GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College, a leading liberal arts college in northwest Pennsylvania, hosted its fifth annual high school Shakespeare Festival Thursday, Jan. 25 at the William A. Robinson Theater.
High school students from area high schools and schooling associations gathered at the event to celebrate the works of William Shakespeare by sharing pre-prepared performances of the Bard’s work. This day-long festival culminated in an awards ceremony and feedback from the College’s panel of theater respondents. Assistant Professor of Performing Arts and Director of Theatre at Thiel College Pete Rydberg, Ph.D., organized the event and lead the day’s activities.
“We had the pleasure of welcoming high school thespians to share in performance their own takes on Shakespeare’s work. Some remain faithful to the original text, others are more irreverent. This year there was a ridiculously funny reduction of Romeo & Juliet. But it is still Shakespeare’s lines—just remixed at times. Each school gets to perform a piece that makes the Bard’s work relevant to them. Then we extend the experience—this year with afternoon hip hop sonnet and stage combat workshops,” Rydberg said. “ The festival is a fantastic way to kick off each new year at the theater!”
Students presented their work during the morning, took a break for lunch, and then a performance block and workshops followed in the afternoon. The annual events are free and open to the public.
To be included, high school performances had to be from any of Shakespeare’s works and under 25 minutes long. The celebration of peer work was not treated as a competition. However, awards were given to recognize exceptional work.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.