Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Canada’s innovative literacy program Shakespearience announced today that renowned stage and screen actor Colm Feore (The Umbrella Academy, Bon Cop, Bad Cop) and Hamilton lead DeAundre’ Woods will teach one of their revered in-class workshops later this month. On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, joined by Shakespearience’s Executive Director, Marvin Karon, the thespians with bring their own unique experiences and talents to guide grade 10 students of Toronto’s Bishop Marrocco Secondary School through an invigorating, interactive class, exploring the connection of Shakespeare’s work to emotional intelligence and mental health in today's world. 

What: 

In the face of growing pressure to eliminate Shakespeare’s plays from the curriculum, Colm and DeAundre’ will navigate their way through an interactive journey of discovery to determine whether Shakespeare’s works remain relevant to a young, modern, diverse population in the 21st century. The trio will also demonstrate to students how to overcome the challenges that the Elizabethan playwright’s language presents.

When:

Tuesday, May 30th, 2023

● Shakespearience workshop: 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Where: 

Bishop Marrocco - Thomas Merton Secondary School, 1515 Bloor Street West, Toronto

About:

Since 1998, Shakespearience has been delivering dynamic, interactive programs to students between the ages of 8 and 18, though in-class, after hours and summer programs across Ontario. Through a process of exploration and discovery, students find that overcoming a seemingly insurmountable challenge, such as deciphering the language in one of Shakespeare's plays -- with the help of some of Canada's finest professional actors -- can lead to enhanced confidence, improve communication as well as a variety of other invaluable, transferable soft skills while at the same time developing qualities of character that will serve them well academically, personally and professionally.

Each 75-minute session is guided by a certified teacher with performance experience and a seasoned, professional actor. Together, they share specific acting exercises, skills, techniques and even a few trade secrets to make Shakespeare immediately accessible.

Following a Shakespearience workshop, teachers, parents and students report rewarding and multi- dimensional outcomes, notably among at-risk, under-resourced, ESL, and some students who identify as being on the spectrum or with mild learning disabilities.

Photo: Colm Feore and DeAundre’ Woods.