"IF I CAN DO SHAKESPEARE, I CAN DO ANYTHING!"

The Young Shakespeareans program empowers ESL children in underserved neighborhoods in South Los Angeles through partnerships with its public elementary schools. We throw down the gauntlet and raise the bar high, inspiring 4^th through 8th graders to challenge themselves to reach beyond what they ever imagined or thought possible.

We expect a lot and the students deliver. Through the demand of reading, understanding, producing, and performing a Shakespearean play, we provide an opportunity for "academics in action" that is powerful, exciting, and formative.

Our students develop skills and methods to reliably and repeatedly access them. They expand their literacy, self-presentation, and technical competence. They gain self-awareness and self-confidence through intense commitment, discipline, and teamwork. And they cherish the strength, pride, and respect derived from giving high-quality theatrical performances for their schools and their broader communities.

The Young Shakespeareans end their school year amazed and inspired by what they have achieved. This feeling of empowerment and success promotes courage and leadership and, once experienced, is never forgotten.

"IF I CAN DO SHAKESPEARE, I CAN DO ANYTHING!"