activities and express my emotions and make the audience feel the play.” “It allowed me to help others and feel good working together. I have also learned about Shakespeare and what his plays are usually about. I want to keep up and learn more about his plays.” “I learned how to handle myself on stage better.” “I can’t wait until next year to do it again.”
“My students analyzed positive and negative connotations of Shakespearean words. Since they knew they’d be performing onstage, they knew the greater importance of understanding the language. Every year I learn new things and sharpen old skills – from acting warm-ups to innovative techniques in arranging text to create a unique piece for performance. I need to incorporate more kinesthetic learning into my classroom activities!” Heather Conn
Festival Award: Excellence in ensemble unity, precision, and energy Page 14
ENERGY TECH HIGH SCHOOL • QUEENS, NY
The Long Lost Castle ADAPTED FROM: Macbeth DIRECTED BY: Tania Mohammed
ENSEMBLE: Zawad Ahmed Linda Alvarado Devin Bucasan Jason Cabrera Jean P. Cifuentes Richard Corona Christopher Devers Christhiam Fernandez Christian Jagdeo Nicolas Joseph Yeni Lovato Sofia Minano Gebel Reinoso Justion Robinson Savone Rodriguez Zoe Tsongas ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Jean P. Velez Special Thanks to Hope Barter
“I liked acting it out and being the spirit that many fear.” “You must act like you live in the world of the performance.” “I liked coming up with good ideas on what we should use because each idea was great.” “I learned that theater is fun and I could have a lot of fun with it.” “I have learned the language of Shakespeare.” “I enjoyed seeing other people’s play because the way they act and how they project their voice is awesome.” “Performing our piece showed me how fun it could be performing in front of a crowd.”
“I have learned that with the right type of support students can appreciate difficult text such as Shakespeare. Throughout the production students added their thoughts to make the scene more engaging. Even though this was a lot of work, the students had fun, which is what matters. The students brought their very best work on stage, which shows that with the right type of setting & encouragement students can be highly motivated.” Tania Mohammed
Festival Award: Excellence in playfulness and spontaneity Page 15
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 18, 2014
A group of students ditch class to investigate a mythical haunted house, despite Camillo's warnings. Though Aaron has more followers willing to embark on this ill-advised adventure, it will take a true leader to rise to the top when supernatural interference causes things to go awry.
YORK EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY • QUEENS, NY
She Loves Me, He Loves Me
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 18, 2014
ADAPTED FROM: Twelfth Night DIRECTED BY: D. Marcia Coombs How capricious can love be? In the courtly gardens of Illyria, Olivia and Viola mourn the deaths of their brothers until love finds them in the form of the gentlemen Sebastian and Orsino. Both couples agree to marry. A musical celebration follows, but perhaps the men of Illyria have a few lessons to learn about loyalty. As always, the clown is there to turn tales into truth. ENSEMBLE: Brianna Addison Nishat Akhtar Lynese Alleyne Zayla Alonso Rashid Archbald Delilah Barcia Khalil Bennett Antawn Bobb Duberry Amanda Boothe Daniel Bostick Imajae Brooks Jeremy Campbell Gurjot Chand Samantha Chiduku Shamir Chowdhury Udipto Chowdhury Jonathan Clement Armani Colliard Mawasi Daniels Tonmoy Das Brandon Dianand Allayah Dike Shivan Diprajsingh Erinlee Franco Jeremiah Ganthier Jennifer Garnier Indravesh Gheerow Jessica Gibbs Melanie Godinez Christopher Greenwood Jason Hardath Aderinola Harty Seretse Henry Zoe Hilton Glover Hylton Jaron Wasefa Karimbaksh Jasleen Kaur Krystal King Keziah Kuppan Allen Kyle Celene Lewis Aaron Loftman Christell Macceus Elena Mahabir Theodore Maranga Pamela Medina Jalen Mendonca Jaela Minor Jasmine Mohabir Page 16
Melisa Mohamed Akeel Mohammed Britney Morgan Stacy Moses Christopher Mubiala Sandra Nandoo Tyanna Neely Ayush Negi Chuckwudi Onyejiukwa Danny Ortiz Renaenia Pangan Christian Paz Cheyenne Phang Lamel Plaskett Shivir Pooran Ann Pusselwhyte Adrian Ramnarain Celine Ramsingh Regina Reid Roydon Rodrigues PROPS AND COSTUME Bryana Rosado Shania Sargeant Jashandeep Singh Manpreet Singh Rafaaz Singh Rais Singh Samantha Singh Savita Singh Jared Stephens James Stevenson Jaeonna Sutton Niasia Torres Michael Valez Jaleel White Brendan Wu
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 18, 2014 Festival Award: Excellence in seizing and sharing the spotlight through captivating performance Page 17
HS FOR YOUTH & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AT ERASMUS HALL • BROOKLYN, NY
Time and the Hour Runs Through the Roughest Day (or Alternatively Sleep and Urine)
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 19, 2014
ADAPTED FROM: Macbeth DIRECTED BY: Jacob W. Baty What challenges occur when parents are not the best role models? A daughter struggles with the death of her mother and father and the influence of her step-mother, who wants to continue the family tradition of crime. Her refusal to participate puts her at odds with her step-mother leading her ultimately pulling further away from what’s left of her family. ENSEMBLE: Tre'Shon Black Presley Xavier Braithwaite Timeeka Braville Brandy Ellis Tariq Harrison Saima Hossaine Sara Larosiliere Gaitrie Mahadeo Evon McKie Taneyah Overton Joel Reckley Armani Skeet James Tanis Christopher Thom Javon Walker STAGE MANAGER Karen Bailey
“This project taught me how to think creatively and work with others more productively.” “I liked watching the other people perform because it allowed me to see how other people interpret Shakespeare texts.” “I enjoyed practicing with my classmates because we get to know each other more.” “Performing on a theatre stage and watching other people perform brings out life lessons that connect with the play.” “My favorite part of this project was saying my line “the roughest day” because I’m usually shy, so I feel like I broke out of my shell with those three words.” “I learned that without communication nothing will get done.” “I learned how to write a play, the steps that lead to writing a play.” “My group made the crowd laugh. This was my favorite part because it made my first experience great and made me realize performing ain’t so bad.” “My favorite part was performing because it gave me a chance to express myself and have fun doing it.” “I learned that anyone can be creative and have great ideas.”
“I was pleased to be able to utilize performance activities in all of my classes to encourage participation.” Jacob Baty
Festival Award: Excellence in physical characterization Page 18
BRONXDALE HIGH SCHOOL • BRONX, NY
Footsteps ADAPTED FROM: Romeo and Juliet DIRECTED BY: Melissa Gore
ENSEMBLE: Dale Campbell Natasha Daley Kevin Davalos Steven Dudley Emily Falcon Ivelisse Fernandez Tyrone Hamberg Samantha Iovino Ellen Irizarri Alexis Lopez Christopher Maldonado Elvin Martinez Joanna Martinez Paulina Mercado Isaic Molina Nicholas Nelson Kevin Rembert Naomi Swainson Karen Valdes Brandon Vasquez Alexandria Yadeka Jennifer Zuniga Special thanks to Principal Quintana
“My favorite part was practicing because we had a lot of fun.” “I have learned that working together is what creates a better performance.” – 9th grade female, Bronxdale High School “I liked learning new ways to transition because I’m used to the curtains closing then changing into a different scene.” “My favorite part of the project was being able to get into my character. I liked acting and making a play.” “I’ve learned Shakespeare’s way of expressing myself.” “I learned that I have the potential to do many things.” “My favorite part was when we were creating ideas for the theme of the story.” “In order to have a good play you have to focus, not talk, movements have to be clear.” “My favorite part was coming up with the play. We had so many ideas and it was fun putting everything together.” “I have learned that everyone’s idea counts.” “I learned that effective communication skills such as listening, speaking and eye contact can help make a play better.”
Festival Award: Excellence in commanding the space Page 19
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 19, 2014
How do teenagers deal with their environment? A son visits his father in jail. The father flashes back to the events that have brought him to this moment and hopes his son won't follow his footsteps...
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL • BROOKLYN, NY
Holy Moly!
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 19, 2014
ADAPTED FROM: Measure for Measure DIRECTED BY: Hana Holland How can power be maintained without resorting to corruption? A desperate nun makes a deal with a gangster to traffic drugs through the church in order to better care of the orphans. When another nun finds out, she tries to speak up, but she is silenced by the gangsters. ENSEMBLE: Cindy Adu Lareessa Affriany Riazul Alam Nicole Alcivar Chantel Ayuso Wayne Best Dondre Blake Marlene Cazahuatl Myar Dandash Carmelina Flores Rey Franklin Marvin Garcia Mark Hamilton Shahdat Hanif Abby Harris Xavier Hurt Jane Lin Vanessa Luna Emmanuel Matos Matthew Newman Michael Pascocello Nathaniel Pineda Jeremy Rios Javo Rustamov Erick Sanchez Michael Stolbovskiy Andre Tate Lilia Tenezaca Aliyah Thompson Dao Weng Rashawn White Beverly Wu PROPS: 301 Creative Team STATE MANAGEMENT: 301 Managerial Services SCRIPT ASSISTANT: 301 Writers Corp.
“My favorite part of this project is that my entire class really involved themselves eventually, even the most timid people in our class opened up. We were overwhelmed with ideas for this project.” “I have learned that Shakespearean plays relate to life more than we may think. Each production had a storyline about modern day conflicts and Shakespeare’s words fit right in.” “My favorite part was coming together as a group and creating something wonderful from our own unique ideas. I liked it because I’ve never really been comfortable with sharing my ideas and this was the perfect opportunity.” “The best part was acting out the play in front of the other schools. I thought that I would be nervous but instead I was very excited.” “I enjoyed coming up with a storyline because it gave us a chance to be creative.” “I’ve learned a lot about Shakespeare and the type of person he was because every line really means something.” “Shakespeare actually has a very interesting sense of humor.” “My favorite part was working with my classmates. It was a very fun experience but a little challenging as a beginner.” “Shakespeare sonnets were like hip hop and I like the feedback section.” “I’ve learned that we are very all similar in some type of way and that we can all collaborate on ideas that we all like and make something great out of it.”
“Breakout of the box to write a script – it’s a great, exhaustive experience. Shakespeare’s language is now a part of our classroom lexicon.” Hana Holland
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: 301 Productions EDITING: 301 Revisions PRODUCTION: 301 Development Group MUSIC: Band 301
Festival Award: Excellence in unity of concept, staging, and acting Page 20
WILLIAM E. GRADY CAREER & TECHNICAL HS • BROOKLYN, NY
How is Bullying Learned? ADAPTED FROM: Romeo and Juliet DIRECTED BY: Toni Ann Marano & Theresa Faro
ENSEMBLE: Delisa Alexander Rayshawn Allen Eternyte Charley Maria Cielo Angel Fernandez Ronald Gaytan Jonathan Jean Pierre Keron Joseph Kenny Lei Monica Love Renny Machado Shatante Morris David Nurse Roodler Pantaleon Joshua Perry Jemar Pyne Michael Rivers Alvin Rodriguez Sonjay Simpson Christina Smalls Kaylana Tatum David Veliz Ahnias Williams Special thanks to Principal Tarah Montalbano and Debbie Saigian
“When we were working all together I loved it and I want to go back and act more.” “I liked working together because we don’t work together a lot.” “I learned that I can be an actor.” “Anybody can act if you try.” “My favorite part was being up there with my friends.” “Teamwork is everything.”
“I think Shakespeare has gotten easier. This group was very difficult. When we first got to the theater they had real stage fright. I didn’t think they would be able to actually perform and they did it!” Toni Ann Marano
Festival Award: Excellence in dramatic and thematic risk-taking Page 21
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 19, 2014
This piece forces us to look beyond the behaviors of one bully, and consider the factors that shape him, as well as the effectiveness of the different responses he receives. Abuse at home, harassment in the streets, and vigilante classmates show how violence begets more violence.
BRONXDALE HIGH SCHOOL • BRONX, NY
Greeneyed Monster
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 19, 2014
ADAPTED FROM: Romeo and Juliet DIRECTED BY: Melissa Gore How does jealousy influence love? The Grim Reaper brings four characters back from the dead to rethink on their sins. A second chance at love is given, but the green-eyed monster strikes once again. ENSEMBLE: Jakiah Beckford Hailey Gomez Skye Lagombra Natalie Munoz-Beltre Kiara Pagan Anthony Pena Bianca Soto Alex Torres Anise Torres Eva Ujka Yazlyn Vasquez
“My favorite part was that we got to work as a group with my friends and I also liked looking at other plays.” “Watching the other classes perform was very interesting because everyone had different ideas and it was very fun to watch.” “I have learned that Shakespeare is still relevant today. Also that to make a play come out good you have to work together.” “I loved the audience.” “I liked when we were being creative and dancing and making up parts.” “It can be really fun and the ideas are endless.” “My favorite part was finding the lines from works of Shakespeare and seeing how they relate to modern times.” “I liked the different combinations of creativity from different schools and the modern day version of each play.” “My favorite part of the project was deciding on the plot of the story because the class got to share ideas.”
“There are many engaging ways to introduce Shakespeare where students do not feel stifled.” Melissa Gore
Festival Award: Excellence in clear, engaging storytelling Page 22
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL • BRONX, NY
Love is Rich in Beauty ADAPTED FROM: Othello DIRECTED BY: Lisa Greenbaum
ENSEMBLE: Yunia Alvarez Melisa Blackman Aminata Bokum Seth Borrero David Cabrera Chelsea Centeno Jermaine Clayton Ke'Andre Davis Oscar Familia Xena Herrera Junior Lopez Vaughn Minott Jhonathan Novas Latique Outlaw Keslie Paulino Manuel Reyes Yanet Solano Haque Syed
“Practicing with my friends was my favorite part. Laughing, messing up, getting better – it was really fun.” “I liked seeing everyone else’s performances and being able to perform myself, and hearing everyone’s feedback.” “I have learned how to work better as a team and how to project my voice more.” “I liked performing on stage and hearing the feedback on our play because it helped to make me better.” “I liked my parts the most because I felt as though I killed it.” “That was a good experience and I would like to do another Shakespeare play.” “We all bonded when we were working to do the play, and now we get along and know each other a lot better.”
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Mireika Crespo STAGE MANAGER Destiny Vega ART DIRECTOR Sarai Rojas ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Samantha Figueroa
“I learned that Shakespeare loved passionately.” “It was a good experience because we all went through it together and it’s a trip that will always be remembered.”
“Every year, I learn new and dynamic approaches for tackling Shakespeare’s language with my students. As a director, I always develop excellent techniques for encouraging my students to shine on stage! It was very rewarding to watch a shy, reticent student blossom into a more confident and articulate young man, due to his participation in the Festival. The Student Shakespeare Festival is truly one of the highlights for me during my academic year. Thank you!!” Lisa Greenbaum
Festival Award: Excellence in character depth Page 23
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 19, 2014
When a mayor tries to enforce an edict to outlaw love, one couple risks everything to be together. Will the townsfolk respond with warm hearts, or an iron fist?
P.S. 250, GEORGE H. LINDSAY • BROOKLYN, NY
Be Careful What You Wish For
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 20, 2014
ADAPTED FROM: A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Winter's Tale, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet DIRECTED BY: Tricia Berry How do you know that what you wish for is what is really best for you? Twins, cleaning the attic as punishment, are surprised by witches when they open a dusty old book. The witches grant the worthier twin a wish—fame and popularity—which transforms his world to one full of paparazzi, fair weather friends and a sense of something he has lost. When the witches reverse the wish, the twins awake back in the attic as if nothing has happened ENSEMBLE: Sarita Blythe Najaquel Butters Andrew Coss Jaden Curo Amara Mancia Itzel Munoz Kaylee Pareto Catherine Perez Wilbert Recarey Brandon Seise Stephon Skinner Monica Slaughter-Pena Jeremy Toribio Johanna Torres ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Ms. Maria Taylor Special thanks to our Principal Ms. Alicea, Assistant Principal Ms. Spencer, Magnet Site Coordinator Ms. Soriano, Ms. Taylor, Javier and all the parents for their support!
Festival Award: Excellence in captivating storytelling Page 24
ELIJAH STROUD, P.S. 316 • BROOKLYN, NY
The Writing is on the Wall
ADAPTED FROM: Romeo & Juliet (1:1, 3:2), Julius Caesar (4:3) DIRECTED BY: Rhonda Gilbert and Adrian Young
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 20, 2014
Christian and Eli accidentally bump into each other and are over-come with asserting their strength. They pick a quarrel with each other that almost degenerates into a brawl. The guidance counselor jumps in and talks sense into both of them, threatening suspension if they can’t settle the matter. ENSEMBLE: Husani Blake India Brown Deanna Frater Eduardo Husband Sakera Johnson Renada Latouche Christian Louis Koudedie Ly Takiya McQuiller Yasime Mercharles Janell Mincy Kevon Perez Eli Riddick ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Deanna Frater Special thanks to Mrs.Olga Maluf, Principal; Ms. Eva Chejfetz, Assistant Principal; and Ms. Sims, Educational Assistant
Festival Award: Excellence in using Shakespeare's language clearly and powerfully Page 25
AEROSPACE AND SCIENCE ACADEMY, P.S. 127 • QUEENS, NY
All That Glitters
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 20, 2014
ADAPTED FROM: The Merchant of Venice DIRECTED BY: Kristina Seligson A family stands to lose all that is truly important when they win the lottery. They must weigh the value of their family bonds against their material riches. ENSEMBLE: Diego Alonso Nancy Bonilla Luis Cabrera Madelyn Cespedes Yoselyn Chavez Urgyen Dhargyal Semaila Dulon Yangels Gutierrez Alisanni Guzman Christian Lara Brandon Lazo Deshawn Magloire Tanjina Motaleb Jalen O Quinn Daniel Pena Frandy Peralta Jared Perez Junaly Quezada Dana Ramirez Kelly Reddy Milidia Santana Michelle Sosa Kamille Tipan Caroline Velez Jaime Villegas Malachi Washington
Festival Award: Excellence in speaking and moving as one Page 26
“I really enjoyed performing the play because I liked when the audience was looking at something that my classmates and I worked so hard for.” “I have learned to participate, practice, communicate, and to be brave in front of an audience.”
“It was an awesome experience and I will have this beautiful memory till I die.” “I learned to speak in front of a big audience without getting shy or nervous. I learned to be comfortable with what I am doing. I know how to express myself and my feelings. Over all, I learned about Shakespeare.” “I learned that you can express what you feel in another form, that form is Shakespeare.” “My favorite part was creating our piece because we had to be creative.” “The way you say words can change their meaning.” “I liked thinking of ideas because you get all creative and no one can tell you what to think.” “My favorite part was trivia because you get to learn more about Shakespeare.” “My favorite part was being able to be the character I was chosen to be because you get to be a whole new person.” “I have learned that this program is something that not all schools get to do, so it’s a real privilege.” “As I performed I felt more confident because I was more comfortable in front of an audience.”
“Participating in the Festival for a second year has been a different and an even more rewarding experience for me. Knowing how influential this experience is for the students, I was proud and excited to be part of bringing this opportunity to my students. Being more familiar with the process, I was able to pull skills, ideas, exercises and activities out of my toolbox more readily and effectively throughout the entire process. When I noticed that students needed help with a certain skill, I was able to pause the rehearsal to conduct a game or activity to refine that skill. We were then able to resume the rehearsal armed with those skills. I can only hope that I am afforded the opportunity to continue to learn and grow alongside my students through this program. I am positive that this
program has helped each and every one of my students become better readers, better writers, better speakers, better communicators, and more well-rounded individuals. However, the one comment that sticks in my mind is one that I heard on the train ride back to East Elmhurst. When I asked one of my students her thoughts about the day, she responded: ‘I will remember it until I die.’ I told her that I would too. If the memory of the Festival Day and the work we created through program sticks with even one of my students for a lifetime, I will consider that day and this program and undeniable success. I’m a self-proclaimed perfectionist both personally and professionally. While this trait has propelled me to achieve a good amount success in my life, I also tend to place a great deal of pressure on myself as a result. The logistical set up of this year’s festival (earlier festival date, competing with test prep for rehearsal time, etc.) forced me to abandon a lot of my perfectionism. With significantly less time to create and rehearse, I was forced to let go and accept our scene as we created it. I was extremely proud of what we created. I know that with more time we could have developed our hard work much more. However, I found freedom in letting go and celebrating our accomplishments as playwrights and actors.” Kristina Seligson Page 27
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 20, 2014
“My favorite part was performing and saying my lines because I was proud of my play.”
ELIJAH STROUD, P.S. 316 • BROOKLYN, NY
Robbery at the Museum
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 20, 2014
ADAPTED FROM: A Midsummer Night's Dream (1:1, 2:1), The Winter's Tale (1:1-2), Othello (1:1), The Tempest (1:1) DIRECTED BY: Karen Weekes Should we continue to try to prove the truth to others even though they don’t believe us? A boy and his family visit a museum in New York City. When the boy wanders off, he notices a man stealing jewels from a statue. He runs to tell his family, but they don’t believe him; so he goes to find proof, sees the thief in the Magic Garden and tries several ways to catch him. Eventually the thief notices the boy is on to him and he runs away. In the end, as the boy leaves the museum with his family, he sees the thief hailing a cab and runs to tell the police, but it’s too late and the thief escapes. No one sees the thief, and the boy realizes that nobody will ever believe him. ENSEMBLE: Ramjan Ali Jeremy Alfred Lelani Cardoze Dayanara De Leon Doris Estrada Eudy Fabian Alexia Francis Ahdan Gary Synia Green Ockeilea Guthrie Jamere Powell Khalia Powell Michael Roberts Elijah Santiago Jasmine Smith Michael Warner Nyla Watson Malik Williams Abigail Wilson
“I learned how to say Shakespeare words in a rap. Also how to act and stay still. I also learn how to speak loudly so everyone can hear me clearly.” “I learned how to project my voice on stage so everyone can hear me. Also I learned to use the whole stage. I loved it!” “What I learned from this Shake experience is that it’s good to share your ideas.” “I liked seeing other people acting in plays because I got to learn how to improve the plays I act in, to make them better.” “My favorite part was when Ms. Seligson’s class said “all that glitters” and then people were rich, because their outfits were very colorful and their play really stands out.” “I have learned that performing in a theatre is hard work. You perform in front of a lot of people from other schools.”
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS: Jamere Powell Abigail Wilson
“My favorite part was seeing other schools perform because the plays were interesting and I can understand what the actors were talking about.” “I felt nervous at the beginning but it turns into bravery while performing.”
Special thanks to Principal Maluf, Assistant Principal Chejfetz, and Ms. Sims, Educational Assistant.
“The time to rehearse was not enough, and if we had more time we could do so much more. I really learned how to create theatre scripts, and integrate arts in the classroom to motivate students. It built a closer class community. Now students ask each other questions before they act. Students are more supportive of each other. They don’t laugh at each other when mistakes are made. Also kids come alive after this experience, and the project does build their selfesteem. Loved it!!” Karen Weekes
Festival Award: Excellence in ensemble physicality Page 28
MOSAIC PREPARATORY ACADEMY • NEW YORK, NY
The Bullying Circle ADAPTED FROM: Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet DIRECTED BY: Victor M. Velez
ENSEMBLE: Tamia Davis Ameera Beltrez Emily Guzman Victor Lopez Bonnie Cheung Marianny Garcia Jennifer Sosa Edalis Frometa Maya Franco Sofia Flores Esteban Flores Elijah Dunnigan Orlmeris De Luna John Timmons
“My favorite part is the acting because you can express yourself.” “I learned that you need practice a lot.” “In this experience I learned that Shakespeare can be used in the real world.” “I learned that performing it requires a lot of hard work. For example, we rehearsed many times over and over. It also requires great listening skills and team support.” “When we started doing it on the school stage it got me feeling cool.”
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: John Timmons Special thanks to Principal Professor Caesar
“I noticed how some people act without speaking.” “My favorite part was when I was in the theatre and performed, but I can’t go next time because I’m moving to New Jersey.” “To play in front of a large group made me feel great about myself.” “My favorite was making the play come to life.” “Also, Shakespeare is the best.”
“I’ve learned different activities that have helped me to increase students’ engagement and class participation. The most profound moment have been the realization that my students can be far more eloquent than at beginning of the year.” Victor M. Velez
Festival Award: Excellence in using bodies and voices to their full dramatic potential Page 29
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 20, 2014
How does bullying affect bullies? A trio of bullies earns a reputation after repeatedly abusing their peers. When the bystanders decide to take action, the bullies are in for a surprise.
WATERSIDE CHILDREN'S STUDIO SCHOOL, P.S. 317 • ROCKAWAY PARK, NY
Rumors
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 20, 2014
ADAPTED FROM: Romeo and Juliet DIRECTED BY: Denise Getchius-Staines Why do families fight and what are the effects of that fighting? Two culturally different families don't get along, yet have two members who connect with each other. When the families start rumors of their relationship, the fighting enhances, affecting everyone in a major way. ENSEMBLE: Syleena Allicock Ethan Brunache Michael Calabro Akoya Collins Xeana Collins Jaquan Gordon Leslie Hunter Domonique Maddox Mia Naim Blair Newton Ashley Nieto Nayilah Page Aliyah Sabur Dani Santiago Angela Zapata
“My favorite part of the project was the fight scene because it had a lot of drama and movement. Also because it made a lot of excitement.” “It was riding the coach bus and performing because I’ve never been on a coach bus, and I always wanted to perform in front of other schools.” “I’ve learned to act better and also speak more fluently.” “My favorite part was performing – it was fun, funny and awesome. I had the best time of our life.”
Thank you to Principal Gerendasi
“I learned how to speak loud and clear.” “I learned to remember lines, and remember my friends line.” “Going to the festival was so fun. I got to be Macbeth in the play they did after (the afternoon session), it was such a surprise to me.” “My favorite part of the play was when we performed, I was Juliet. I was extremely nervous. But then I realized the worst thing that could happen is that I forget my lines.” using my
“I have learned how to put feeling into my lines with body and my facial expressions.”
“I’ve gained better understanding of how to involve students in story and script creation.” Denise Getchius-Staines
Festival Award: Excellence in highlighting Shakespeare's bilingual power Page 30
COLONEL DAVID MARCUS SCHOOL, P.S. 217, MAGNET PROGRAM: THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF ARTS & LETTERS • BROOKLYN, NY
Mangled ADAPTED FROM: As You Like It DIRECTED BY: VanessaRose Scionti
ENSEMBLE: Ahmad Akhtar Lenny Bazile Jason Berry Tasmia Chowdhury Nalah Connell Meghan Drugobitsky Theodore Fahey Jamyang Gyamtso Simona Isakova Cynthia Jorsling Adnan Kamal Iqra Kharal Nima Lhamo Mariya Meleganich Nishat Nabila Rachelle Popova Gabriela Reynoso Alexander Saadaoui Esteak Shapin Ian Thomas Mahabuba Tisha Flavia Vuthaj SUPPORTING CREW Adrian Blloshmi Muntaha Hayder Joaquin Pinto Christopher Tan Anna Shi Anisa Safa Allah Raja George Lin
“My favorite part is when my class broke up into groups and life themes to be the theme of our play. That helps everything connected to the play.” “Performing on stage is something I love doing. I’m not afraid of being in front of an audience. And the applause makes me feel very proud of myself.” “I learned that ‘play’ doesn’t always mean play. I also learned how regular thoughts turn into big ideas.” “I have
learned how it feels like to be a director of a play. I also learned how to listen carefully and find the actors mistakes.” “That you have to try your hardest and always try to do new things. I also experience that you should never be afraid of yourself and also, you know, believe in yourself.” “I have learned that doing a performance is more than just speaking the lines.”
“I learned from this experience that it takes a lot of hard work and cooperation to do a play, especially when it is Shakespeare! But after a while, you start to understand everything.” “I have learned how to work together and act and saying the language of Shakespeare.” “What I have learned is that Shakespeare language is not so different from our language.” “I am thankful for what the people did at the festival. Before I was shy and nervous but now I am very confident! Thank you!”
Thank you to Principal Conti and Assistant Principal Buckley “They’re obsessed [with Shakespeare] now. Activities and interactive games are now embedded in almost every lesson; it also has permeated to colleges and expanded my role in school theatrical productions. At any given moment, one of the 30 students in my class could be seen and/or heard quoting dialogue from Shakespeare. They are 9. I am and shall always remain in awe of this.” VanessaRose Scionti
Festival Award: Excellence in sophisticated ensemble and individual acting Page 31
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 20, 2014
How does hurting people’s feelings affect those around you? A story of greed, bullying, and sibling conflict. A starving mother and father send their two daughters off to sell their father’s jacket to buy food. While sleeping under a tree, a band of bullies steal the coat, leaving the two girls accusing each other...
AEROSPACE AND SCIENCE ACADEMY, P.S. 127 • QUEENS, NY
Love & War
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 21, 2014
ADAPTED FROM: Othello DIRECTED BY: Keri Willis Two young lovers are thwarted when the reality of war hits close to home. One is forced to join his people’s army; the other, motivated by vengeance over her father's death, volunteers to fight on the opposing side. Can love heal the deep wounds inflicted on this couple and their community through violence and bloodshed? ENSEMBLE: Amy Acosta Isiah Alexander Tyller Alexander Afnan Answar Tashrif Apon Chelsea Atupana Kenneth Cachiguango Joseph Camacho Schuyler Chen Rian Chowdhury Moises Espejo Gabriella Gutierrez Jordan Harris Mubashshir Hossain Nicholas Islam Aveneet Kaur Yessenia Leon Caterin Loja Mazharul Mahe Danish Mohammad Tania Paredes Joshua Piedra Ella Regan Sophia Singh Nicole Sosa Sadia Tahmid Susan Taveras Yover Tenezaca Tausif Tushin Analise Valentin Jibran Zaffer Nuzat Zaman
“I’ve learned how to control my fears of acting in front of such a big audience. I’ve also learned how to talk in Shakespeare’s language.” “As we watched other schools perform you get to learn new things and these things can be used in life or for next time we create a play. Performing was fun because we got to show off the hard work we did to create the play.” “I learned how to express more of my creativity with my classmates and show more emotion while I’m acting, to let my emotions and my inner-self flow into a person I’m not.” “I liked having our ideas be in a play.” “I learned to always share ideas so the story can be amazing.” “In the Shakespeare Festival you can see how hard everyone worked and what great things they came up with.” “I have learned how to comprehend what I read more than I did before.” “My favorite part was the making process of the play. It was just fun because we were able to do these warm-ups before starting which were fun and we were all able to say what’s on our mind about the project to add to it. It was fun being able to contribute to the play and everyone was included.” “My favorite part was acting on stage in front of everyone not only because it was fun, but because I began to feel more confident and less nervous after the Shakespeare program.” “I learned that I like to do live acting just for a hobby or as a good way to separate myself from the couch and Doritos and do Shakespeare just for fun.” “My favorite part of this project was working as a team and as a class because when you work together everything is possible. This was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget and what made it more spectacular was teamwork.” “I learned to overcome my stage fright. I can express my ideas to people. Most importantly I learned to work in a group. This program taught me a lot of things. This is really special for me and I won’t forget this ever in my life. I learned to try out new things and have fun.”
Festival Award: Excellence in Epic Drama Page 32
QUEST TO LEARN • NEW YORK, NY
Fame Lost! ADAPTED FROM: Love’s Labour’s Lost DIRECTED BY: Michael DeMinico
ENSEMBLE: Winter Fagerberg Lola Kenet Sydney Klein Solomon Levin Guiseppe Lombardo Ryu Nishikubu Emmie O'Rourke Abby Rose Special thanks to Principle Elisa Aragon
Festival Award: Excellence in uniqueness of story and character Page 33
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 21, 2014
How does fame affect relationships? In Union Square, a motley crew of street performers attracts the attention of some tourists and the admiration of an aspiring performer who hasn’t found his talent. They agree to train him for the big time and do such a good job that he steals the stage at their next show and becomes a star. But in the gardens of fame are sown the seeds of discord, and havoc ensues.
COBBLE HILL SCHOOL OF AMERICAN STUDIES • BROOKLYN, NY
The Great Bethsby
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 21, 2014
ADAPTED FROM: Macbeth DIRECTED BY: Fannie Hodges What happens when healthy ambition and success are corrupted by unhealthy greed, jealousy, and an obsession with power? As a class we explored the dangers of allowing outside forces (loved ones or society) to dictate or influence who you are. We discussed how it is important to be the Masters of your own fate and destiny. However, in this presentation we also focused on the dangers of selfishly pursuing dreams in life that can be self destructive, and harmful to those around you. ENSEMBLE: Mohammed Alhujaji Ali Alyamani Sebastien Byas Elijah Campbell Michael Chumbi Keri Clapperton Zanna Daniels Fernando Feliz Rashard Gibbs Safre Hughes Nerishka Jeanty Brindia Joseph Zacquille Joseph Abdul Kader John Leon Henry Shi Peng Liang Kiran McCallam Richard Noel David Palaguachi Elizabeth Palma Juarez Chanel Prescott Asante Randolph Rene Rose Alexander Thomas Sharif Tyler Terrell Wallace Zaire Wells Melissa Zamora Texis
“My favorite part of this project was team work because working together makes the performance much better.” “My favorite part was the actual performance because once you perform and get the applause you feel accomplished because of all the hard work and effort you put in.” “I learned to project my voice into the crowd.”
Special thanks to Mrs. Mulé
“My students have a better understanding of character intent/motivation when doing a literary analysis. I realized that using Theater games/activities can really help me when teaching themes in literature. Essential Questions helped guide my script this year. This project really helped build teamwork in my class culture.” Fannie Hodges
Festival Award: Excellence in presence and power Page 34
“I learned that commitment and working together produces great results.” “I learned that Shakespeare plays are not meant to be read but performed.”
FORDHAM HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS • BRONX, NY
12th Night ADAPTED FROM: Twelfth Night DIRECTED BY: Marlene May
ENSEMBLE: Raven Baugh Daniella Campos Noel Cifuentes Joelle Delgado Shayan Edouard Christopher Encinas Amber Greer Christina Griggs Eldina Haxhaj Shavaun Joseph Selena Mejia Antonio Montanez Juan Rivera Alecia Rodriguez Jillian Sanchez Lyanne Santana Lorena Tavarez Dejon Virgo Travon Wilson
“My favorite part of this project is the fact that we had the opportunity to not only perform in front of an audience but also got to watch members of the audience interpret Shakespeare in their own unique ways that we did not think of.” “My favorite part of this student Shakespeare festival was meeting different schools and students. I enjoy watching their perspectives on Shakespeare plays.” “It was coming together with my friends and learning new ways to create environment. It helped me in my writing on how to create mood.” “I’ve learned that collaboration and ensemble is key to creating a piece that involves a large group of people.” “I’ve learned to comprehend and understand what I’m reading.” “My favorite part was seeing younger children perform.” “To get to study Shakespeare and play a fun character gave me a way to deepen my acting.”
STAGE MANAGER: Adrienne Huggins
“I learned how to transition roles if there is more than one actor playing the same role. I also learned how to create sounds in scenes.”
Special thanks to Principal Iris Blige, and our Chaperone, Robert Williams
“We collaborated and we all made each other feel more comfortable and it made me see how important my fellow actors were to me.”
“I have learned to give more responsibility to my students, rather than doing it all myself. My ‘aha’ moment came as a result of my class buying into becoming the environment in 12th Night with such commitment.” Marlene May
Festival Award: Excellence in embodying the text and the world of the play Page 35
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 21, 2014
How can mistaken identity lead to true love? Viola and her brother Sebastian are separated in a shipwreck, and Viola decides she will disguise herself as a boy named Cesario to serve Duke Orsino. Although the Duke sends "Cesario" to profess his love to Olivia, Viola is secretly falling in love with him. Meanwhile, Olivia's servants and family are playing an altogether crueler trick on the head servant, Malvolio.
MUSCOTA NEW SCHOOL, P.S. 314 • NEW YORK, NY
A Fool?
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —March 21, 2014
ADAPTED FROM: As You Like It DIRECTED BY: Dayna Beegun What happens when we judge a book by its cover? A lad meets a Fool in the forest and learns that the greatest fools are often times more clever than the men who laugh at them. ENSEMBLE: ROSALIND: Jade Belliard, Jane Park-Stettner CELIA: Chassidy Morales, Maya Pacheco ORLANDO: Olesya Shanabrook, Vivienne Soares JAQUES: Ella Maré TOUCHSTONE: Miles Boyer AUDREY: Alanna Criss SILVIUS: Lorraine Andrickson PHEBE: Isabelle Moreno CORIN: Elsa Zevadia DUKE SENIOR: Melanie Santana DUKE FREDRICK: Jubair Kaiyum OLIVER: Kendry Ortiz ADAM: William Beltran STAGE MANAGER: William Beltran
“That you need to face your fears when you are scared and that it’ s good to read out loud because it makes you confident.” “When I perform, I feel I can do anything.” “My favorite part was performing because it’s like a once in a life time opportunity.” “I learned that even if you’re not the main character you’re important.” “Drama has fascinating history.” “I have learned that I can express my work and ideas.” “I have learned that I have to use a lot of articulation and diction.” “I have learned that winning, being better or losing doesn’t matter at CAT, only having fun!” “I loved the “Bad Acting” exercise! I will definitely use that in the future!” Dayna Beegun
Festival Award: Excellence in fooling around like professionals Page 36
AEROSPACE AND SCIENCE ACADEMY, P.S. 127 • QUEENS, NY
The Forgiven Bullies ADAPTED FROM: Titus Andronicus DIRECTED BY: Angela Moss
ENSEMBLE: Titus: Sasha Rodriguez Caesar: Andrew Mora Juliet: Neisha Hernandez Hamlet: Guadalupe Garcia King Lear: Jancarlos Garcia Bassinus: David Posada Hamlet: Nicole Nunez Romeo: Pedro Hernandez King Henry IV: Alexander Tejeda Cleopatra: Idannys Pozo Angus: Jose Alejandre Ariel: Michelle Ulloa TRIBUNES Timothy Aviles Justin Carbon Yahira Chocolatl Stephanie Espinosa Miles Estwick Derek Garcia Jennifer Mendoza Andrew Mora Jonathan Mosso Tianna Ross Fatime Seidi Danny Sinchi Alejandro Tolentino Sierra Turner Nadia Vasco
“My favorite part of this project was attending the theater because I have never been to a theater.” “I learned how to express more of my creativity with my classmates, and show more emotion while I’m acting to let my emotions and my inner-self flow into another person, I’m not.” “I have learned that with a team by your side you can accomplish more things.” “I learned from the Shakespeare theatre-making experience. I learned that hard work always pays off. For example worked hard on our Shakespeare play, and in the end it felt like the best, since we worked non-stop on the Shakespeare play.” “I have learned that Shakespeare brings out a creative side. Shakespeare tells a story.”
A special THANK YOU to Mrs. Sanabria and Mr. Calderon
“My favorite part was talking to other kids because I could hear how they made up their play and what their ideas were.”
“My ability to assist my students in creating or selecting lines for the play has improved. I am now fully capable in organizing the process that will assist with my understanding Shakespeare.” Angela Moss
Festival Award: Excellence in humorous and heartwarming storytelling Page 37
21st Annual New York City Student Shakespeare Festival —Year in Review
Brother and sister quickly learn that a group of bullies rules the roost in their new school. Not willing to cower to their scare tactics like many of the other students, the siblings pray to the gods for assistance. Endowed with newly discovered powers, they teach their classmates, and eventually the bullies themselves, to find strength from within.
2014 New York City Student Shakespeare Festival Staff Director .................................................................... Jon Stancato Teaching Artists ...................................................... Laura Butler Rivera, Liz Eckert, Javierantonio Gonzales, David Skeist, Jon Stancato Festival Coordinator .............................................. Ben Prusiner Festival Assistant..................................................... Dianna Garten Cover Design Winner ............................................. Ella Maré (Muscota New School) Graphic Design & Layout ...................................... Krista Fogle Founders .................................................................. Heather Lester, Joshua Cabat Festival Contact Info: CATShakespeare@gmail.com
www.CATShakespeare.org
About the Creative Arts Team Using the power of drama to change lives. WHO WE ARE: Founded in 1974, CAT is an educational outreach program at The City University of New York (CUNY), and in partnership with CUNY’s School of Professional Studies, offers the nation’s first M.A. in Applied Theatre – using theatre to facilitate, educate and activate. WHAT WE DO: Theatre cultivates a unique skill set that is indispensable for the 21st Century – primarily communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. CAT enriches the lives of our participants through a pedagogy which combines educational drama strategies with research-based educational theories and practices to create participant-centered, interactive drama experiences. The needs, strengths and learning styles of participants inform the actual content of workshops. CAT offers a diverse array of programs for traditional and non-traditional populations. With four decades of dedicated school and community partnerships, youth and professional development programs, and our award-winning Youth Theatre, CAT has reached over a million students, educators, parents, community members and teaching artists in New York City, across the nation and around the world.
For more information about CAT’s other professional development and residency programs contact Yvonne Roen, Program Associate 212.652.2857 or Yvonne.Roen@cuny.edu or visit us online at www.creativeartsteam.org
For information about the CAT YOUTH THEATRE (CAT’s FREE afterschool theatre program for middle & high school students) contact Maureen Donohue, Program Administrator, CAT Youth Theatre 212.652.2828 or Maureen.Donohue@cuny.edu or visit the YT online at http://bit.ly/CUNYCATYT
For information about The CUNY M.A. IN APPLIED THEATRE contact Michael Wilson, Assistant Director, MA in Applied Theatre 212.652.2820 or Michael.Wilson@cuny.edu or visit the MA online at http://bit.ly/CUNYSPSMAAT
CreativeArtsTeam CUNYCreativeArtsTeam
Support for CAT FY14 Programs Provided By: AIDS United; The City University of New York; Berkowitz Family Foundation; Fund for Public Schools; Hill & Knowlton; Homes for the Homeless; The Hyde and Watson Foundation; JPMorgan Chase Foundation; The Lucille Lortel Foundation; Marion E. Kenworthy-Sarah H. Swift Foundation; New York City Council; City Council Members Fernando Cabrera, Inez Dickens, Mathieu Eugene, Office of Vanessa L. Gibson, Robert Jackson, Andy King, Karen Koslowitz, Office of Rory Lancman, Melissa Mark-Viverito (Speaker), Office of I. Daneek Miller, Donovan Richards Jr., Office of Helen Rosenthal, Office of Ritchie Torres, Paul Vallone, Jumaane D. Williams, Ruben Wills; NYC Department of Correction; NYC Department of Cultural Affairs; NYC Department of Education; NYC Department of Youth & Community Development; NYCT: Brooke Astor Fund for NYC Education; NYS Council on the Arts; NYS Department of Health: AIDS Institute; NYS Education Department; NYS Senate; NYS Assembly; Penguin Books; YMCA of Greater New York Participating Schools, and many generous individuals CAT is a 501(c) 3 Nonprofit Organization. To support CAT’s work, visit http://bit.ly/SupportCAT