Dear Friends of CYS,

Just a few months ago, Chicago Youth Shakespeare announced that we would be closing our doors in the spring of 2023. Although this may come as sad news, there is so much to be proud of, thanks to our amazing community of artists, audiences, and supporters.

So on behalf of all of us at CYS, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to… 

the audience members who came out time and again to cheer on our young performers;

the artists and organizations who gave so generously of their time, talents and resources;

the dozens of schools and classroom teachers that opened their doors to our programs and performances;

the dedicated teaching artists, interns, and apprentices who joined us in our mission to empower and unite Chicago's youth through Shakespeare;

the generous donors, volunteers, and community partners who made our work possible;

and finally — to the brave young artists who helped us cultivate our very own Forest of Arden.

THANK YOU ALL for being part of our very special community over the past 10 years!

Together, we brought Shakespeare into the lives of over 10,000 students across Chicagoland, giving young people a place to be their genuine selves while exploring the works of the Bard together. Now that is truly something to celebrate! 


​
With Much Gratitude and Affection,

Manon Spadaro
Founding Artistic Executive Director