Participant Daniel practices for The Event with Songwriting Mentor Brian Joseph.
In Twelfth Night, Duke Orsino declares: “If music be the food of love – play on!” But little did Shakespeare know that this beloved (and oft-quoted) line would inspire an after school program combining music education, songwriting, sound design, poetry, dramatic writing and wage-paying jobs for youth in our community.
Like our nationally recognized, award-winning Will Power to Youth program, Play On! youth study a single play. But instead of staging a full adaptation, the chosen play inspires participants to create a collection of original songs, poems and soliloguies.
During the 10-week session, youth gain valuable workplace skills. They also get the unique opportunity to be mentored by industry professionals in songwriting, poetry, sound engineering or sound production.
For a behind the scenes production blog, visit Urban Shakespeare's MySpace.
The Event: Romeo & Juliet
Friday, March 20 (doors open @ 8pm)
Could Shakespeare have known that his words would inspire an after school program offering youth jobs in music, writing and recording?
Was it written in the stars?
Join us in our exploration of Self-Determination, fate and the siren call of destiny.
Support new artists as they share their original music and poetry inspired by Romeo & Juliet.
RSVP today!
Play On! Highlights
Teens from the 2008 Play On! session take center stage and sing their original composition of "The Love I Knew (The Community Song)" to an audience of parents, friends and supporters.
- August 29, 2008 – Youth celebrate the completion of the Summer Session with The Event! and perform their work live to an audience of family, friends and supporters
- February 28, 2008 – Play On! alum Alyssa H. performed her piece "A Helping Hand" at Mrs. Laura Bush's Helping America's Youth Conference in Portland, Oregon.
- December 2006 – Play On! was featured on NPR's Weekend Edition. Hear the story!
Albums
Purchase the 2008 CD, To Thine Own Self Be True, on CD Baby!
How can I participate?
We are now accepting applications for the session running February 2 - April 4, 2009. The program will be held Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-7:00pm, and Saturdays from 2:00-5:00pm. A wrap-up event will feature participant's songs and spoken word pieces inspired by Shakespere's Romeo & Juliet.
Applications are due by January 19, 2009.
Click here to 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.