Julius Caesar Plus....

Twenty OSU undergraduate students (above), who are in the UK with a Department of English study abroad program led by faculty member Mark Conroy, today met up with the group of folks in Stratford-upon-Avon who are part of the OSU / Royal Shakespeare Company partnership. The two groups talked and had a bite of lunch in the (surprisingly) warm and sunny weather before heading to the Courtyard Theatre for an intense performance of Julius Caesar.

Before lunch, the central Ohio schoolteachers participating in the partnership education program, worked with RSC actor David Rubin (left), who played the part of Trebonius in Julius Caesar. The morning group explored Shakespeare’s Caesar through activities including character landscapes and dramatizing the play in 20 minutes (below). Said Reynoldsburg teacher Amy McKibbon, “This is the most fun I’ve ever had with anything related to education. And that’s the truth.”

Each day’s activities and strategies are based upon the RSC’s "Stand up for Shakespeare" program, which the teachers can take back to their students and classrooms in Ohio. McKibbon added, “I’m already looking forward to school starting in the fall.”
Teacher Features

Throughout the week, we’ll be talking with some of the 20 teachers who are involved in the first cohort of the OSU / RSC partnership program.

Tim Wangler, literature and theatre, Linden-McKinley High School, Columbus Public Schools

“These interactive and physical experiences are wonderful strategies that will engage our students. And the RSC leaders have been amazing, they are so knowledgeable and professional; you couldn’t ask for anything more. Their energy is wonderful.”

Andrea McAllister, English/language arts, Metro High School

“The strategies we’re learning are great, and I think they may be perfect for work with my Team Advisory Group, where I serve as an advocate between home and school. These activities can help with team building, fostering a sense of ensemble, and fostering inquiry and collaboration. I may use (summaries of) all of Shakespeare’s plays and use the activities all year with the group.”