For years, my girls have been learning and enjoying the magic of Shakespeare because of this wonderful company. They bring it to life, make it relevant, and, importantly, affordable. Because of Tina P... text
Shakespeare & Company, Inc.
Every year my girls and I prepare for another wonderful Shakespeare experience at Shakespeare and Company. It's not just a show, it's an experience. The whole place brings you in right away, there are people in period costume before the show doing bits outside. Afterwards, we always go meet the talented actors and we learn something more. The show itself always brings a new light to an old favorite, or shows us something we've never seen. They have grown up on Shakespeare and Company and now -- at 21, 18 and 11 -- are big fans, thanks to this wonderful company. We are ever grateful.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
presenting excellent, innovative, accessible theater, as well as in reaching out to the community and school system.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
do nothing. They provide affordable quality theatrical experiences.
For years, my girls have been learning and enjoying the magic of Shakespeare because of this wonderful company. They bring it to life, make it relevant, and, importantly, affordable. Because of Tina Packer's Tales of Shakespeare, my three daughters and I prepare easily for each production, and then find ourselves immersed in talent, skill, imagination, and delight for each one. The unique take of the director for the tens of productions we have seen spurs fantastic conversation. The generosity of the actors after each production allows my girls and I access to them, talking for a few minutes (or more!) each time about motivation, difficulty, and involvement. Shakespeare and Company has made Shakespeare lovers out of my girls, now 19, 17 and 10. Thank you to them, and long may they live.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing their amazing productions.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I really can't think of anything.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
how they make theater accessible and delightful for all ages.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Incredibly helpful. Just recently, they helped me to find a copy of a Shakespeare poster I wanted to create in my own home.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
finish the Rose Theater, do more outreach.
Ways to make it better...
nothing.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
financial.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I love how they invite children in.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
We bring our college students, especially those in theatre, to see Shakespeare performed with understanding, energy, and imagination that is unsurpassed in my experience. Seeing actors work in repertory gives audiences a clearer sense of the nature of acting. The openness with which actors have talked with our students after performances adds to this. Seeing Shakespeare staged in a space that resembles the Renaissance stage structure for which it was written is a revelation every time. The ability to walk the grounds and think about the play after seeing it enhances the playgoing experience, too.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
our students' increased understanding of Shakespeare's plays, and their empowerment as theatre practitioners. Seeing a play at Shakespeare and Co. makes them think, "I want to do this--I can do this--and it is worth doing."
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Nothing leaps to mind.
I can scarcely believe that I did not train at Shakespeare and Company before I did. I've trained with some very fine institutions, but participating (not just learning!) in the innovative work and positive, constructive approach to developing ourselves as theater artists--while we quite literally lived and breathed Shakespeare--was not only great training, but also allowed me to bear witness to the way in which this work inspired actors and teachers to deeper and more personal exploration. I can't recommend S & Co more highly.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
A deeper, fuller understanding not just of the Bard's work, but also seeing the way in which training in this work truly help me to further own sense of artistic exploration and prerogative.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I'd suggest that S & Co could do a better job of advertising themselves in terms of the very, very specific and excellent training they offer, not just the work they produce. I feel like the training there could be a life-changing experience for "developing" artists as well as academics.
Shakespeare & Company reminds us, vividly and powerfully, in all the work they do as artists, producers, educators of young people, trainers of theater professionals and champions of relishing the human connection that can be experienced so vividly in Shakespeare's plays, that there are lifelong rewards for engagement with any art, and that such engagement can re-invigorate our imaginations, re-awaken our humanity and expand our capacity for empathy and compassion. This is vital and necessary work in all times, but especially during these days of struggle for so many. Shakespeare and Company's outreach to area schools and juvenile courts is a powerful reminder that theater can and does change and save lives every day.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My work as a performer and playwright has been transformed by my studies at Shakespeare & Company, and the many young people I've taken to see their productions have discovered that Shakespeare and theater itself can be exciting and captivating.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Create a replicable model of the work they do in the juvenile courts and expand it into a nationwide program.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Shakespeare and Co entered our family's life with actors' residencies in our elementary and middle schools. These were not only the education specialists, who are terrific, but their star actors! My kids learned so much from working with the professionals, who spent I think 6 weeks in the schools! The approach they took, exploring language until each student could understand and feel what Shakespeare was intending to say, was fantastic. A life-changing experience for us all.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
youth programs and general theatre
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
they are fantastic, no changes suggested
I participated in the month-long intensive training as an actor and returned for a second year as a teacher trainee. I took shorter training as an actor in specific topic areas and participated in trainings taught by the Education Department as a teacher. My experiences had and continues to have transformational effects on my life and the lives of my students.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Because of my training at Shakespeare & Company, I have enjoyed artistic and professional success. I am currently teaching and directing and I am grateful to my teachers at Shakespeare & Company for their expertise and dedication to Beauty and Truth.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Make sure they could spend more time teaching and doing theater and less time raising money.
I participated in the Fall Festival in High School and it remains, 13 years later, a formative experience in my life. The exposure to great art and artists is just the beginning. Working within the atmosphere of the Fall Festival gives young people confidence in public speaking, spatial movement, and passionate pursuit of goals. Thanks Shake&Co.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My public speaking skills and confidence.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Put them in every high school in America.
After so many years of enjoying Shakespeare's comedies at The Mount, I am now able to attend WINTER performances of a variety of plays, both Shakespeare's comedies, tragedies, and other forms of theatre. And I'm loving all of it!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
entertaining my family for decades!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
offer some of the theater experiences out of doors to take advantage of the surroundings.
I love live theatre. I particularly enjoy repertoire houses which allow me to see actors rotate though different roles. Unfortunately, I can not afford to see all the theatre I wish to see. Because I volunteer at Shakespeare and Company, I can satisfy my need for theatre.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Shakespeare and Company provides training for young actors, directors, designers and more. I spoke at length with an intern from the Midwest last summer who told me how working with S & C provided her with opportunities she might never have had in terms of learning to work in theatre.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
As I have only worked one summer season to date, I do not feel I know Shakespeare and Company well enough to offer criticism.
I was a student and employee at Shakespeare&Co throughout high school. It was the center of my life, educationally and socially, especially after leaving public school to pursue my education independently. I hope S&Co can continue to provide opportunities to young people.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
see above.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Give them more money for their great programs.
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