As William Shakespeare wrote in The Tempest, “misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows,” and – boom – this week brings news of an innovative partnership between Orange County Public Schools and Orlando Shakes to alleviate the occasional miseries of online learning for area fourth graders.
The Orlando Shakes theater company, in tandem with UCF, is making their 2017 performance of Showtime With Shakespeare: A Magic Tree House Adventure available as video-on-demand for fourth graders in all Orange County public schools. In addition, they’re whipping up a a post-show digital quiz and “Magic Tree House Alive! Distance Learning Workshop” to aid further in working it into the curriculum.
Showtime With Shakespeare is a time-traveling slice of musical theater meant to introduce young viewers to the work of Shakespeare and the singular joys of watching live theater. Maybe even at the Shakes when we can all go outside again.
Anne Hering, Director of Education for Orlando Shakes, spoke more about the goals of this partnership:
We hope this provides fourth graders and their families a fun and educational outlet in these uncertain times. The award-winning Magic Tree House book series was the basis for this delightful musical production. We received permission for this OCPS view-at-home opportunity because of the author, Mary Pope Osborne’s dedication to children and learning while students are away from the classroom and unable to see our productions in person.
Check out a sneak peek below.
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