Education
Bringing Shakespeare to life in the classroom.
At a Company of Fools, we believe that Shakespeare should be fun, accessible, and a little bit Foolish. Our Fools in Schools programming is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and connect students with Shakespeare’s language, characters, and stories in fresh and exciting ways. Today, Shakespeare’s plays are still as relevant as ever; they transcend theatre and are frequently referenced in literature, film, music, and pop culture. We believe that to understand the world around them, students benefit greatly from having a basic knowledge of Shakespeare and his plays. At a Company of Fools, we pride ourselves on our imaginative, innovative, and accessible takes on Shakespeare’s works. Our performances and workshops give students the tools and ideas to express themselves creatively through the dramatic arts and offer an experiential learning experience that connects to English, Drama, and History curricula.
Workshops
We offer engaging Shakespeare workshops for elementary, middle, and high school students throughout the school year. Led by professional artists with backgrounds in both theatre and education, our workshops are interactive, inclusive, and tailored to fit the needs of your classroom.
Introduction to Shakespeare
A perfect starting point for students who are new to the Bard. In this lively, hands-on workshop, students travel back in time to Shakespeare’s day to uncover the secrets of his poetic language. Through games, rhythm analysis, and some “detective work”, they’ll learn how to make sense of Shakespeare’s verse - and have fun doing it.
Tales from Macbeth
Using scenes from Macbeth and visual elements from our 2024 production, students explore themes of ambition, power, and fate. Working alongside a Fools instructor, they’ll decode key scenes, bring characters to life, and get up on their feet to perform - because plays were written to be spoken aloud!
Custom Workshops
Is your class studying a particular play? Want to dive deeper into character study, close play reading, or monologue coaching? We’re happy to create a custom workshop that suits your curriculum and your students.
The Nitty Gritty
Workshops are available for Grades 3-12
Max 30 students per workshop
Half-day and full-day sessions available
Hosted in your classroom - we come to you!
The Understudies
Back by popular demand in Spring 2026!
After a wildly successful run in 2025, The Understudies is hitting the road again for another two-week tour in Spring 2026! Designed for Grades 7–12, this fast-paced, interactive comedy features a medley of Shakespeare’s greatest hits performed by Ottawa’s finest professional actors - and your students. Yes, you read that right: your students are part of the show!
About The Understudies
When a theatre troupe finds out that their star actor has gone missing they must find a replacement – and quickly! This hilarious and fast-paced misadventure features a Company of Fools performing some of Shakespeare’s greatest scenes alongside lucky “understudies” from the audience. With different “stars” each show, every performance is one-of-a-kind. Is this The Actor’s Nightmare, you may ask? More like The Actor’s Dream! Scenes are taken from plays including Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet, King Lear, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Spring 2026 Tour
April 13th - 24th, 2026
Suitable for Grades 7–12
Run time: approx. 60 minutes
Includes optional post-show Q&A
Full and partial subsidies are available
Bookings will open in Fall 2025
Hamlet at Canterbury High School, 2023
Ananya Antony, Daniella Bell, and Mitchell Cohen in The Understudies (2025)
Photo: Melody Maloney Photo