English Department Tradition Continues with Annual Shakespeare Trip

Since 2010, the Fleetwood Area High School English Department has offered students the opportunity to experience a Shakespeare play performed live. The tradition will continue this April, when students have the opportunity to see Romeo and Juliet performed live in Philadelphia. 

The Lantern Theater Company puts on this play each year specifically for high school students. The trip is an incredible experience for students to better connect with what they learn about Shakespeare in class. 

“Shakespeare wrote plays, and plays are intended to be watched by an audience, not read out [of] a book. To truly appreciate Shakespeare’s work, one must see it performed by professionals,” English teacher Mr. Marc Walter said. 

Several teachers attend the trip as chaperones, and every English teacher contributes in some way to make the trip a success. 

In addition to the play, students have a pizza party on the way home.

The Shakespeare trip allows students to spend time out of class with their friends when they see the play. 

Jenna Jablonski, a senior at Fleetwood Area High School, attended the trip during her sophomore year. 

“My favorite part was at the end, my teacher was talking to the actors and none of the students were walking up to the actors, so my teacher said ‘What, are you guys scared?’ and my friend responded with ‘Yeah…a little,’ and all of the actors thought it was the funniest thing in the world. It was just so cool to get attention from these people who we thought were the most famous people at that moment,” Jablonski said.

Only 90 spots are available for students each year; students looking to go on the trip must hand in their permission forms and $30 as soon as possible to secure a spot.