“If music be the food of love – play on!” declares the delirious Duke Orsino in the Bard's classic comedy Twelfth Night. But little did Shakespeare know that this beloved (and much quoted) line would inspire an After School program combining music education, songwriting, and recording for youth in Los Angeles.
John, Mayra and Fancy perform Fault Line at the Urban Shakespeare CD release party.
Play On! is the latest off-shoot of SF/LA's nationally recognized, award-winning Will Power to Youth program. But while WPY focuses on a singular stage adaptation, Play On! participants study Shakespeare's sonnets and songs to learn structure, melody, and rhythm. For the innagural 2005 session, youth made comparisons between these works and contemporary artists such as The Beatles, U2, Sheryl Crow, Alanis Mirissette, The Killers, and Alicia Keys - giving them the opportunity to explore the nature of music, spoken word, and poetry.
Youth also selected a "Major" to focus on during the 10-week session; majors included songwriting, poetry, sound design, and acting. (They could also choose a Minor in poetry, graphic design, acting, emceeing, songwriting, and music business.) At the end of the four months, participants released their self-produced album Urban Shakespeare. Click here to listen to and purchase the album.
In December 2006, Play On! was featured on NPR's Weekend Edition. Visit their site to hear the story, or read a partial transcript and see photos!
Now Playing!
Play On! returns in the Summer 2008. Check back soon for more information; until then, visit Urban Shakespeare's MySpace.
How can I participate?
Click here to read the eligibility requirements for participating in the program and request application information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look in the FAQs to find answers to questions about all our youth and education programs, whether you’re a teacher, student, artist, community member or sponsor.