CHEYNEY, PA — Students from across Chester County gathered at the Marian Anderson Music Center at Cheyney University to celebrate and perform at the 36th Annual Chester County Shakespeare Festival. Organized by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) and sponsored by CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Services, the festival offered young performers a stage to present modern interpretations of William Shakespeare’s timeless works.
The event encouraged creative renditions of Shakespearean literature while maintaining the central themes of the original plays. Performances by elementary and middle school students were accompanied by an entertaining appearance from actor Frank Munroe, who, as the Master of Revelry, shared insights into Shakespeare’s life and work, adding an educational dimension to the festival.
Reflecting on the festival’s significance, Munroe remarked, “I love events like this because it helps students to not only build their self-confidence but also learn more about the arts. Many young students deal with anxiety and other issues that may make them feel uncomfortable in social settings, but they get the opportunity to step into the shoes of another character during this event.”
Throughout the festival, students had the chance to watch their peers perform, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Although the event was non-competitive, group and individual acknowledgments were given to recognize exceptional performances, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Jay Della Ragione, special events coordinator at CCIU, highlighted the event’s broader impact, stating, “It allows them to connect with this iconic collection of literature in a way that’s meaningful to them. They gain confidence, collaborate as a team, and bring Shakespeare to life with their own unique voice and perspective.”
One of the standout performances came from Avon Grove Middle School, whose students reimagined A Midsummer Night’s Dream under the direction of instructor Stephanie Judge. Their creative interpretation drew praise from the audience, with student Faithann Hansen expressing, “Witnessing the smiles and joy on people’s faces was very heartwarming, whether they were familiar to me or not.”
Judge, who adapted this year’s play, underscored the value of the experience, saying, “I hope they gain a love and appreciation for theater, and most importantly, Shakespeare.”
Each spring, the Chester County Shakespeare Festival brings together approximately 100 students to showcase their talents and explore Shakespeare’s works in a dynamic, supportive setting. This year’s event not only celebrated literature but also empowered young performers to build confidence, develop teamwork, and discover their creative potential.
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