Shakespeare STEAM 

What is Shakespeare STEAM?

Shakespeare in Detroit collaborates with elementary, middle and high school educators to teach students the Science of lighting a production, the Technology of sound design, the Engineering or construction of a form/costume, the Art of classical performance and the Mathematics of building a set, along with tools and curriculum for the development of soft skills such as communication and confidence. In addition, students' literacy competencies are increased through the exploration of iambic pentameter with improved reading and comprehension abilities and a focus on syntax and modulation. These are all transferable skills that the youth will be able to take with them throughout their primary education experiences and into post-high school academic and professional careers. 

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The program's pilot season took place during the 2019-20 academic year. In the fall of that year, more than 1,000 students from schools across Detroit including the Academy of the Americas, Clippert Academy, Detroit School of the Arts, The James and Grace Lee Boggs School, Spain Elementary-Middle, along with Brenda Scott Academy attended SiD's production of Romeo and Juliet at DSA in partnership with Detroit Public Schools Community District, the Knight Foundation and the University of Michigan's School of Education.

Can Shakespeare in Detroit come to my school and put on a performance?

Our teaching artists or members of our staff can possibly visit your school and talk about Shakespeare, a specific play, demonstrate a scene and other potential subject matter if given, at least, 90 days notice that you would enjoy a visit. However, our professional acting company does not come to individual schools to perform full productions. 

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Students and teachers are invited to our professional productions at no cost or at a reduced price. In addition, Shakespeare in Detroit has provided free summer programs for the public for nearly a decade and invites people of all ages to attend. 

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How was the program activated during COVID-19?

STEAM learning was supplemented by donating STEAM bags filled with art supplies to 250 students at Clippert Academy, DSA, Boggs School, The School at Marygrove and Brenda Scott Academy. The supplies that were donated complemented the online curriculum on Shakespeare in Detroit's YouTube page, which you can find HERE (and remember to subscribe). 

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SiD's teaching artists also made their expertise and the curriculum available for students online via live educational sessions on Zoom and/or MS Teams. The company engaged with approximately 50 students, digitally during the 2020-21 academic year. 

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The grade levels were also extended to accommodate K-2 at Boggs School. 

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SiD has also added Wellness to its STEAM curriculum as health and well-being are essential to our youth actors' success.

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What happened in the summer of 2021? 

Shakespeare in Detroit hosted auditions for high school students (14 to 18 years old) on April 24, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST. for our inaugural summer conservatory, which included intensive studies of voice and text, stage combat and dramaturgy with an introduction to costume design and other vocational and artistic pillars that ultimately resulted in a filmed production of Romeo & Juliet. VIEW BY CLICKING BUTTON BELOW. 

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The conservatory ran June 21 through filming on August 14, 2021. 

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Each of the ten (10) students who successfully completed the summer program  received a $1,000 grant at the conclusion of the conservatory. 

When did STEAM launch?

SiD launched its Shakespeare STEAM program for students during the 2019-20 academic year with partner schools Clippert Academy, Detroit School of Arts (DSA), James and Grace Lee Boggs and The School at Marygrove for students in grades 3-12.  

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Can my school become a partner?

The company is currently at capacity for its school partners. However, future plans include additional schools on the STEAM roster. We encourage students, parents and educators to subscribe to our YouTube page to engage with the curriculum. 

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Do schools pay for a STEAM partnership?

This work is done at no cost to the schools and made possible by our sponsors whose generosity pays for the cost of supplies and the expertise of the professional artists working in the schools. Shakespeare's plays, required reading in Southeast Michigan high schools, were meant to be performed not read at a desk, afterall. So this service is essential to supporting educators in addition to helping students gain life and career skills that apply to many versatile fields and industries. 

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Is the success of this new program measurable?

Metrics, both qualitative and quantitative, will be presented to stakeholders such as parents, educators and program sponsors at the conclusion of the current school year. 

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Shakespeare in Detroit posts a public report at the end of each academic year, measuring our success, opportunities for improvement and plans for the future of Shakespeare STEAM. See links below. 

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Read breakdown of the 2020-21 academic year HERE for full transparency. 

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Read breakdown of the 2019-20 academic year HERE for full transparency.