Los Angeles Drama Club presented “The Merry Wives of Windsor” and “Macbeth” as part of Shakespeare Youth Festival LA, December 3– 11. Led by Artistic Director / Founder, Blaire Baron and Executive Director, Julia Walker Wyson, the organization offers children of diverse backgrounds exposure to classical theatrical works.
Through training and the process of putting on a Shakespeare production, participants hone their literacy and communication skills, build self-esteem, and, most importantly, create community. “With recent endorsements from Mayor Garcetti and PBS, and its ongoing scholarship program, the LA Drama Club has grown exponentially in Mid-City/West Adams,” says Baron. “Our young people start at six and many stay with us until the end of high school. We’re not a revolving door.”
“The young actors of LA Drama Club have been gathering for 11 years now to experience the magnificent language and timeless themes of Shakespeare,” states Wyson. Baron recalls “The children who first came to my back yard at age 5 or 6 to learn ‘All the World’s a Stage’ are in high school or college – and return to us as teachers and mentors.”
The LADC youth actors return to the stage in April 2017, for the bi-annual Shakespeare Youth Festival LA. LADC works to keep prices low, so that the Festival is accessible to as many people as possible.
For information, visit http://www.losangelesdramaclub.com