Surprising the Kids with Shakespeare

[Roberta]

Posted by Roberta on May 09, 2000 at 13:48:44:

Hello. I've got two kids, both actors in their drama clubs, and the oldest is big into Shakespeare. I'm considering surprising them with a trip to the Ashland Shakespeare Festival and then on to Portland. Anyone made this trip before? Were the productions appropriate for both high school and jr. high school kids? Did you find a great place to stay? Was it worth it? Tickets are awfully expensive for three people.

Thanks,
Roberta

[Linda P]

Posted by Linda P. on October 06, 2000 at 15:26:56:

In Reply to: Surprising the Kids with Shakespeare posted by Roberta on May 09, 2000 at 13:48:44:

As a Drama teacher (and travel writer), I have taken high school students on field trips to Ashland for many years. With preparation, they love it! Choosing the right shows, even your junior higher will have no problem understanding the bard.

Start them off with a comedy, like Midsummer Night's Dream or a high Drama, the best one for kids usually being Romeo and Juliet. The histories are harder. You can find modern language versions of most plays as well as easy-to-read synopsis. The best way to understand Shakespeare if not seeing it on-stage, is to act it out yourself! Do this at home with the family before you leave. There are also fun games and books that can get anyone accustomed to Elizabethan language. You could have a rousing night with a Shakespearian Insult book.

Ashland also has modern plays. First time out, I suggest going to one Shakespeare and one modern production. For the Shakespeare, try to get into the outdoor Elizabethan theatre, for a taste of the Old Globe Theatre.

Great for kids into drama, you can sign up for backstage tours and groups can join actors for workshops. There is also the Theatre museum where you can take great photos of the kids in costumes.
A walk in Lythia park is wonderful too.

For an alternative to the B&Bs (great) and motel/hotels of Ashland are rooms at the Southern Oregon University. Arrange to stay in the dorms, eat breakfast in the college cafeteria and give the kids a taste of college life.

You need to book well in advance for shows and accomodations in Ashland! They fill up fast.

Feel free to e-mail me for contact info. or more details. As you can see, I'm quite an enthusiast of the small town.

I'd leave Portland for another trip, unless you're visiting friends or family there.

Good traveling!
Linda

Lindaparker@aol.com

[Brenda K]

Posted by Brenda K on May 12, 2000 at 11:36:05:

In Reply to: Surprising the Kids with Shakespeare posted by Roberta on May 09, 2000 at 13:48:44:

AFAIK, a junior high child won't get the most out of a Shakespeare production. I personally would not bring my 12 year old to Ashland. Just because there is probably more I can do for her with the same money. But you know the maturity of your children best.
The drive from Ashland to Portland is quite long, so be prepared. They are definitely not close to each other. But I loved Portland when I was there 3 mos. ago. I had the opportunity to stay at the downtown Westin due to benefits from my hotel program. It's lovely. If you want to look, the site is westin.com and you do a search for Portland. Otherwise, look in the Yahoo regional directories because they have a lot of good hotel listings.

Brenda