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Get thee to a classroom

Posted on | August 12, 2009 | 780 views |

International partnership between OSU and Royal Shakespeare Company kicks off

by Julia Harris

For one eventful week in July, a group of 20 public school teachers from central Ohio descended upon England’s Stratford-upon-Avon, the hometown of William Shakespeare, for a five-day immersion experience with the renowned Royal Shakespeare Company. They were there to learn about the RSC’s educational program, “Stand Up for Shakespeare,” and about how they could take it back to their Ohio classrooms.

They ended up learning a whole lot more.

From the moment they landed, the group was in a whirl of activity, from viewing productions of “The Winter’s Tale” and “Julius Caesar” to walking along scenic and historic byways and gathering for lively discussions in local restaurants and pubs. In collaborative workshops with RSC actors and directors, the teachers learned to implement a variety of techniques, including drama, movement and active listening to explore complex texts.

The week was only the first part of a three-year journey that will bring these techniques and strategies into Ohio’s classrooms as a way to engage students in grades 3-12 in interdisciplinary investigations of the diverse themes woven into Shakespeare’s many works.

After their week with the RSC, the teachers worked closely as a group for a week at Ohio State, led by Brian Edmiston, associate professor in the College of Education and Human Ecology. They also will work together throughout the year, with workshops and programs on campus and in their schools.

RSC education practitioners and actors will come to Ohio State in November to continue the ensemble-based program.

Included below are some initial comments provided by these educators during the July training.

Amy McKibbon, 5th and 6th grade literature, Hannah Ashton Middle School, Reynoldsburg City Schools

“It’s easy for me to see how this ensemble approach can apply to so many areas. I can see using it to explore other literature, like Treasure Island, or to debate historical events in a social studies class. Or even use it in a science class to explore big questions about the environment or space exploration or cloning.”

Robyn Lewis, 5th and 6th grade special education, Windsor STEM Academy

“The experience in England with the Royal Shakespeare Company was amazing. There are so many activities and strategies that I can take back to my classroom to really engage my students.”

Harry Gee, English, Trailblazer Alternative School, Reynoldsburg

“This week has energized me to go back to school; I’m excited to use the tools and ideas we’ve learned. I was a bit apprehensive at the start because I wasn’t sure my students (Trailblazer Alternative, where at-risk students get a chance to catch up and graduate) would be open to theatre activities. But now I think they’ll really be engaged. As a group, the teachers have really built a sense of community. It’s been fun. It’s a lot of work, but it’s fun work.”

Janet Benedict, music, Baldwin Road Junior High School, Reynoldsburg

“First of all, it’s so amazing just to be here in Stratford, walk the floors that Shakespeare walked and go to the performances. It brings life to the written word. As a group, we are really building a sense of community. The Reynoldsburg teachers, who are from different schools, are really getting to know each other. It’s exciting to be building a team with them and the educational potential that that holds. It’s interesting to see what a powerful group of teachers we have.”

Cory Neugebauer, history and government, Metro High School, Columbus

“I think this program is great — it pushes traditional boundaries. I know it’s pushing mine. I’m a logic-based individual, but the focus of education is the students and you have to be willing to push boundaries to facilitate learning for a wide range of learning styles. What’s comfortable for me may not be the best way for each student. You have to get beyond yourself and try new things and see how new approaches might work. I have absolutely no arts background so this experience is something I can really learn from and grow from. I can absolutely see using it in my history and government classes. For example, Julius Caesar can be used to study power structures and the dynamics of politics.”

Danielle Berring, intervention specialist, Linden-McKinley High School, Columbus City Schools

“I didn’t know quite what to expect on the first day and thought we might be exploring traditional interpretations of the text. But we are creating our own interpretations, and finding something new about “The Winter’s Tale.” It’s fantastic. I don’t have an arts background, and I’m happy to start making the connection between the artistic point of view and science and math. I wouldn’t have tried to cross that border otherwise.”

For more information about the partnership between Ohio State and the Royal Shakespeare Company, see the blog at osuandrsc.blogspot.com or the Arts Initiative Web site artsinitiative.osu.edu/rsc.

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