As our flagship education program, This Wooden O brings expert teaching artists into classrooms to break open the mysteries of Shakespeare in a way that is fun and accessible to students of any age group. We offer a kinesthetic approach to encountering literature that gets students out of their desks and on their feet. Students participate in hands-on, customized activities—learning the actor’s approach to close-reading, analysis, and interpretation of texts.
This Wooden O
Bringing Shakespeare to Life in Schools
Thank you to Kiwanis Club of Greenville Foundation for their support!
Students also hone skills in group process, forge connections between disciplines, and practice creative inquiry, all while meeting the teacher’s curricular goals. We can tailor our workshops to incorporate any text or texts already being studied, or provide in-depth information about a key concept that students are trying to master.
Perhaps most importantly—it’s fun! Students learn by doing and applying higher-level thinking with low-pressure group and individual activities.
Is This Wooden O Right
For Your Class?
This Wooden O primarily works with middle to high school students in English and Theatre classes, but we’ve also worked with after school programs and in History classes. In addition, we offer ‘Intro to Dramatic Elements’ workshops for students as young as third grade.
This Wooden O is designed to align with English Language Arts Standards and state Theatre Curricular Standards.
What to Expect //
No matter which grade we’re teaching, we tailor our program to the specific needs of the individual students. However, we do follow a standard outline when devising programming. A teacher can expect:
- A content-based warm up that engages students in the central question
- Active discussion that gauges and stretches student knowledge of the topic
- Exploration of content and vocabulary utilizing theatre methodology
- Reflection and assessment of specific learning objectives
We do embrace an experiential learning style, so students are encouraged to get up from their desks and engage with the material.
Bring This Wooden O to Your School //
It all starts with a conversation. Take a look at our brochure for more information and then contact Jay Briggs, our Director of Education, with any questions that you or your school’s administration has.
Want More Shakespeare for Your Students?
The Warehouse Theatre Educational Tour
In partnership with //
Shakespeare was meant to be seen and heard, but often students’ only exposure to the Bard is in a classroom, reading his words and trying to decipher their meaning. Shakespeare seems like “Old English” and irrelevant to 21st century teenagers, but his characters and themes have stood the test of time– and they have something to say! So why can’t Shakespeare be exciting?
The answer is: he can! The Warehouse Theatre’s 75-minute productions of Shakespeare’s most loved classics are crafted to meet student audiences where they are. We use original Shakespearean text, while harnessing creative approaches to design to make it accessible and alive. Though, many times, students seeing these shows are seeing Shakespeare – or live theatre – for the very first time, we treat them like the sophisticated and discerning audiences they are.
”“It is such a joy to know that The Warehouse Theatre can reach high school students with Shakespeare. We heard students saying they were blown away and had never thought about Shakespeare in current day and time. One student proclaimed, “I paid attention the entire time! I get it! I love Shakespeare because of them!” The Q&A time provided my favorite question and it came from a young lady that asked the cast, ‘How did you make it seem so real?’ That is the mark of the true professionalism and quality you can rely on from The Warehouse Theatre.”
Seth ReimerSumter Opera House
2026 Touring Production: Macbeth //
Directed by Jay Briggs // Co-adapted by Matt Burke, John Michael Cox, & Kailey Potter
Join The Warehouse Theatre’s plunge into the dark, thrilling world of MACBETH, Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy of ambition, fate, and betrayal! Returning victorious from battle, the valiant warrior Macbeth is confronted with a spine-chilling prophecy which sparks a desperate, blood-soaked quest to seize, and retain, the crown. Driven by deadly ambition and haunted by guilt, he and Lady Macbeth navigate a high-stakes web of deception, murder, and unchecked power. It’s an intense, fast-paced descent into madness where fair is foul, foul is fair, and nothing is quite as it seems.
This original 3-actor adaptation runs approximately 70 minutes with no intermission and is appropriate for middle and high school students.
Pre- and post-performance in-classroom workshops are available. Our workshop format is highly experiential, getting students out of their desk and working with the material, while directly connecting to standards-based requirements and providing educators adaptable tools they can use long after we have left the classroom. Workshops run 55-90 minutes, conducted by the actors and creative team of the production. Talkback opportunities with the cast will be available at performance venues.
The production is available for booking at your school or performing arts venue from October 2026 through April 2027. Contact Jay Briggs, Director of Education & Community Engagement, for booking.
2026 Tour Dates
Note: Tickets are booked through the individual venues
October 20th, 21st, 22nd, 2026
South Carolina Children’s Theatre in Greenville, SC
October 29th, 2025
Lean Ensemble in Hilton Head, SC
November 5th, 2026
Wilson High School in Florence, SC
November 16th, 2026
Dorman High School in Spartanburg, SC
Fall 2026
Florence Performing Arts Center / Francis Marion University in Florence, SC
Fall 2026
Hillcrest Middle School in Simpsonville, SC
Fall 2026
Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville, SC
Have Questions About Our In-School Education Programs?
Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information.
