Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Awarded $25,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts

Cincinnati Shakespeare is thrilled to announce their selection as one of 40 theatre companies in the country to receive a $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts as a participant in the acclaimed Shakespeare in American Communities program.

Shakespeare in American Communities introduces middle and high school students to the power of live theater and the masterpieces of William Shakespeare. Since the program's inception in 2003, Shakespeare in American Communities has benefitted more than 2.25 million individuals, including 1.9 million students, with live performances and educational activities. This is the twelfth consecutive year of Shakespeare in American Communities, a national program managed by Arts Midwest in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Each of the participating theater companies will present productions of Shakespeare plays to students from at least 10 schools. Accompanying educational activities include in school residencies, workshops, or post-performance discussions.

As a part of this national theatre initiative, CSC will welcome about 1,200 students from 10 different schools in the area to four educational matinee productions of William Shakespeare's "Henry V" and at least 16 evening performances for the general public in May of 2015. This grant will allow Cincinnati Shakespeare Company to expand its reach to more underserved schools that might otherwise be unable to afford arts programming, and expose a whole new young audience to Shakespeare. To further engage students and enhance their comprehension of "Henry V", CSC has designed "Shakespearience" workshops and Artist in Residence options as well as educational activities before and after the student matinee performances of "Henry V".

Shakespeare in American Communities introduces middle and high school students to the power of live theater and the masterpieces of William Shakespeare. Since the program's inception in 2003, Shakespeare in American Communities has benefitted more than 2.25 million individuals, including 1.9 million students, with live performances and educational activities.

"Arts Midwest's partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts continues to ensure young and diverse audiences across the country experience the greatest works of Shakespeare," says David Fraher, president & CEO of Arts Midwest. "The creative programming and unique approaches to outreach presented by Shakespeare in American Communities grantees are quite remarkable and we look forward to seeing the impact of their work throughout the coming year."

Photo Credit: J. Sheldon Photo