Each year, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts proudly partners with Denver Public Schools and the Denver Public Schools Foundation to produce the DPS Shakespeare Festival. 

For teaching artists in DCPA Education, that means a year-long commitment to working with schools and students as they prepare. “We offer more than 100 workshops throughout Denver Public Schools to help prepare students for this celebration of Shakespeare,” said DCPA Executive Director of Education and Community Engagement Allison Watrous. “We also provide online curriculum and one on one Shakespeare coaching for teachers to use as they work with their students to prepare scenes, costumes, characters and blocking. Over 2,500 students benefit from these in-school workshops alone.

“Then, we visit most of the 86 participating schools to review entries and provide encouragement and feedback so that students of all ages feel confident, empowered and ready for their Festival performance,” continued Watrous. “Finally, more than 5,000 students, teachers, volunteers, chaperones and parents converge on downtown’s Arts Complex for a day chockfull of acts, scenes and even good ol’ pool noodle sword fights. It’s absolutely one of the best days of the year!”

Additionally, DCPA Education presents its own Shakespeare in the Parking Lot performances as part of the festival to add to the day’s festivities.

Despite the cancellation of in-person learning due to COVID-19, the 36th annual DPS Shakespeare Festival still took place…online. Enjoy a collection of more than 75 videos as DPS, the DPS Foundation and the DCPA pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of all participating students and schools. VIEW PLAYLIST