A vibrant celebration of literature and theater unfolded on a spring morning in Denver, as hundreds of students from the city’s public schools gathered for the annual Shakespeare Festival. Dressed in elaborate Renaissance costumes, these young performers paraded through downtown before showcasing their talents at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. The event marked its 41st year, drawing approximately 5,000 participants aged 6 to 18 who brought famous scenes from Shakespearean plays to life. For many, this was not just an opportunity to experience the Bard's works but also a chance to build confidence and foster community spirit.
This year, Holm Elementary stood out with increased participation—95 students compared to last year’s 60. Among them were first graders performing alongside older peers, some even delivering lines in Spanish. This multilingual approach reflected the diverse backgrounds within the school district while strengthening bonds among students. Volunteer coordinator Megan Craig highlighted how such experiences go beyond reading; they allow children to "live" the material, opening doors to theater, writing, and English literature.
The festival kicked off with a lively march past Skyline Park, where chants of “We love Shakespeare” echoed through the streets. Once settled into designated tents across the Performing Arts Center grounds, families eagerly awaited performances brimming with energy and enthusiasm. One highlight included a group of fourth-grade boys reenacting Act Three, Scene Three of Macbeth—a tale of ambition and betrayal that captivated audiences despite (or perhaps because of) its sword-fighting spectacle.
Behind the scenes, preparation began months earlier. Ben Levesque, portraying Lord Banquo, shared his excitement after three years of involvement. Teachers like Karl Horeis praised the transformative impact of theater on students, encouraging them to embrace boldness and creativity rather than shyness. Community support played a crucial role too, from costume management to choreographing fight sequences safely using pool noodles before transitioning to wooden swords.
As curtains closed, applause filled the air. Parents expressed pride over their children’s achievements, noting how these moments shape self-esteem and future aspirations. Noah Francis, one of the murderers in Macbeth, beamed with satisfaction following his flawless delivery of lines and dynamic combat scenes. His mother, Kate Meersman, cherished this milestone yet acknowledged it might mark her son’s final elementary school performance.
Through dedication and collaboration, Denver Public Schools ensured another successful chapter in their longstanding tradition of bringing Shakespeare to life. These young actors demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and passion, proving that everyone indeed has a part to play in the grand theater of existence.