Spotlight on a New Generation: 2005-2006 Season

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University

Romeo and Juliet

The Linny Fowler WillPower Tour's goal is to provide greater access to the arts, targeting schools that are underserved in both urban and rural communities. From October to November of 2005, the WillPower Tour achieved this goal by reaching 30% more schools than they did during the 2004 WillPower Tour. They reached approximately 8,000 middle- and high-school students throughout communities in Pennsylvania, as well as some schools in Delware and New Jersey.

"Without the financial support from Shakespeare in American Communities, many underserved schools would remain underserved, without the likelihood of seeing Shakespeare in live performance, and little opportunity to experience his language and speech, human insights, imagination and impact. Programs such as this provide access to these great literary traditions, preserving these classic texts for generations to come."      

- Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University's production included Award-Winning Director Russell Treyz and Emmy-Winning Set Designer Bob Philliips. It was a sold out production that many regarded as the best WillPower Tour ever. Many first-time participants of the WillPower Tour had positive reactions.

"The expertise of these award-winning professionals raised the bar of this year's tour, bringing added integrity and credibility, especially to first-time participants"

- Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival

In combination with the performance of Romeo and Juliet, The WillPower Tour kicked off with a residency that included hands-on workshops designed to foster creativity and artistic expression, hone communication skills, and develop a greater appreciation for speech, language, and the works for the world's most renowned playwright. The participating students and teachers had a high level of enthusiasm for the play, and they felt connected with the characters and themes. There were a total of 20 performances and 60 residency activities impacting students from the following schools:

DELAWARE

• Central Middle School in Dover
• Delaware County Christian School, Newtown Square

NEW JERSEY

• Warren Hills Regional High School, Washington

PENNSYLVANIA

• Life Academy; Louis E. Dieruff High School; The Swain School; and William Allen High School in Allentown
• Lehigh Valley Charter School for the Performing Arts; Liberty High School; Moravian Academy Upper & Middle Schools; and Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem
• Pleasant Valley High School in Brodsheadville
• St. Aloysius Academy in Bryn Mawr
• Lincoln Middle School in Catasauqua
• Saucon Valley High School in Hellertown
• Council Rock South High School and Villa Joseph Marie High School in Holland
• Palisades High School in Kinternersville
• SELAH Home School Group in Nazareth
• Father Judge High School; Northeast High School; Revival Hill Christian High School; and St. Jerome School in Philadelphia
• St. Pius X High School in Pottstown
• Pottsville Area High School in Pottsville
• Woodlynde School in Stafford
• All Saints Eastern Orthodox Christian School in White Haven

"Not only did I see my students enthusiastic and engaged, but I also learned new techniques and activities that I will take into my classrooms."          

- Comment from a Teacher

"Now that I have seen how entertaining and exciting his plays can be, I appreciate Shakespeare's works a lot more. I cannot say enough good things about my experience."

- Comment from a Student