Before joining the Young Shakespeare Players East this spring, I’d never acted before in my life. During 13 exciting weeks, I not only learned the amazing language of William Shakespeare and prepared for a large role in “Romeo & Juliet,” but I also became embraced by a community that accepted kids of all ages, incomes and abilities and empowered them to teach each other all the aspects of running a full-length Shakespeare production. I found that I love to act, love the works of William Shakespeare, and love that YSPE gives kids autonomy and leadership. What a rare and precious thing in our fearful society. My experience is that YSPE and its director, Suzanne Rubenstein, are loving, warm, and accepting to all.
Madeleine Lombard
Northampton