FAQ

Why girls-only?

Studies have shown that, especially during the turbulent process of growing up, girls can benefit from an all-female space.  Our students flop around, act like fools, act like witches, act like kings, use their voices loudly and their bodies freely, all without fear of being judged.  Plus, Shakespeare's plays were originally performed by all-male casts, so it only seems fair!

Why Shakespeare?

Because we love the plays!  400 years ago, Shakespeare created a body of work that remains fun to act in and thrilling to watch.  Our students love the vivid characters, the beautiful poetry, and the dramatic situations.  They also get the chance to play great roles like Hamlet or Othello, roles that are normally barred to them because of gender. This teaches them to think without boundaries and to be generous with their  imaginations- skills useful to actors and necessary to human beings.

Seriously, isn't Shakespeare too hard for kids?

Seriously, no.  In fact, after a child learns  that Elizabethan verse makes perfect sense, she might have trouble believing that ANYTHING is too hard for her. Due warning.

How do you teach the language?

The best way to understand Shakespeare is to perform it.  That said, we use a variety of methods, including physical rhythm games to teach verse, in-class discussion, and home study.

What else makes you special?

Many programs for kids focus only on performing skills. TVP encourages kids to be directors, leaders and creators as well as actors and students.  TVP girls learn to respond to Shakespeare, the lynch pin of the Western canon, and make his work their own. Females have been shut out of the culture conversation for centuries, so the artists and leaders of the future need to know how to claim the past.  We like to think, in our own small way, we're helping to raise the next generation of women who will change the world.

What People Are Saying About The Viola Project...

"I like being able to act and get to know others that are interested in Shakespeare as I am. It is also very interesting because at the same time as acting, we're learning about Shakespeare." (Cora, Age 12)

"Nothing my daughter has done in or outside of school has excited or inspired her as much as Viola. She is an active and creative learner and finds self-confidence through challenge. This program has built aspirations in her to act during a time in her life in which she finds few aspirations. She once told me she wished school could be just like Viola!" (Parent)

"The enthusiasm the teachers bring to their work is infectious. My daughter loves their sessions-- she's learning about Shakespeare in a nurturing, caring environment and something that could be dry and inaccessible becomes alive, exciting, and relevant. Bravo!" (Rina, parent)

"Emotions don't change, love doesn't change over hundreds or thousands of years, it doesn't change. Friendships don't change and deceit doesn't change. So that's what these plays are about. Once you get down to the meaning of it, it's really interesting." (Student, Age 14)

"My daughter did a one-day seminar with the Viola Project and absolutely adored it.  She got a lot out of it even though she probably knows more about Shakespeare by now than most adults living on the planet.  And yet it works very well for 'newcomers' too.  I have tremendous respect for these dedicated teachers." (Parent)

"You can tell people 'I understand Shakespeare' and they don't believe us! But it's really satisfying to know." (Student, Age 14)

"The enthusiasm and the energy of the women that conducted the workshop were great-  the scenework that you did was wonderful, and the stage combat demonstration was very strong."
(Donna Martin, St. Scholastica Academy)

"The other acting camps [that I did in the past] weren't really focused on anything, they just made up their own plays and we acted them out. This is more focused, it's a lot more fun and more purposeful, we can gain an interest in Shakespeare while we act and do things that we love."
(Student, age 12)

"The lesson plan is fun and high energy!" (Illinois Arts Council)