The Teaching Shakespeare Program shows teachers how to teach the plays of Shakespeare not as literature but as theatre – the way Shakespeare intended. Stage One: Teacher Workshops Wednesday, August 21, to Friday, August 23 Teachers and professional actors attend workshops together. These interactive workshops introduce you to the drama-based strategies you will employ in your classroom in Stage 2. Teachers also attend performances of Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice and Othello. Your free tickets are included as part of the program. Stage Two: Classroom Visits September and October In partnership with a professional actor, plan and teach two lessons on your chosen play. Actors' visits are one class period in length. Stage Three: Student Theatre Trips September and October Choose from a selection of dates for which excellent seats have already been reserved. Teaching Shakespeare Program classes also get free tickets to a Prologue the morning of their matinée visit. You will receive ticket order forms during Stage 1. Stage Four: Student Players' Festival (optional) November Classes perform Shakespeare scenes before expert adjudicators on the stage of the Studio Theatre. What does it cost? It's practically free. For low-income schools, it's entirely free. A post-dated cheque for $120 is required to confirm your registration. Your cheque will become the deposit for your ticket order for Stage Three. Teachers pay for their accommodations in Stratford in August, and classes pay for their theatre tickets and buses for Stage 3 (Stages 3 and 4 for Student Players' Festival participants). For low-income schools, even these costs may be subsidized by the Stratford Festival. Just request a subsidy when you register. For all schools, the workshops and the artist visits are paid for by the Festival.Who is it for? Teachers' workshops are in three sections: • Elementary (Grades 4 to 8) • Secondary English • Secondary drama We regret that we are not able to provide the Teaching Shakespeare Program to schools outside of Canada.No drama background? No problem. The Teaching Shakespeare Program gives you everything you need, from handouts to an artist partner to help you get on your feet.Questions?Send us an email or call us at 1.800.561.1233, ext. 2319.Ready to sign up? Download your registration form and mail it with your deposit cheque. Elementary Section registration form Secondary English Section registration form Secondary Drama Section registration form Funding Request form (optional)Registration deadline is April 30, 2013.Teacher Testimonials "I teach in an inner-city class with academic and behavioural problems. I went into the workshops thinking that Shakespeare would be way over the kids’ heads. But instead, the play was broken down into easy, interactive lessons that engaged the kids. Fantastic program!!!" "This workshop is the best that I have ever attended in over 20 years of teaching and professional development. I was completely inspired to bring the world of Shakespeare to my Grade 5 students, and they, in turn, responded with the utmost enthusiasm." "A wonderful resource for English teachers and an exciting, viable approach to Shakespeare."