Syracuse Sun

Sinead Feeney O’Connor performed in her class’s production of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream."

When enrolling in an English class about Shakespeare, students might expect reading, writing, and discussing the famous playwright and his works. In Professor Stephanie Shirilan’s class, ENG 411: Doing Shakespeare, offered in Spring 2024, this was just the beginning. Shirilan aimed for students to explore how theatrical practice and production generate different modes of inquiry than text study alone. By engaging in hands-on learning, the experience sought to enhance students’ problem-solving abilities, boost their confidence, and encourage creativity—skills crucial for post-graduation success.

“The idea of the course, simply, is that students learn Shakespeare by ‘doing Shakespeare,’” says Shirilan. “I issued an invitation to make of this course what they willed, and what they willed was a full production of a play chosen collectively.”

Shirilan's inspiration draws from “learning by doing,” where students retain information through active learning and hands-on experience. In “Doing Shakespeare,” students had various options for the scale and scope of their production.

“They chose to mount a full show or aim towards it, understanding that we would be working collaboratively,” says Shirilan. “Everyone was involved in multiple areas of production. Everyone acted; most took responsibility for elements like props, costume, and sound design.”

The students organized and performed a full theatrical production of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." The crew included Tate Abrahmason, Maurissa DEmello, Sinead Feeney O’Connor, Anderson Fuentes, Valerie Goldstein, Eva Greene, Victoria Lafarge, Jenny Lee, Ailis McVearry, Blair Seaman, Alexandra Steward and Cricket Withall.

Before moving into production mode mid-semester with blocking rehearsals at Syracuse Stage.

“Doing Shakespeare” offered unique opportunities across all aspects of performance.

Valerie Goldstein ’24 majored in policy studies with a minor in applied data analytics went into the experience expecting mostly acting but discovered a range of skills she would utilize.

“I played Bottom and Oberon...and did other odd jobs like creating the daily rehearsal schedule,” says Goldstein. She noted lessons learned that wouldn’t have been possible in a traditional classroom setting.

After graduation Goldstein accepted a position with Teach for America planning to implement new pedagogies explored during this course.

Blair Seaman ’24 majored in broadcast journalism was assistant director playing Titania & Hippolyta marking full circle moment previously participating children’s troupe hometown theater influenced her decision study journalism Syracuse University.

“Theater had huge impact deciding come Syracuse study journalism wanting fuse love storytelling passion helping others missed performing eagerly jumped chance take class ‘Doing Shakespeare.’”

Seaman notes perfect way end four years memorializing mother passed sophomore year:

“[My mother] always sat front row every production part felt gift perform one last show said goodbye college able return passion built through her love.”

While celebrating culmination team hard work also presented moment honor classmate unable participate finale health reasons Ailis McVearry ’24 assumed various duties semester assistant director head costuming starring Oberon Theseus:

“Our final production honored beautiful work poured into this class both on off stage,” says Shirilan hoping money raised assist medical bills essentials.”

According Shirilan performance milestone English department College Arts Sciences (A&S) first full theatrical performance put A&S class at Syracuse Stage testament hard work shows nearly sold out before opening night:

“Final performance truly triumph consistently amazed insights discoveries made process success reflects astonishing commitment capability courage team.”

High level interest shown exploring possibilities expanding course as 6-credit offering facilitating another full production experience scheduled teach Spring 2025 as 3-credit course collectively decide scope scale future productions.

Watch the class’s performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”