Shakespeare in American Communities Grant

Shakespeare in American Communities, a program run by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, aims to support theater companies in producing and presenting Shakespeare's works. This initiative focuses on facilitating high-quality Shakespearean productions and educational activities for middle schools, high schools, and juvenile justice facilities across the United States. It seeks to:

1. Encourage professional Shakespearean performances or adaptations accessible to students.
2. Ensure that these performances are conducted by professional actors, adhering to specified compensation regulations.
3. Extend related educational activities to further engage students with Shakespeare's work, emphasizing modern relevance.
4. Collaborate with middle and/or high schools, particularly those serving underserved communities, based on factors like Title 1 eligibility, National School Lunch Program statistics, and geographic location.
5. Provide educational theater programming within the juvenile justice system through a partnership with at least one facility, aiming to illuminate Shakespeare's texts' significance in today's context.
6. Involve experienced teaching artists, staff, or personnel in leading these activities, with a strong emphasis on interaction and the impact on youth participation.