Orlando Shakespeare Theater

Online Campaign Aims
to Get Kids Out to Theater

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in partnership with the University of Central Florida UCF and Groupon's G–Team, the philanthropic arm of the on-line coupon service Groupon, have launched a local campaign allowing Central Florida residents to provide innovative educational arts experiences to teens from underserved schools in the Orlando area.

The Educational Shakespeariences campaign will be available on Groupon Orlando's G-Team page Nov. 8–10. Groupon followers can pledge support for the Educational Shakespeariences initiative in which each increment of $9 helps to fund a theater trip for one student.

The objective is to provide fee subsidies and complimentary tickets to Orlando schools in need, reaching a minimum of 2,000 students. “The goal of this campaign is to address the problem of increasingly limited funds for arts programs in public schools,” said Shannon Lacek, the theater's managing director in a theater statement. “We are excited to create additional awareness for Orlando Shakespeare Theater as one of the first organizations in Orlando to be featured on G-Team.”

The theater's press release cites recent case studies showing that access to the performing arts engages the imagination and helps young people develop language-arts skills. It also fosters meaningful connections with professional adults and celebrates the process of learning. To further engage students and extend learning beyond the classroom, Orlando Shakes provides teachers with comprehensive curriculum guides that match Florida Sunshine State Standards. All of the G-Team campaign proceeds will be used to provide innovative arts experiences to Central Florida teens.

November 4, 2011

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