Exercise: Making Tough Decisions

Our students performed 'Hamlet, Zombie Killer of Denmark' by Chris Stiles and it was a resounding success!!! Thank you so much to Chris Stiles and Theatrefolk!!! There were parts for all levels of actors and an excellent combination between contemporary jokes and original Shakespearean story and text. The actors and the audience loved every minute!!!

I have taught theatre for over 30 years to all ages – 5 year olds through adults. I have had many experiences with students and plays, but our experience with HOODIE was simply astounding. We had very little time to prepare, but the students were so into it, loved the play so much, they worked hard and made it happen. The peals of sustained laughter from teachers and students alike was a great tonic for the actors. The quiet final moment was, in a room with 350 youngsters, totally quiet. And then there was a spontaneous standing ovation from the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students! How cool is that? Following the performance I got emails from faculty with words like "incredible," "excellent," "very meaningful," "impressive," and "Bravo." I can't tell you how many times faculty members have stopped me in hallways to say what a wonderful play for their students to see. One even asked me if the playwright was a middle school teacher because no one else would be able to understand middle school angst so deeply.

I thought it (No Horse Town) was a great piece. The stylized comedy and characters were great to tackle. I love the way you write and your subject matters. Keep up the good work and we will keep producing it.