January, February, and March are showcase months for Shaker Theatre's integrative approach to writing and performance in the high school, what we like to call, our "Giving Voice" season.
Two programs, the Ninth Grade Theatre Experience and the playwriting festival, New Stages, have proven to be successful and enriching opportunities for the students and educators who have been a part of them. These programs utilize teachers within the school and artists within the greater community to foster a cooperative, creative environment in which students' ideas and writing are shaped into performed and published works."Giving Voice," a presentation that celebrates these two programs and the processes which created them, has over the years, enjoyed success at three major education conferences and multiple productions at professional theatres including Dobama Theatre here in Cleveland and The Blank Theatre in Los Angeles.
For three weeks, the freshmen class collaborates to create a script. Rather than cast in prescribed roles, students create their roles from writing and theatre workshops. CAST & CREATIVE Directed by Department Chair Scott J. Sumerak, the production features 35+ students in a variety of roles: performers, writers, managers/producers, workshop assistants, and designers.Shaker Theatre includes 8 daily classes and a production season including multiple main stage performances and four "showcase" performances/events.
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