NU gives young students advantage with Shakespeare After School

Thanks to an innovative program developed by Nipissing’s English Department and the North Bay Public Library, 12 lucky kids from the North Bay area have discovered Macbeth and its mesmerizing story of ambition, guilt and revenge.

The Shakespeare after School program pairs university students passionate about theatre, literature and education, with enthusiastic kids ages 7 through 12. The result: a new breed of Shakespeare production.

The collaboration between Nipissing and the North Bay Public Library began in 2006. This year’s performance of Macbeth, with a cast of 12 children and three student volunteers, developed over the course of five weeks.  It included many mini projects including props, learning lines, learning the craft of acting through games and rehearsing the finished product.

Student volunteer Erin Lemesurier’s motivation behind volunteering with the Shakespeare After School program stemmed from her passion from both Shakespearean plays and working with children.

“I think it is beneficial to teach kids this age about Shakespeare because so many of our every day phrases come from his work,” says Lemesurier.  “Students are usually introduced to Shakespeare in high school which can seem pretty daunting, so it’s a real advantage to participate in this program.

Dr. Kristin Lucas, assistant professor of English and coordinator of the Shakespeare after School program, says that the program wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and wide range of skills and capacities of student volunteers. 

“I think the most interesting aspect is what motivates a student in third or fourth year, with countless essays to write and a job go to, to make time to volunteer for half the term. My part is easy, the volunteers do the real work,” said Dr. Lucas.  "It’s really nice to give students the opportunity to give back to the community because they have a lot to contribute. The program has great benefits for the families and students that are involved, and it’s a fun theatre experience for the child.”

William Shakespeare wrote Macbeth between 1603 and 1607. One of the greatest tragedies ever written, the play was based on the true story of Mac Bethad mac Findlaich, King of the Scots in the 11th century.

"Macbeth isn't a happy play but it is easy to understand,” says volunteer Mary White, Concurrent Education student.  “There is lots of action in this particular tragedy, and it really allows us to see the destructive nature of hubris.”

“Having a program like Shakespeare After School alongside other library children's programming makes Shakespeare's work accessible for this age group,” says White.  “When placed in the context of the library with other stories students know, it is not as intimidating when they encounter a Shakespeare play at school.”

“We only have the students for five weeks, but I guarantee that each is walking away with an expanded vocabulary and a better understanding of how they learn,” says White.  “I'm sure I can speak on behalf of all of the volunteers in saying the students' progress is what makes this program most rewarding for us.”

The young actors have been meeting for an hour every Wednesday since mid-January leading up to a public performance that was held Feb. 14 at the library.