Children's Shakespeare Theater on the Road
Back in Palisades, after a working vacation in Texas, look forward to their next production of Measure for Measure, performed by the Rogue Players on November 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18 at the Palisades Presbyterian Church.*
Last February 14 young actors from the Children’s Shakespeare Theater (CST), flew to Fort Worth, Texas with Director Diana Green, Associate Director Cristina Biaggi and Milbry Polk. They were invited to perform Winter’s Tale in four high schools and lead workshops in stage fighting, Pavanne Dance and scene building in other schools and after school programs. It was a special experience as Diana said, “the kids took a big step up because they became visiting artists and teaching artists. They were great ambassadors of goodwill and creativity.”
CST was invited to Texas to be part of a pilot program entitled The Art of Exploration created by Ginger Head, Director of Imagination Celebration Fort Worth, and Milbry Polk, Director of Wings WorldQuest. The purpose of the pilot is to bring together science and art through the accomplishments and discoveries of individual heroes. Shakespeare was chosen as a program because he not only is one of the greatest artists who ever lived, creating through the spoken word plays that speak to the human soul, but he is also one of the first creative authors that wrote about exploration. Diana was chosen to be the hero (the program is based on identifying heroes) because of her unique ability to make Shakespeare come alive for children inspiring them to become Shakespearean actors.
The troupe was put up in Cowtown, an incredible experience for New Yorkers, most who had never been to Texas and even one child who went along who had never been on an airplane before. Before too long the children were dressed in hats, boots and belts, watching their first rodeo, posing on bulls and eating lots of TexMex. It was life changing for all of them!
They were all very professional, enduring a hectic day walking onto new stages three times a day, in widely distant schools, quickly changing and performing. The best times were the chances they had to interact with children and teach them some of what they have been doing for years. Amazed parents, coming to pick their children up, were treated to scenes from Romeo and Juliet, a dance and fight scenes performed with our CST. It was a special experience. We hope CST can go on the road again!
*Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and Sundays at 4 pm. For information call 365-9709.