My Nonprofit Reviews

Cal Shakes is home, for the actors, staff, patrons and especially for the children who attend Student Discovery Matinees and the summer theater programs like 2 week and 5 week Conservatory or 2 week camp. The teaching artists are phenomenal and really let the kids shine and find new talents they never knew they had. I was not only impressed, but astounded that I was learning things along with the kids. At 5 Week Conservatory, my 8 and 9 year old students put on an hour long "Romeo & Juliet" that would make adults jealous. Even more important than having gained new techniques and knowledge is that every child came out of their summer theater program more confident and excited (not just about Shakespeare, but about the arts in general). Student Discovery Matinees allow Bay Area youth to experience a show most of them wouldn't get to otherwise as well as ask the actors questions after the show. From a backstage perspective, the kids always had questions that were so thoughtful, they left even the experienced actors speechless. My only regret is that I didn't grow up in the Bay Area with Cal Shakes to show me just how important the arts are in ALL of our lives, no matter your age!

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