Shakespeare @ CJMS

Shakespeare Workshops

for Seventh Grade

Shakespeare is coming to the Seventh Grade! The residency of The Maryland Shakespeare Festival involves all seventh grade students at Cabin John Middle School This once in a lifetime experience is made possible through a generous grant from the Maryland State Arts Council; much appreciated funding from the CJMS PTSA, and the support of the CJMS administration and staff.

Opening Assembly Performance Will Power! On April 14, The Maryland Shakespeare Festival performs their Will Power program for the full seventh grade and the students enrolled in the alternative education programs at Cabin John Middle School. The program provides a lively, accessible overview of several of Shakespeare plays and builds student enthusiasm and curiosity for A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

In Class Workshops: During the week of April 26 – May 2, professional actors from The Maryland Shakespeare Festival will lead in-class workshops for all seventh grade students and teachers. Each class participates in five actor-led sessions lasting one class period each. Workshops introduce students to Shakespeare’s language, engage students in the characters, plot, and humor of A Midsummer Night’s Dream through a hands-on approach of dramatic games; artistic self-expression and interpretation; and instructional activities. Click here for the Workshop Letter.

After School Student Rehearsal: April 26 – May 11 The after-school student rehearsal component is open to all seventh grade students who each day interact with actors from The Maryland Shakespeare Festival in order to present a polished performance of an abridged version A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the evening of May 12. Students memorize original text; explore characters, movement and dramatic techniques; and perform an excellent production for family and community members on opening night and for the entire seventh grade and students enrolled in the School Community Based, Autism, and Functional Life Skills programs on the following day, May 13.

Students interested in performing in the student production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream should attend the information meeting during CAT in Mrs. Morelli’s room (203) on April 12 and April 15. To participate in this enrichment program after school, permission forms must be turned in to Mrs. Morelli no later than 4:45 pm on Wednesday, April 27. Rehearsals will be held each day after school 2:45 – 4:45 from April 26 to May 11. Click here for the permission form and rehearsal schedule. Students will perform for CJMS families and friends on the evening of May 12 and for the entire 7th grade on the morning of May 13. This is a very exciting opportunity, but a large time commitment! Students should listen for more information in their English classes.

A special thanks to The Maryland State Arts Council, the PTSA at Cabin John, and the CJMS Administration for funding and supporting this exciting program.
Questions? Contact Mrs. Linda Morelli – Linda_A_Morelli@mcpsmd.org.

Mrs. McWhirter, Mrs. Morelli, Mrs. Strain, Mr. Unger, Mr. Brandt
Cabin John Middle School
English 7

Click here to see photos of the workshop from previous years.

Student Testimonials

Last year I had a lot of fun. In class the story seemed really boring and hard to understand, but by doing the theater school program I really understood the story and it helped me a lot on the tests and paragraphs. Also it was really enjoyable and I didn’t want it to end. It was an experience that I’ll remember all my life.
-- Hayley

I had the opportunity to be Bottom in the play. The play was easy to learn and fun to rehearse. The actors also helped make the play enjoyable.
-- Kevin

I really enjoyed participating in the student performance and acting in class. I renewed my love for Shakespeare plays and enjoyed writing the sonnets. I learned about sonnets and the Elizabethan Era. I discovered my self-confidence and learned more about my friends through the play as well. I hope to do so again this year.
-- Gnef

Last year’s Shakespeare Alive was a big success! Classes got to act, analyze quotes, and do fun crafts. The professional actors in our classrooms were funny and it was very enjoyable working with them. Many students went to the after school Shakespeare Acting Club, in addition to the classroom activities the whole class got to do. In the end, the acting club performed the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It was fantastic! Shakespeare Alive was a blast!
-- Elaine

The Shakespeare Alive Program was a motivating and fun experience for all 7th graders last year! (At least the ones that I asked.) I enjoyed learning how Shakespeare’s language in his plays during the Elizabethan Times is different from the language that we use today, and my friends and I discovered that it is quite difficult to use a different form of words from Shakespeare’s time! However, I enjoyed this program a lot and loved the story of fantasy that we acted out – A Midsummer Night’s Dream!
-- Joanna

Dear 7th graders,
In Shakespeare Alive I enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends. I enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends. I learned that sometimes you have to do something worth while that you normally would not do. I remember in 6th grade my English teacher told me that 7th graders every year put on a Shakespearean play and I told her I wouldn’t be in it. But, I ended up doing it. Anyway, if you think that you can’t act you will be surprised by what you can do. And you can talk to your friends all the time after school if they try out with you of course. However, it is hard work and takes up a lot of your time – so be ready. You will not regret every being in the play! After the play is done and everything ends, you will miss being in the play and wish you could do it again, because I do. I hope you can be in the play and have as much fun as I did. Those of you who want to be in the play go for it! And those of you who don’t want to be in it you have no idea what you’re going to miss.

-- From one of the fairies J

PS – You get to have a party at the end!

Hello 7th graders,

I was in Shakespeare Alive and it was so fun. The time I spent with my friends last year was so great, especially when I received my part and when I was able to do my part practicing with other characters while all my friends cheered me on. Also, I learned and became friends with almost all the cast despite their normal school “clique”. I strongly suggest this to any kid who wants to have fun and also I suggest to do it with a friend.

--Puck #2