Kentucky Shakespeare is a non-profit, professional theatre company designated as the Official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. They are the largest in-school arts education and outreach provider in the commonwealth. Since 1990, they have served over one million students in all 120 Kentucky counties and beyond.

Their mission is to enrich the community by presenting accessible, professional theatre experiences that educate, inspire, and entertain people of all ages. Their vision is to use Shakespeare’s truths and the power of the arts to transform lives as Shakespeare belongs to everyone.

For this workshop and performance, the great poets of our time pair up with the greatest writer of all time. Students explore Shakespeare’s sonnets and verse alongside contemporary music to discover rhythm, poetry, and language.

Kentucky Shakespeare’s educational performances, programs, and study guides align with the National Core Arts Anchor Standards and Academic Standards in Visual and Performing Arts, Reading and Writing, Social Studies, and Mathematics.

KY Academic Standards Covered: Key Ideas and Details, Craft and Structure, Integration of Knowledge and Ideas, Comprehension and Collaboration, Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas, Vocabulary Acquisition and Use. 

Study Guide with pre- and post-show activities available.

Runtime: 55 minutes

8 Free School Day Workshops at the high schools.  No cost for students and teachers.

A special thanks to our smARTS sponsors Christian County Public Schools, Flynn Enterprises, First United Methodist Church, Tennessee Valley Authority, Rotary International, Kiwanis International, United Southern Bank, and Kentucky Arts Council for their support.