School Programs

One of Shakespeare’s most famous comedies! The quick-witted Beatrice and Benedick —secretly in love—are engaged in a war of words while Hero and Claudio—not-so-secretly in love—plan to marry. Will false rumors and mistaken identity keep them apart?  Much Ado explores relationships, the consequences of gossip, and self-worth.

Kentucky Shakespeare actors perform three selections from three plays: Much Ado About Nothing, Julius Caesar and Henry VI: Part I – a comedy, tragedy and history—featuring active discussion with the audience between each scene, focusing on content, structure, relationships, comprehension, language, and theme.

“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars but in ourselves.” Shakespeare’s timeless—and timely—political drama performed with six actors in 90 minutes. A short talkback, included in the runtime, provides students the opportunity to analyze and interpret the play.

The perfect blend of history and Shakespeare! Against the backdrop of racial injustice during the 1800s, Ira Aldridge became the first African American to perform Shakespeare’s leading men. This one-man show inspires students to utilize their powers of creative expression to overcome life’s obstacles and continue the march toward civil rights.

*Note: This performance contains multimedia elements. Projection capabilities required.

Our professional actors use primary source documents to bring key events from United States history to life, focusing on our rights and responsibilities as a democratic society today. We the People asks students to reflect on America’s formation, ask questions, and consider civic action in their own communities.

Content/Events/Eras Covered: Road to Revolutionary Ware, Formation of a New Government, Westward Expansion, Social Reforms, Abolition, Civil War, Amendments 13-15, Progressive Movement, WWII, The Red Scare, Civil Rights Movement, Social Media and First Amendment Rights

Journey through time with our actors as they uncover the impressive history of Kentucky! Through primary source documents, we’ll explore the Commonwealth’s rich oral traditions, diverse geography, and vast contributions to the nation.

Content/Events/Eras Covered: Pre-historic Periods, The Great Dying, The Men & Women of Frontier KY, Daniel Boone, Lewis & Clark and York, Abraham Lincoln, The Civil War, The Hatfields & McCoys, Stephen Foster, and Kentucky State Facts

The great poets of our time pair up with the greatest writer of all time. Students explore Shakespeare’s sonnets and verse alongside contemporary music to discover rhythm, poetry, and language.

Our trained Artist Educators lead group activities focusing on affirmation, communication, cooperation, and strategies to deal positively with conflict. Students learn to identify and interrupt bullying behavior without escalation.

Follow the history of acting while learning the fundamentals of the craft through group improvisational exercises led by our Artist Educator. Explore acting tools and techniques from rehearsal to performance.

Students learn how to safely perform a staged fight using hand-to-hand combat and sword play.

Our signature workshop introduces elements of Shakespeare and drama while practicing teamwork and problem solving. Students work through the rehearsal process using Shakespeare’s text to create their own uniquely staged, student-driven performance piece. Shakespeare selections based on your classroom needs.

Learn and perform the social dances of Shakespeare’s day including the Pavane, Gathering Peascods and more, led by our Artist Educator.

Our play study workshop welcomes your students to the world of Shakespeare. We’ll take the play you’re studying, explore Shakespeare’s language, highlight key characters and scenes, and unpack major elements and themes.

A performance workshop featuring strong young women of Shakespeare, filled with active discussion between scenes, focusing on issues still affecting girls today.

Student groups analyze a Shakespearean scene and employ the real world applications of mathematical concepts including fractions, ratios, and measurement conversions to design a 2-D rendering or a 3-D model for different stage types.

Minimum of 5 sessions