Shakespeare Steps Out

Shakespeare Steps Out is a local outreach program of the Folger Shakespeare Library that is offered to District of Columbia Public School and Prince Georges County Public School teachers and students of grades 3 to 6. The program offers a comprehensive introduction to William Shakespeare's language and culminates with the students participating in the Children's Shakespeare Festival .  Through the use of visual and creative arts, history, and language arts, the program helps students of all learning styles and multiple intelligences find their own points of entry into Shakespeare's language and plays.

The program consists of eight interactive, standards-based units. Led by Folger Teaching Artists, the first three sessions focus on Shakespeare's language.  The remaining five visits are designed to assist teachers as they prepare their students to participate in the festival.  Participating schools also attend a stage combat workshop at the Folger. As an added treat, Bill's Buddies, the Folger's educational acting troupe, performs and conducts a workshop at the school.

In addition to the student activities, Shakespeare Steps Out offers professional development opportunities for participating teachers. In conjunction with the Center for Inspired Teaching, the Folger hosts three workshops on how to integrate theater techniques into other subject areas. Teachers earn Professional Learning Units by attending all three sessions.

The program—including actor fees, transportation, and related instructional materials—is provided to selected schools at no cost.