Friday, November 15, 2024 • 6-8PM
Ventura College Applied Science Auditorium
Rafe’s lecture explores the challenges, hardship, and rewards of teaching.
The event is free to the public. Seating is limited and reservations are required.
Year after year, The Hobart Shakespeareans excel. They read passionately, far above their grade level; tackle algebra, and stage Shakespeare so professionally that they often wow the great Shakespearean actor himself, Sir Ian McKellen.
Yet this takes place in Room 56, a private facility that the kids call their safe haven. These children want a more challenging curriculum than traditional schools are offering. Few of the children in this enrichment program speak English as a first language. Most come from poor families.
“Be Nice. Work Hard.”
“There Are No Shortcuts.”
What's the winning recipe? A diet of intensive learning mixed with a lot of kindness and fun.
These children work long hours after school and even work on Saturdays. They come during vacation. They take field trips all over the world. They play rock and roll music. Mediocrity has no place in their classroom. And the results follow them for life, as they go on to outstanding colleges.
It is not easy, but these children dare to defy society's expectations. These kids are hungry, and they want out. They work their way out.
After all, there are no shortcuts.
The Hobart Shakespeareans Travel to England for a Trip of a Lifetime — Jan 2020
Twelfth Night on Film — Aug 2019
The Yesterday and Today Adventure — Aug 2018
Performances
Every year the Hobart Shakespeareans perform an unabridged production of Shakespeare in their tiny classroom. It has to be seen to be believed.
People come from all over the world to witness the magic, as the tiny actors bring the Bard's words to life. The children not only act, but supplement the production with flawlessly played music ranging from Radiohead to Vivaldi.
The choreography, musicianship, and acting have brought rave reviews from such notables as Sir Peter Hall, Michael York, and Hal Holbrook.
Travels
Travel is an essential part of the Hobart Shakespearean education. Rather than focus on itineraries, Hobart Shakespearean trips are designed to teach the children life skills. Impeccable manners and poise are taught hand-in-hand with American History.
Whether performing at the Supreme Court or spending time on the Lakota Reservation, Hobart Shakespeareans never need chaperones. These children make our country stronger.
The former students continue their education on the road as part of the Wake Up With Will Saturday program. In addition to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and college tours, these hard working youngsters have traveled to Alaska and even Europe.
Support Us
Philanthropy Magazine chose The Hobart Shakespeareans as one of their 16 favorite charities in the United States. Investing in the children in Room 56 is a sure thing. These children are going to make our country stronger.
Your generous support helps to finance the education of these incredibly hard working and talented youngsters. Your funds are used for books, science equipment, computers, musical instruments, sports equipment, the annual Shakespeare production, and travels both to historic sights and colleges. 100% of your money will be spent on the children.
“You can’t watch the little actors without wanting to cry. Why do you cry? I suppose it's happiness, really, and a regret that not all the children in the world could have a Rafe Esquith for a teacher."
— Sir Ian McKellen
If you would like Rafe to speak to your school, please contact the American Program Bureau at (617)614-1600.
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
contact@hobartshakespeareans.org