In the CDS Middle School, the annual Shakespeare Festival is more than just a celebration of the Bard—it’s an immersive, hands-on experience that brings history, literature, and performance together dynamically and engagingly. This highly anticipated event is the culmination of each grade level’s in-depth unit on William Shakespeare and the Renaissance, allowing students to step back in time and showcase their knowledge in creative and interactive ways.
As part of their exploration, 6th-grade Language & Literature students dive into research projects, creating detailed exhibit boards on various aspects of the Renaissance period. From fashion and hairstyles to medieval battles, cuisine, and daily life, these projects provide historical context and deepen students’ understanding of the era that shaped Shakespeare’s works.
One of the most exciting components of the festival is the original student performances. Throughout their unit, students not only study Shakespeare’s plays but also analyze his storytelling techniques, themes, and character development. Inspired by his plots, they work collaboratively to conceive, write, direct, and produce their class plays, setting them in contemporary worlds while incorporating modern genres—just as Shakespeare innovatively adapted stories of his time.
To fully embrace the spirit of the Renaissance, students come to school, for one day, dressed in period-inspired attire and rotate through a lively schedule of Renaissance-themed activities. The day is filled with sporting events, arts and crafts, logic and wit puzzles, and theatrical performances, all designed to provide an engaging, hands-on experience of the Renaissance way of life.
This year, the festival also included a special fundraising opportunity. Students had the chance to "pie" either Mrs. Frankel, Mr. DeHate, or Dr. Maddox by donating to the Children’s Cancer Center in honor of Rod Hart, a cherished member of the CDS community who passed away from cancer. This meaningful tribute added an element of service and compassion to the day’s festivities, reinforcing the values of empathy and giving back.
The Middle School Shakespeare Festival continues to be a highlight of the school year, allowing students to experience the power of storytelling, the richness of history, and the joy of creative expression. Through research, performance, and hands-on activities, students don’t just learn about Shakespeare—they bring his world to life.
To view photos from the event, click here.
Thank you to our middle school faculty, especially the Language and Literature department, for sharing their love of all things Shakespeare and Renaissance with our students.