A bard's visit eliminates 'Shakes-fear'

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME-Students at Oak Hills Elementary School are treated to a visit from Shakespeare, portrayed by Jason Johnson, as they prepare for their June 8 production of "Macbeth." Johnson is artistic director at the Santa Clarita Playhouse, which brings the "Shake Hands with Shakespeare" program to schools throughout Southern California. Students at Oak Hills Elementary School, in preparation for their upcoming production of "Macbeth," were treated to a visit by the bard himself, William Shakespeare.

Dressed in Elizabethan attire, Santa Clarita Playhouse's own artistic director Jason Johnson came to the school and gave the fifth and sixth-grade students a first person account of life growing up in England and how today's students can relate to the work of Shakespeare.

In an effort to eradicate "Shakes-fear" and get them excited about the world's most famous playwright, the presentation was custom tailored to complement the students' rehearsal for their June 8 production of the Scottish classic, "Macbeth."

Students were given the chance to perform the opening scene of the play, not as ugly witches, but as Charlie's Angels.

The Santa Clarita Playhouse has been presenting the "Shake Hands with Shakespeare" student outreach production since March at schools throughout Southern California.

Utilizing state educational standards, "Shake Hands with Shakespeare" has been a big hit with students and teachers from Santa Barbara to Orange County.

For more information, visit www.thesantaclaritaplayhouse.org and go to the student outreach page.

For more information on Oak Hills Elementary production of "Macbeth," call the school at (818) 707-4224.