Spotlight on a New Generation: 2005-2006 Season

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum from Topanga, CA is a theater company with a 25-year history of working with schools, including those that are considered underserved and at-risk. Through their School Days and Classroom Enrichment Program, they are reaching Los Angeles area youth by presenting Shakespeare in an exciting and visceral way.

"We have seen over and over what happens to young people when they speak the words and express the emotions and physical life of the great stories that Shakespeare writes. It gives them a great sense of accomplishment and self-esteem which enhances all their studies."

- Ellen Geer

The School Days and Classroom Enrichment Program begins with a preparatory visit by a Theatricum artist/educator. Educators are invited to attend professional development workshops at Will Geer, and are provided with extensive study guides. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum provides performance technique workshops for students. Students then travel to Topanga for a day that includes a Living History presentation featuring William Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth; a professional production of A Midsummer Night's Dream in a rustic and relaxed outdoor theater setting; and the opportunity to interact with artists during a Q&A session following the performance. The following schools were all enriched by this incredible program:

• Brentwood Lower School; Fremont High School; and Short Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA
• CHIME Middle School in Chatsworth, CA
• Glen A. Wilson High School in Hacienda Heights, CA
• Pinecrest Schools in Moorpark, CA
• Marquez Elementary School in Pacific Palisades, CA
• North Hollywood Zoo Magnet High School in North Hollywood, CA
• Portola Middle School in Tarzana, CA
• Simi Valley High School in Simi Valley, CA

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum will also bring their exciting production of A Midsummer Night's Dream to schools that are unable to travel. These schools receive extensive study guides, educators are invited to attend professional development workshops, and there is a Q&A following the performance. The combination of these programs will serve schools in the greater Los Angeles and surrounding areas over the course of October and November 2005.