The Young Shakespeareans (TYS) forwards social, economic, and racial equity by engaging and empowering LAUSD’s Title 1 4th-8th graders during extremely formative periods in their lives. We cultivate academic and life skills through the challenges of understanding classical literature, designing and fabricating scenics/costumes and props/lighting and sound, and presenting impressive performances in high-quality productions at our partner schools. TYS elevates school-wide and neighborhood pride, inspiring passion, excellence, and the conviction “IF I CAN DO SHAKESPEARE, I CAN DO ANYTHING!”


In meeting the challenge of interpreting and understanding a Shakespearean work, the students employ their literacy skills and expand their self-confidence. Through exercises in self-awareness and presentation, they learn to reliably access and express their ideas and abilities. In designing and mounting a theatrical production, they experience the demands and benefits of mutual respect and teamwork. The fusion of these elements creates an opportunity for “Academics and Arts in Action” that is powerful, exciting, and unforgettable.