Country of Residence
United States
Age
14
Project title
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
Project Summary: Describe your project in one sentence
As I've worked managing teens at my local library, I've realized the perfect project I can assign to them is to host a production of a mashup Shakespeare play, that I personally wrote, for my community!
Website URL(s) or social media handles.
https://www.facebook.com/TFLibrary/
Project Category
My project is a brand new / emerging idea
Project Stage
Pilot-Stage (We’ve tried an activity or two)
Founding Story: What was the spark that led you to start your project? What was the "Aha!" moment that led you to get started and see the potential for this to succeed?
I was having a conversation with my library supervisor and some child patrons about Shakespeare, as you do when volunteering at a library. We were discussing all his different works, and I mentioned the fact that I don't believe he's a real person. It sparked a lively discussion about how we all still loved his plays even if we each had different interpretations of them. At the end of the talk, my supervisor asked why I wasn't writing the screenplay for my idea right this second. I didn't have an answer, so I got to writing. This concept has been a year in the making, and we're finally ready to bring it to life for our town.
The Problem: What problem are you helping to solve? Why does it matter to you and your community?
The Tinton Falls Public Library is a humble abode. It sits in the center of our town's middle school circle and the parking lot is thus often packed with no room for library customers. The teens that I help oversee, as I've volunteered here the longest, have struggled to get their school to let them come over straight to the library at the end of the day. Not only that, but my district doesn't offer many opportunities for the children to get creative. I've seen first hand and how my younger sibling particularly wants for activities. This would be a wonderful and official program for so many kids, or potentially any community members wanting to join in.
Your Solution: How are you solving this problem? Share your specific solution.
My production would be open to any kids, and possibly even adult community members. Practice would take place at the library which is already a safe and respected place in our community. It would give the students I've seen looking for somewhere to express themselves an opportunity to do so. This would bring the whole town together. With regular weekly practices starting once casting, it will give people a routine. I've found these organized commitments to be incredibly formative. Without them in the past, I don't know if I would have been able to handle the time management skills required of the IB High School I'm at now.
Impact: How has your project created impact / made a difference so far? Or, if at an early stage, what will impact look like?
My teen team is very eager to start, but I've unfortunately had to let them know that it's not quite so simple. In the meantime while searching for funding, I've had them create promotional materials such as pins or flyers. We haven't put any of them up yet, of course. Naturally, the script is finished and my plan for staging it is completely ready. I have other workers at the library planning out set design and people eager to give feedback. But I don't want to give any promises until I have funding, and I'm hoping I will!
Your Innovation: What is different about your project compared to other programs or solutions already out there? How is your project new or innovative?
I haven't seen any production created by students and teens for students and teens. Also, the play directly references the setting of a library parking lot. Of course I'd love to build sets, but the meta is integral to the text. And I'd have no issue finding a venue as we're the ones creating it! Shakespeare in the Parking Lot delivers a fresh take, combining aspects from over 8 of his plays with characters meeting each other and antics ensuing. I hope that the themes of the play showcase how diverse the world is and how people aren't always what the stories tell about them.
How many people are on your team?
3
Your team: What role(s) do your team members play? How do you share leadership with them?
I'm working under two adults that manage the library. I haven't included anyone cast in the production as I haven't started casting just yet. These two make the decisions around the library. But there are about 8 other people on the teen team, and once I start advertising and casting there will be even more!
What’s Next: What are the next steps you plan to take to grow or strengthen your project over the next year? If your project is still in the idea stage, describe the steps you will take over the next three months to launch or begin developing it.
I would perfect the script even more by having a team of teens and supervisors review it, as they'll most likely be performing in it, and I'll start preparing to direct the show. I want the show to be in midsummer of 2027, as a nod to a midsummer night's dream, which will give everyone enough time to rehearse.
How do you encourage other people to join your project or learn about the problem you’re working on? If you have a new idea, tell us how you will do this in the future.
I will advertise within the library and within the schools in my town. I have connections to many overseeing community members and would have no trouble making my project publicized to the people. I'm sure we'll have no issue spreading the word! I have tons of theater friends who can spread it word of mouth, and I'm the president of my high school so I have some say. I also occupy leadership positions at multiple nonprofits, primarily Speak Now for Youth Mental Health, where I advertise and plan Special Events, so suffice it to say I have experience. Also, if you want a copy of the screenplay, I'd be more than happy to supply it!
