Shaking Hands with Shakespeare : A Teenager's Guide to Reading and Performing the Bard

Rating:
Summary: A "Handy" Book
Review: As a theatre educator, I found Shaking Hands with Shakespeare to be a great combination of practical approaches and fun activities. Acting suggestions and tips for attending the theatre in the same book as text analysis and character studies. Kind of like one stop shopping, but with no skimping on the content. A great, non-threatening way of introducing a gigantic and intimidating subject.

The clear language and unforced humor will appeal to young audiences. Interesting historical tidbits and modern parallels make this book an enjoyable read for any age. Who wouldn't like a Shakespeare book that subtly -slams Keanu Reeves? At the same time, it doesn't slip into that annoying "I am so modern and hip just like you kids" attitude that nobody likes. The layout is clean and is easy to follow emphasizing key words and activities.

Although some of the class room activities are certainly not for the faint of heart (like serving an Elizabethan feast) most are certainly doable (like creating a scene with well known characters on a modern day talk show). A good rhythm of reading and then doing is established early in the book. I especially like the sections that involve paraphrasing text, both in writing and verbally with a partner.

I am certain I will include some of the activities in my next production. I know I will be recommending this one to students and fellow teachers alike.


Rating:
Summary: A Great Re-Introduction to the Works of Bill
Review: Shaking Hands with Shakespeare helps to make Shakespeare far less intimidating and way more accessible. It is unusual to find books of this sort that are written directly for students as opposed to drama educators (though it is an excellent guide for educators as well). Ms. Schumacher uses easy language with contemporary and humorous references (in talking about acting being a subjective craft, she uses Keanu Reeves as an example-some think he is brilliant, others thinks he is "little more than a chimpanzee with a script.") to relate to teenage readers. The book gives the complete guide to Shakespeare including historical background, his language, types of plays and characters, and how to perform his plays. It even gives "An Annotated List of Shakespeare's Plays on Film" in the appendix which is charted and extremely easy to follow!! What teen (or teacher) would not love this?! This book is not just for teens who are interested in performing, but also for those who are required to read Shakespeare, emphasizing that his plays were meant to be heard, seen, and performed--not just read. In doing so, Ms. Schumacher introduces many great activities that anyone can do to read the plays out loud and experience them physically. When you look at it through her eyes and with her expertise, you understand that Shakespeare did not write plays exclusively for the educated and the wealthy. He wrote them for everyone. And when we understand his language, characters, and intentions, his plays are timeless and exciting.