CPS Shakespeare! program a White House initiative finalist

CPS Shakespeare!, Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s transformative arts-in-education program that engages Chicago Public Schools students and teachers in creating an original Shakespeare production with CST theater and education professionals, has been selected as a National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award Finalist by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. The Chicago Shakespeare program is one of 50 from around the country recognized for their efforts.

Overseen by Honorary Chairman First Lady Michelle Obama, this award recognizes and supports excellence in programs that engage students through learning, self-discovery and achievement. CPS Shakespeare! joins thirty top programs across the country that span a wide spectrum of disciplines and reach. The complete list of finalists can be found here. The award winners will be announced on Nov. 10.

Working under the guidance of stage and film director Kirsten Kelly, the intergenerational ensemble completes an intensive five-week rehearsal process, culminating in performances on CST’s Courtyard Theater stage. This year’s production, Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” will be presented at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 7 and 10:30 a.m. Nov. 8. For tickets ($5), visit www.chicagoshakes.com/cpsshakespeare or call the box office at (312) 595-5600.

In addition, CPS Shakespeare! is also featured in Kelly’s acclaimed documentary “The Homestretch,” co-created with filmmaker Anne de Mare.

Other Illinois finalists include: The Better Boys Foundation ArtLAB, Chicago; the Merit School of Music, Chicago; and Project Next Generation @ the Kankakee Public Library, Kankakee.

Follow @MiriamDiNunzio

//