Spotlights

General Project Grant for Community Engagement
Sandwich Summer Shakespeare

Taking on a new identity, wearing clothes from another time, and working together to interpret great works of art can be irresistible to adults and to children alike – and doing this together builds a strong community. This is theatre at its best!

Based in the rural area of North Sandwich, N.H., Advice to the Players, a company of theatre professionals, enthusiastic community members, and energetic youth, have been providing intergenerational engagement in classical theatre and building community for over 15 years.

An FY2014 General Project Grant for Community Engagement in the amount of $4,500 helped to support Advice to the Players’ summer Shakespeare theatre and youth mentoring program, which attracts people of all ages from Sandwich and the surrounding towns. The tiered program is structured to address the particular needs of 8-11 year olds, middle, and high school aged youth.

While learning about Shakespeare’s great artistry, young people also receive mentoring in theater and life skills from professional performers. The challenging yet nurturing environment is an especially effective and positive way to reach teens as they build self-confidence, literacy, and communication skills through artistic expression.
                                                                                                                         
New Hampshire has a long tradition of summer theatre, which continues to bring high quality productions to rural populations and visitors to the state. Participation in live theatre introduces new generations to the wonder of collaborative expression and helps to bond communities together through shared experiences.

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General Project Grants for Community Engagement are designed to help nonprofit organizations, Main Street Programs, municipalities, and schools bring arts presentations and activities into communities to enhance the quality of life for citizens, attract visitors, and help stimulate local economies through the arts. Projects support a wide range of activities including performances, concerts, exhibits, workshops, local festivals, activities in schools or out of school and collaborative public art projects that engage the arts and artists for the benefit of New Hampshire residents and communities.

Last updated: June 2, 2014