Sweet Tea Shakespeare
Sweet Tea Shakespeare (STS) operates from a text-forward approach that uses early modern staging practices, contemporary practice, music, movement, and simple staging elements. This is outlined both in our “Credo” of practices (a summary of which is below) as well as our Company Handbook, both of which are provided as supplemental materials. STS embraces early modern staging practices including: universal lighting, a surrounded space, simple staging, cast doubling, enlivened costuming, cross-gender casting, live music, a “ballpark” atmosphere and actor stakeholders. The STS experience is collaborative and story-driven.
Assembly Performance:Julius Caesar
Teachers and students, get ready to experience the timeless story of Julius Caesar like never before! As Cassius and Brutus plot to overthrow their leader, you will be left to ponder whether their actions were justifiable or if they will face the consequences of their own betrayal. Through the lens of this fascinating story, you will explore questions that are relevant to all of us, such as what it means to be a leader, the impact of social media and broadcast news on our thinking, and the influence of our friends and family.
Duration: 90 minutes
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Maximum Number of Students: 400
Maximum Number of Performances: 2
Technical Requirements:
- Presenter shall provide chairs for the audience that will be set up by the presenter prior to STS arrival.
- Presenter shall provide a private dressing area and access to restrooms.
- Presenter shall provide access to 2 separate conventional electrical circuits.
- Presenter shall provide a minimum of (20’ by 20’ performance area) that will be a thrust stage configuration with audience on at least 2 sides (preferably three).
- Presenter shall ensure that the area set aside for the performance is silent and free of foot traffic not associated with the audience during the performance, beginning not less than 10 minutes prior to the announced curtain time and ending not sooner than final bows.
- If talkback or lecture is requested, the presenter shall provide microphones for artists and / or director.
NC Essential Standards: Grades 6-12: Theatre Arts - Beginning through Proficient; World History - Beginning through Proficient; English Language Arts - Beginning through Proficient
Cost: $1000 - one program / $1750 - two programs (same day, same school)
Workshop:Shakespeare on Your Feet
Select classrooms gain access to STS artists on a smaller scale. Workshops include activities meant to activate and empower students’ learning toward NC state learning standards and focus on language, leadership, embodiment, empathy, problem-solving, and engagement.
Duration: 45-50 minutes
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Maximum Number of Students 40
Maximum Number of Performances 4
Technical Requirements: Classroom with ability to move chairs to create open space
NC Essential Standards: 6-12: Theatre Arts, World History, and English Language Arts Beginning to Proficient Standards
Cost: $250 - one program / $450 - two programs (same day, same school)
Field Trip Assembly Performance
Everybody by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Dealing with the themes of mortality, morality, and redemption, Everybody reflects deeply on the human experience and draws upon important concepts in history, religion, theatre, music, and movement. Throughout the play, Everybody encounters a variety of characters, including Friendship, Kinship, Cousin, and others, each of whom represents a different aspect of human relationships. As Everybody attempts to find a companion for their journey, they come to understand the value of these relationships and the importance of living a meaningful life.
Duration: 90 minutes
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Maximum Number of Students: Venue capacity approximately 100-200
Maximum Number of Performances: 1
Technical Requirements: n/a
NC Essential Standards: 6-12: Theatre Arts, World History, and English Language Arts -- Beginning through Proficient
Cost: $10 per student
Workshop:Post-Show Talkbacks
Post-performance talkbacks with actors/teaching artists that focus on production choices, text, history, and performance.
Duration: 30 minutes
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Maximum Number of Students 400
Maximum Number of Performances: 2
Technical Requirements: microphones
NC Essential Standards: 6-12: Theatre Arts, World History, and English Language Arts -- Beginning through Proficient
Cost: $250 one workshop / $450 two workshops (same day, same school)
Virtual Engagement: Streaming/Virtual Performances
STS established itself as having an engaging presence with virtual productions throughout and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, working through a host of digital platforms, production modalities, and experiments in digital performance. Our priority is to facilitate the kinds of radical welcome and warmth our in-person productions are known for in a virtual space. We use platforms like Restream.io, CrowdCast, and others that allow for direct student chat engagement.
Duration: 90 minutes
Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Maximum Number of Students: n/a
Maximum Number of Performances: 2
Technical Requirements:
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Projection screen, stream viewing and chat capability through Crowdcast.io or YouTube
NC Essential Standards: 6-12: Theatre Arts, World History, and English Language Arts -- Beginning through Proficient
Cost: $5 per student
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