KIDShakes is a unique and imaginative program being developed to engage young audiences with classic texts and performative storytelling. This distinctive program is brought to life through the collaboration of both Cleveland Shakespeare Festival and Kulture Kids, two Cleveland based nonprofits with nearly 50 years of combined experience specializing in arts programming, education and community engagement. We are looking to bringing this brand-new FREE outdoor program to life in Cuyahoga County.

Starting summer, 2023 KIDShakes will offer outdoor, interactive, and educational performances of Shakespeare’s greatest works for FREE to the families of greater Cleveland. KIDShakes performances are specifically geared for families with young children and will serve as the perfect introduction to classic stories, especially those that help celebrate nature. The goal is to invite families outside and into Cleveland’s natural spaces to play and explore through art. Each show will promote artistic expression, creative problem solving, and natural stewardship. With music, dance and interactive storytelling KIDShakes will encourage kids to explore their outdoor settings and solve problems to help the performers advance the story. Thus KIDShakes will provide a uniquely immersive and imaginatively memorable experience for children and adults alike!

In partnering with Dunham Tavern and other park venues, our goal is to tailor our FREE shows to these site specific locations, using experts of the surrounding plants, wildlife and landscape to incorporate more local knowledge into each event.