Outreach
Chanticleer Shakespeare Co. is actively engaged in educating and engaging the audiences of tomorrow. Our Educational Outreach initiative is focused on bringing arts access to underserved communities throughout the Central Valley.
In April of 2026, Chanticleer Shakespeare Co. hosted its first ever dedicated Student Matinee, giving over 320 students from across the Central Valley access to a professional, live production of William Shakespeare's The Tempest, directed by CSC Artistic Director Blake Ellis.
Presented in partnership with the Fresno Philharmonic, the production signaled a landmark collaboration with one of Fresno's oldest and finest arts institutions. Students from Tulare to Mendota, and everywhere in between were able to witness live Shakespeare, performed at the highest professional level, alongside members of the Fresno Philharmonic playing live onstage, performing an all-original score from London-based composers Daisy Coole and Tom Nettleship.
"I understood every single word of this show!"
During the post-show talkback with the cast and creative team of the show, students asked poignant and meaningful questions, made powerful observations about the play, and engaged with the company in an open dialogue about the production. One student even remarked, "I don't always understand Shakespeare, but I understood every single word of this show!"
Educators from each school were provided with a CSC Study Guide to help them prepare students for the show, and to continue the conversation in the classroom after the performance. With lessons that meet CCSS.ELA and VAPA standards, students were equipped to not only enjoy the show, but to learn valuable lessons from their experience.
As CSC's Educational Outreach initiative continues to grow, we look forward to enriching the lives of the students in our communities, and to providing them with access to professional Shakespeare productions, right here in the Valley.
For more information, or to learn about how your students can engage with CSC, email: