Sonnets on Demand: Toronto Kids Mix Valentines with Shakespeare

Shakespeare in Action presents a unique twist on Valentine's Day: request a Shakespearean sonnet of your choice, and one of their talented child actors will call your valentine and recite it to them. SIA, one of Canada's leading Shakespeare companies for young audiences, will gather kids ages 7-12 to learn the sonnets and rehearse them for February 14.

"What better gift to give the one you love? Imagine receiving a call on a windy, wet day, and have a Shakespeare sonnet performed for you by a talented, passionate kid. It's special and magical," says Shakespeare in Action's Artistic Director, Michael Kelly.

Audience members can choose between sonnet 18 (Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?), sonnet 24 (Mine eye hath play'd the painter), sonnet 29 (When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes), and sonnet 116 (Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments). Each sonnet is 25CDN; between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. EST on Valentine's Day, one of the participating children will call your Valentine and perform your selected sonnet for them. A Shakespeare Kid will also mail your valentine a signed and personalized copy of their sonnet.

ALl proceeds go to support Shakespeare in Action's educational programs throughout the GTA - workshops, residencies, and the TD Shakespeare for Kids Library Club. Sonnets By Kids are available in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom until Thursday, February 13 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Valentines sell out every year, so purchase yours quickly!

To select a sonnet, and listen to a sample reading, visit www.shakespeareinaction.org/sonnets-by-kids.