Through the generous support of founding sponsors, Iowa State Bank & Trust Co., Riverside Theatre's educational outreach program, WILL POWER, has been bringing the theatre of Shakespeare to 8th graders in Iowa City Community Schools for the past 7 years.

Last year, WILL POWER expanded to reach schools throughout Cedar Rapids and the surrounding area. Through the generous support of Rockwell Collins, we are happy to announce that we will be able to continue reaching schools and students throughout Eastern Iowa!

WILL POWER brings professional actors to area junior high schools for a short performance followed by a question and answer session. Our actor-teachers also facilitate drama workshops to explore the play with small groups of students. Each participating student and teacher receives a free WILL POWER playguide.

What is WILL POWER?

** An educational outreach program of Riverside Theatre that aims to enliven 8th graders connection to Shakespeare, by showing them that his classic plays are relevant to modern lives and can be understood by everyone. Will Power is Shakespeare straight from the mouths of actors as Will intended it to be!

**Includes a short performance from Shakespeare's MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR followed by a Question and Answer Session between students and professional actors on Shakespeare, acting and theatre.

**Drama Workshops! Students engage in voice, movement and improvisation activities to learn about Shakespeare's text and meanings. A great opportunity for students to work alongside professional actors in bringing Shakespeare's language to life!

** A free WILL POWER playguide for each participant that includes historical information, background on the play's plot, characters, production elements, actors, exclusive interviews, a scene from the play, glossary of terms, and a crossword puzzle!

** WILL POWER Contests! This year, we are offering Poetry, Sonnet, and Art contests. (See below for details). Deadline for entries is February 09, 2007.

How do I get WILL POWER to visit my middle school?

Please contact Education Director Hillary Foster for details about WILL POWER tour '08 at marketing@riversidetheatre.org.   

See Teacher/Student comments about WILL POWER

WILL POWER CONTESTS

Would you like to…

Win cash prizes?
Win free tickets to a performance?
See your work in print and on display?

Then the WILL POWER contests are for you!

What you WILL Poetry Contest
Grades 7-8
Poetry Contest Entry Form

Will Power Sonnet Writing Contest
Grades 9-12
Sonnet Contest Entry Form

Entry forms and contest regulations are available at the Riverside Theatre Box Office, or from your Language Arts Teacher. Call 319-338-7672 for details, or visit us online at www.riversidetheatre.org

ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE MARCH 4, 2008