Teachers get very few perks for their jobs. For anyone interested in studying Shakespeare, the Summer Shakespeare Institute is one of those few. The institute is sponsored by the WV Humanities Council and WV State University. It is usually held every other year and gives participants the chance to study Shakespeare in his native land - England. Through the generosity of the Humanities Council, which picks up the majority of the tab for traveling expenses, the trip is made affordable to teachers (who we all know aren't in this profession for the money). The institute requires two weeks of "face time" and additional requirements that change whether or not you are taking the class for graduate credit (also at a reduced rate) from WV State University.

This year, 14 participants, including myself, met for three days of instruction at WV State University before a day of travel from our homes, to Dulles Airport, to Heathrow Airport in London, England. We spent five days in London and two more in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's hometown. While in London, I also took advantage of an optional day trip to County Kent where I saw Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and the white cliffs of Dover. The whole trip was a fabulous experience and I can't wait to teach Shakespeare this year, armed with a more intimate knowledge of his homeland.

A Visit to the Globe Theater

Seeing a play at the Globe Theatre is not like seeing one anywhere else. The theatre is round; the audience surrounds the stage on three sides. Though seats and stage are covered by a thatched roof, the middle area is open to the elements, classifying the Globe as an amphitheatre. A seat today costs anywhere from $24-$66, and you get little more than space on a wooden bleacher, though they will happily rent you a cushion. However, for a mere $10, you can stand in the yard. Yes, stand, through the entire play. "Groundlings," as these people are called, are welcome to lean on the stage if they get tired, giving them an extreme angle on the action.

Because Shakespeare lived before the invention of artificial stage lighting, plays at the Globe were originally performed during the day. Though modern technology allows evening performances, it also allows the Globe to preserve some of the ambiance of a daytime show. Rather than the house lights dimming before the play starts, they remain on throughout the performance. If you are used to sitting in a darkened theatre, it can be disconcerting to clearly see the people beside you, as well as those on the other side of the theatre.

There are no microphones, the actors rely solely on the power of their voices. Sound effects and music, too, consist only of what can be created with the tools available to Shakespeare. Before the show starts, musicians wander through the audience, and during the performance, actors make exits and entrances through those standing in the yard.

No trip to London should be considered complete without a visit to the Globe Theatre to experience the words of England's most famous playwright in the atmosphere in which they were first performed.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon would be just another quaint town in the English countryside were it not for the fact that it was here that William Shakespeare was born, married, and buried. Because of this, Stratford is, in fact, a town of tourism, determined to capitalize on their connection to English literary celebrity.

Now, if that description has you thinking "tourist trap," the likes of Gatlinburg, think again. Despite the fact that tourists descend daily on the town, it manages to retain its quaintness. Stratford is a delightful town to walk around. And while there are tour buses to take you to the various properties owned by the Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust, most of them are within an easy walk of each other.

There are five Shakespeare properties: Shakespeare's Birthplace, Nash's House & New Place, Hall's Croft, Anne Hathaway's House, and Mary Arden's Farm. The only one not accessible on foot is the farm, although Anne Hathaway's House is a bit of a trek from the center of town. While the buildings themselves are interesting, it is the gardens that really make the tour worthwhile. Meticulously maintained and brilliantly colorful, wandering through the properties' gardens is a delight beyond description. Nash's House has an exquisite knot garden and Anne Hathaway's House has a sculpture garden and orchard. For the most family-friendly tour, a trip to Mary Arden's Farm is a must. There, you can go on a treasure hunt, meet costumed interpreters, pet various farm animals, and watch a falconry demonstration.

Stratford has much more to offer than just Shakespeare related attractions, but hands down, if you are a fan of the Bard, this is one pilgrimage you must make.

Websites for Teachers:

Shakespeare's Globe

http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/

In addition to information about the theatre itself and the season of plays being performed, this site also includes an online resource center for the Globe's education department. One of the highlights is a free online learning project called "Adopt an Actor" which allows your students to follow an actor's progress throughout a play.

60 Second Shakespeare

http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/shakespeare/60secondshakespeare/index.shtml

If you think Shakespeare is too long, try this site. It was a challenge from the BBC for teachers and their students to create 60 second versions of Shakespeare's plays. The results are online for viewing, and although the contest is over, all of the materials created for it are still available.

Folger Shakespeare Library: K-12 Teachers

www.folger.edu/index_sa.cfm?specaudid=2

Here in America, the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. is at the forefront of educating students on William Shakespeare and his plays. This site contains lesson plans, study guides, and information about workshops the Library offers.

In Search of Shakespeare: Educators http://www.pbs.org/shakespeare/educators/

Created in conjunction with a TV series that explored the life of Shakespeare and drawing on the talents at the Folger Shakespeare Library, PBS created this site to help educators find resources on teaching Shakespeare. Slick and easy-to-use, this site divides its lesson plans into groups like "Shakespeare for Elementary Students," "Shakespeare on Film," and "Teaching Shakespeare with Technology."