Students and staff at the Meadowbrook Alternative Program recently showcased their creativity, collaboration and performance skills during a week-long Shakespeare festival that culminated in a viewing party and live performances on May 1. 

The unique production combined live theater with filmed performances, giving students the opportunity to participate in a variety of ways both on stage and behind the scenes.  

According to English teacher and festival organizer Laura Sheridan, performances were both presented live, while others were filmed using the school as a setting, as well as their green-screen and later edited into the final production. 

As part of their English curriculum during the third quarter, all students read a Shakespeare play, ensuring that every student was familiar with at least some of the material featured throughout the festival.  

This year, Sheridan’s Theater Arts class played an integral role in the production process, assisting with stage crew responsibilities, prop creation and scene suggestions for all live performances. The first two scenes included Juliet and the Nurse from Romeo and Juliet; played by Juliet Harvey and Jennifer Weinstein. Then, Nerissa, Portia, and her suitors from Merchant of Venice. Isabella Castera as Portia, Makenzie Goldstein as the servant, Maddy Seibert, Jude Miranda, Vince Perna, Cade Randell, and Mike Lawrence as the suitors, and Sheridan as Nerissa. 

For the finale, Ms. Miller sang “I Hate Men” from the musical Kiss Me Kate. 

The collaborative format also allowed many more students to appear on film, even in smaller speaking roles, helping to create an inclusive and engaging experience for the entire school community. 

“At the end of the day, I aim for my students to feel both ownership of Shakespeare’s works and the excitement of seeing themselves and the members of their school family performing and having fun with it,” Sheridan said.