Shakespeare At School:
The Folger Shakespeare Library George Didden Memorial Project

The Capitol Hill Community Foundation has taken the next step in its commitment to education for all children on the Hill. This year, the Foundation launched an ambitious program in conjunction with the Folger Shakespeare Library — "Shakespeare At School: The Folger Shakespeare Library George Didden Memorial Project."

Participating classrooms are immersed in a year-long introduction to Shakespeare and the world of the Theater. Beginning in the Fall of 2008, artist-educators from the Folger conducted classroom workshop that had students dressing in Shakespearean costumes, using the language of the time, and exploring the world of Shakespearean England.  Early in 2009, these groups will be visiting the Folger for an introduction to Stage Combat and their first chance to act on the Folger stage. For the remaining months of the year, artists-in-residents will help classroom teachers prepare their students to present their own Act from a Shakespearean play in the spring Children's Festival at the Folger.

Shakespeare At School is a program that will ultimately be offered to all students attending elementary school in a Capitol Hill school. In this year's pilot, five local schools are participating: Brent Elementary, Stuart Hobson, St. Peter's Interparish School, Two Rivers Public Charter School, and J.O. Wilson Elementary. Each year, five additional schools (public, charter, parochial, or independent) will be offered slots in the program.

Shakespeare At School is fully funded for participating schools by the Foundation, with underwriting by the National Capital Bank of Washington.  This ambitious project was inspired by the life of George Didden III, esteemed founding board member of the Foundation, business leader, and lifelong supporter of the theater and education.