Chester County Shakespeare Festival
The Chester County Shakespeare Festival, now in its 20th year, is both an educational and entertaining event that brings together nearly 300 talented students from Chester County elementary, middle and high schools. Each school is given 25 minutes to perform and adapt a Shakespearian production, provided it stays within the main theme of the original play.
The study of Shakespeare in Chester County's classrooms is an integral part of the language arts curricula. Annually, the Chester County Shakespeare Festival gives students an avenue to share their Shakespearian passion and to perform before an appreciative audience.
In addition to the student performances, the audience is entertained by a "Master and Mistress of Revelry." Throughout the day, these professional actors present facts about Shakespeare, his works and life in Elizabethan England.
Although a festival and not a competition, individual and group awards are presented to students and their schools to recognize outstanding performances and special contributions to the stage.
The goal of the festival is to cultivate a love of Shakespeare and theater in our students and to enrich the language arts curricula of our schools.
Festival Dates & Locations for 2008:
- Middle School Festival: April 15, 2008, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Elementary School Festival: April 16, 2008, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- High School Festival: April 17, 2008, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
The Shakespeare Festivals will be held at the Downingtown Educational Center, 335 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA. This is the former Downingtown Middle School building which is now being operated by CCIU.
Each Shakespeare Festival will be held as long as there are a minimum of six schools. This guarantees that the experience is academically enriching and a valuable use of students' time.
2008 Shakespeare Awards
April 15, 2008
April 16, 2008
April 17, 2008
To find out how your school can participate in the 2008 Shakespeare Festival, please contact Rebecca Givler.
