This course will include:
→ Performance-based learning strategies that make Shakespeare FUN for your high schoolers
→ Teacher-focused mindset activities that address your specific fears and concerns
→ Practical tips to help you embrace Shakespeare's playfulness and theatricality in your next lesson
Please note: this course is tailored to a US audience, but the insights shared are relevant to any Shakespeare educator at an equivalent level to US High School.
Shakespeare Isn't Scary: Course Overview
1. Why is Shakespeare so intimidating?
Our experts discuss the common fears and barriers to teaching Shakespeare, including the misconceptions that can derail your carefully planned lesson! This session includes practical mindset activities aimed at students and teachers.
2. Building teacher confidence when teaching Shakespeare
Embrace Shakespeare's playfulness and theatricality with improvisation and classroom activities that make the text of your choice more accessible. This session aims to reframe Shakespeare as a creative teaching opportunity.
3. How to get your students 'hooked' on Shakespeare
Learn new techniques to inspire performance-based learning, with strategies that help you bring Shakespeare and make learning fun from day one. This session shares fresh ideas for student-led games, competitions, and exploration activities.
4. Exploring Shakespeare in the modern world
Our experts tie everything together with a look at how Shakespeare's plays reflect today's world. Looking at universal themes of love, power, identity, and conflict, you'll learn hands-on activities for blending performance, text, and discussion.
The final session will also include a Q&A portion – submit your questions in the form above!
Meet the panel:

Alesha Tatum-Howe
Alesha is our Head of Schools, commissioning and curating all content and resources for students and their teachers. She has spent several years pursuing acting, studying and teaching at Playhouse West in North Hollywood. She then spent 13 years (2 years in Middle School and 11 years in High School) as a Theatre Director and District Secondary Lead Theatre Educator.

Laura Sheridan
Laura is currently in her 25th year of teaching English (grades 9-12), including AP Language and AP Literature. Laura spent her first seven years teaching in a large high school, before transferring to a new alternative school, where she has been for over 17 years. She is a self-proclaimed Shakespeare geek and has run 15 Shakespeare Festivals across both schools!

James Mainard-O'Connell
James has been teaching theatre and working as a professional theatre artist since 2003. Over the last 22 years, he has taught theatre to students from kindergarteners through graduate students and every level in between. Currently, James is the head of the 6th-12th grade theatre program at Episcopal Collegiate School, where he teaches classes in various disciplines (his favorite is Shakespearean Drama).
What do teachers think of DT+ courses...
90%
of attendees would recommend taking a DT+ course
33%+
increase in topic confidence after taking a DT+ course
60%
of attendees reported changing their teaching approach after a DT+ course
"I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and was able to pick up interesting tips to use in my classroom!"
– Andrea, Teaching Tragic Heroes Attendee
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