"Before we had the class I thought that Shakespeare was for nerds, and I did not want to take the class. But when we started to take the class, I was impressed. It was very, very, very fun.” —Residency student“This experience was extremely valuable in motivating the students to rise above their perceived limitations in speaking and interpreting complex language forms. Second-language learners were able to enhance their ability to project themselves while speaking. They gained confidence in themselves while being respectful and supported by their peers." —Mr. Mark Fischer fifth-grade teacher at Fruitvale Elementary, Oakland |
We believe that arts education is a necessary and vital part of a nationally-recognized theater. Since its inception in 2001, Cal Shakes’ Artistic Learning programs have used theater arts as a unique tool, allowing all students to discover the profound personal commitment and discipline of performance. Theater arts, by their very nature, are experiential, community-based, and academically demanding; these skills cultivate students’ creative minds and voices, and give them tools for success in adult life. In addition to receiving ongoing praise for our programs from classroom teachers, parents, and students, our programs have been recognized five years in a row by the National Endowment for the Arts with funding through Shakespeare in American Communities.
Artistic Learning programs are also underwritten by generous support from the Dale Family Fund, Dodge & Cox, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, The San Francisco Foundation, The Thomas J. Long Foundation, and 93 donors to our 2010 Gala Fund-a-Need campaign.