Top Ten Reasons to Enjoy Shakespeare in the Schools

#10 William Shakespeare was a fantastic writer.

#9 The stage fight workshop was fun.

#8 I understood the play much better since I have taken Shakespeare as a class.

#7 We got a break from our regular school day.

#6 The scenery was great.

#5 We actually got to watch one of Shakespeare's plays be performed live.

#4 I got to give an introduction.

#3 Great acting.

# 2 I will now willingly go to Shakespeare in the Park with my Mom.

And the number one reason to enjoy Shakespeare in the Schools is...

#1 Lindi and I learned to stage our own spectacular fight scene!

Every summer my Mom and sister want me to attend at least one Shakespeare in the Park performance with them. I have gone, but never really enjoyed the plays. When I did attend, I usually just watched other people, ate the snacks we brought, and enjoyed being outside. If the play was not set in modern times, I usually did not understand what the actors were saying--or I did not even try to understand. The last few years I have always conveniently found something else to occupy my time when they ask if I want to go. I think that the time our class spent on Othello and now A Midsummer Night's Dream has helped me understand so much more. I enjoyed the performance in our gym and would really like to try a play again this summer. I am sure I will actually enjoy the play--not just the snacks.