Shakespeare Leaders

Shakespeare Leaders is a bold and innovative program through which students develop style and technique by learning and performing Shakespeare. The program sets a high bar for excellence and teaches students ensemble, collaboration, responsibility, professional conduct, self-worth and culminates in a full performance in a Shakespearean play in both the local community and a New York City theatre.

Part of our need to watch theatre grows from our need to care about other people

- Paul Woodruff, from The Necessity of Theatre

In order for students to be successful in college, we must build upon the tradition of excellence and must expose our children to the classics, including Shakespeare. The Aquila Theatre and the Charles Hayden Foundation joined forces with FDA to produce an amazing production of Romeo & Juliet. Our students can achieve great things when supported.

- Dr. Gregory Hodge, Principal, FDA

I learned that you have to be the show, feel the show and be your character. You have to focus, and put time and effort in what you do.

- Kareem Stevens, Age 15, Frederick Douglass Academy

I can be anybody I want. I would love to act for my whole life because of this program.

- Dennis Sanchez, Age 16, Frederick Douglass Academy

My favorite part of working with Aquila is having the opportunity to perform and do something that not only I want but love to do.

- Bleu Zephra Santiago, Age 14, Frederick Douglass Academy