From Page to Stage: Shakesperience Brings Theatre to Life for University Students Across Canada

This past June, 40 individuals assembled at Bentley’s Inn in Stratford, Ontario, to kick off a week of plays, stage fight lessons, actor talks, and, most importantly, Shakespeare. Shakesperience is an annual course spearheaded by Dr. Jessica Riddell of Bishop’s University—a dedicated scholar with a vision of transforming how students engage with early modern  theatre. This course welcomes students into the world of the renowned Stratford Festival for a unique, interdisciplinary learning experience, uniting students from diverse backgrounds and institutions in the enchanting world of Shakespeare’s works.

Created in 2017, Shakesperience’s initial concept was simple yet profound: create a course that not only immerses students in the Stratford Festival’s world but also offers a comprehensive understanding of the theatrical arts. Developed in partnership with the Stratford Festival’s Education Outreach Department, Dr. Riddell developed a program where students could engage in discussions, workshops, and performances, gaining insights from actors, directors, and other theatre professionals. The course was designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world theatrical experience.

In the subsequent years, Riddell expanded her team, bringing on board 3M National Teaching Fellows Dr. Lisa Dickson (University of Northern British Columbia) and Dr. Shannon Murray (University of Prince Edward Island). Their collaboration introduced new dimensions to the course, blending expertise from three distinct academic institutions. In 2022, the three professors brought on Bishop's alumnus and poet, Loch Baillie, to manage the program and ensure a seamless student experience. Shakesperience is available at both the 200 and 400-course levels, accommodating a range of student experiences and credit needs, and can also be taken by alumni, faculty, staff, and others as students of life for those who want to experience the joy of the North America’s largest repertory theatre. This multidisciplinary approach enriches students’ learning experience, offering them a broader perspective on Shakespearean scholarship and performance.

This year, Shakesperience students attended five shows: Shakespeare’s Cymbeline, Romeo and Juliet, and Twelfth Night, Tony-award winning musical La Cages Aux Folles, and the hilarious musical Something Rotten, inspired by the life and times of the bard himself. In between shows, students attended lectures, panels, discussions, and workshops, including learning stage combat from Romeo and Juliet and a dance number from Something Rotten. This immersive experience provided students with a comprehensive understanding of the theatrical process and a chance to explore the charming city of Stratford and the cultural phenomenon of the Stratford Festival. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of Shakesperience is its ability to foster lifelong connections. The program’s inclusive and collaborative environment encourages students to bond over their shared experiences, creating a community that extends beyond the classroom. Many students return year after year, bringing their past experiences to share with new students and helping to create a vibrant learning environment that transcends traditional academic boundaries. As Shakesperience moves forward, it promises to inspire future students and theatre lovers, enriching their appreciation of Shakespeare’s timeless works and the magic of live performance.