Shakespeare's Kids was established by Sharon McNally (BA Hons) in 2012 following her studies in both Literature and Language. The objective initially was to explore ways in which quality literature, in particular Shakespeare, could be made more appealing and approachable to young children.
Shakespeare's Kids have managed to create a unique experience where children as young as five can not only enjoy the stories of Shakespeare's plays, but actually become immersed in the the experience of becoming a literary character through costume, props, film and musical theatre.
Drama, dance, music, film and costume were combined to encourage the children to create, perform and direct their version of Shakespeare's most popular works as well as their own unique stage productions.
To date the project has produced short films adaptations of:
- Macbeth
- A Midsummer Night's Dream
- Romeo & Juliet
And their own unique historical short films including
- The Revenge of Emmy Tot, Scotlands First Female Pirate
- The World of William Shakespeare
- The Battle of Bannockburn
Filming has taken place across a range of locations from local graveyards, to historical sites such as Stirling Castle. From stately homes such as Chatelherault House Hamilton and Bannockburn House Stirling to Colzium Estate Kilsyth.
The children have also ventured into stage productions and musical theatre creating their own plays based on literature & film's most classic heroes and villains and most recently they tackled a full scale Broadway Musical, Aladdin.