Education Artists lead six different wrap-around programs designed for a wide range of students
American Shakespeare Center’s highly regarded education programs serving learners from ages 9 to 22 and beyond will debut online this fall in a digital curriculum suitable for use by teachers, students, and parents.
The “SHX” series, so-called because of the SHX prefix (pronounced “shakes”), includes six programs each crafted to take maximum advantage of the opportunities offered by live-hosted digital media, building on ASC’s experience this summer creating the enormously successful online #SHXCamp and the company’s groundbreaking digital initiatives last spring.
“Whether you are a parent navigating ongoing distance-learning for a student at home, a teacher looking to bring the joy of Shakespeare into your classroom virtually, or even an excited fan who wants to engage with literature and drama during your spare hours — we’ve got you covered,” says ASC Director of Education Sarah Enloe.
THE SHX SERIES
SHXcademy is ASC’s most versatile addition to the Digital Education Curriculum. Education Artists take practices of the rehearsal hall and introduce them to students via an engaging series of workshops that can be pursued individually or in combination. Students break Shakespeare’s text into pieces and then put it back together to discover character, narrative, and compelling moments. Those interested in solving the Shakespeare puzzle and embracing his language are encouraged to enroll in this hands-on series of courses. Four classes will be taught each week oriented around titles available for streaming via BlkFrs TV.
- Monday through Wednesday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM beginning September 14. A complete course schedule is available online
- All ages and experience levels (ASC’s Education Team will ensure students have an optimized experience with compatible peers.)
- Students can follow a single thread (aka theme) or spend a few weeks exploring a favorite play.
- A Mini-Masters certificate and a discount are available for completing all four threads for a title. Educators can earn professional development credits (CEUs).
Learn more about the virtual SHXcademy here.
SHXClass is a program designed for the classroom that invites teachers to sit back and learn with their students. ASC Education Artists do the teaching and re-energize the learning experience for teachers and their students via customized live streamed workshops.
- Taught on the educator’s schedule
- For middle school, high school, and college classrooms
- Classes can be customized around plays and themes already on the syllabus.
- SHXChat with an education artist during your stream of an ASC play (for an additional fee.)
Click here to design your SHXClass.
SHXClub is the virtual rendition of ASC’s beloved “Drama Club” program. ASC Education seeks to help parents and kids fight after-school boredom with Shakespeare as their teacher. Students explore word-craft through play and performance while building up confidence in their own creative thinking.
- Created for children ages 9—13
- Each Thursday from 4:00 to 5:30 PM beginning September 17
- Taught by ASC master educator Lia Wallace
- Eight weeks of programming for just $145
Click here to register. Space is limited!
SHXSpace is designed for teens excited to get a grip on Shakespeare, (previously called “Discovery Space”). Topics include Text, Speech, Movement, and Staging. Enhance your afternoon (and education) in this safe, virtual environment while exploring literature and drama through active participation.
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- Created for teens ages 14—18
- Each Friday from 3:00 to 4:30 PM beginning September 18
- Taught by Lead ASC Education Artist Aubrey Whitlock
- Eight weeks of programming for just $145
Click here to register. Space is limited!
SHXTeach gives teachers a whole new approach to take back to their students. Using activities that work with plays across the canon as models, ASC Education Staff guides teachers through ASC’s “Shakespeare and Class Culture in a Pandemic” modules to help enrich their curricula.
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- Tuesdays for 3 weeks starting September 15, continuing September 29, and October 13
- Teachers earn professional development credits
- Weekly workshops foster deep engagement and help build new class routines and culture
- Three weeks of workshops plus a subscription to continuing access to ASC’s preferred learning management system & new materials every month this school year for just $300.
BRING THE PLAYHOUSE TO THE CLASSROOM
ASC offers four livestream Virtual Student Matinees of the company’s Othello and Twelfth Night on September 16, September 23, October 7 and October 14 at 10:30 AM EDT. Evening live streams and on-demand, pre-recorded performances are also available for educators. Educators can supplement their curriculum and expose students to the performing arts by bringing Shakespeare from the page to the stage with the Student Matinee series.
Live-hosted encounters with actors as well as digital versions of ASC’s Core Curriculum workshops are also part of the comprehensive Virtual Student Matinee program, designed to make it possible for students to experience the magic of the Blackfriars Playhouse from far away. Plus, all educators will receive a free ASC Study Guide to supplement their lesson plans.
ASC welcomes school bookings now. More information is available here.
BACK TO SCHOOL BEGINS NOW
The Digital Education Curriculum from ASC brings together everything their Education Team knows and makes it available to anyone, virtually. ASC’s Education Artists are excited to work with teachers, parents, and students to fulfill their learning goals.
Many programs begin this month. Enroll soon in one of their six fall programs, before it’s too late. All information about the ASC Fall Digital Education Curriculum is available here.