“We’re not just teaching students how to act; we’re providing them with a toolkit for life."
-Sam White, Founder, Shakespeare in Detroit
Detroit, MI (October 2024)—During a recent production of Julius Caesar in Detroit, a familiar young face glided through the bustling set. She paused to adjust props, lend a hand with costumes and offer words of encouragement to the actors. Kennedy, a production assistant, felt at home with the Shakespeare in Detroit team. Once a participant in its student program, she returned not only for her love of theater, but also to mentor the next generation of aspiring artists.
“It’s great to have students who want to come back... we can’t get rid of them,” joked Founder Sam White, reflecting on the many alumni who return to give their time and talent. “It’s truly a beautiful compliment.” Kennedy is one of the hundreds of students who have benefitted from Shakespeare in Detroit’s STEAM program and Youth Summer Conservatory.
The Shakespeare STEAM program exposes students to high-quality arts programming and bolsters their academic skills, especially as it relates to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. Topics include the science of lighting a production, the technology of sound design, the engineering of a costume, the art of classical performance and the mathematics of set building. In addition, the program supports literacy and social skills through reading, writing and performing Shakespeare throughout the academic year.
The Youth Summer Conservatory is an expansion of the Shakespeare STEAM program and gives high school students an opportunity to spend up to 30 hours per week over six weeks with Shakespeare in Detroit theater professionals. In this intensive program, students learn vocational, artistic and life skills for success. The Walters Family Foundation is proud to support both of these initiatives with a two-year grant.
“This partnership allows us to provide students access to crucial life skills that extend far beyond the stage,” says White. “Students learn how to articulate their ideas, engage an audience and foster teamwork – skills that will serve them well in whatever path they choose.”
For many underserved youth in Detroit, access to innovative arts programming that enhances academic performance is limited. Shakespeare in Detroit addresses this gap by offering a no-cost program, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, can participate. “Thanks to our partners like the Walters Family Foundation, we’re able to eliminate financial barriers,” White explains. “The Walters truly understand the value of arts education and the vocational skills that come with it. They appreciate the contributions of designers and technicians, the people who paint the set and stitch the costumes. When you have a foundation that recognizes what you’re doing and understands the value and effort involved in creating artistic productions, it’s more than just a financial contribution; it’s a true partnership.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is witnessing the transformation of students. About 90% of participants go on to college, a testament to Shakespeare in Detroit’s impact. “We’re creating a pipeline of talent for Detroit,” White says, recalling the talents of Kennedy and countless other graduates. “This next generation that we're nurturing is going to reshape the city in ways we’ve never seen before.”