shakespeare's heartbeat

Shakespeare’s Heartbeat uses the Hunter Heartbeat Method developed by Kelly Hunter of Flute Theatre, utilizing the iambic pentameter (heartbeat rhythm) of Shakespeare’s words and the physicality of his characters to engage with students on the autism spectrum. Geared towards grades 4-12, this program’s interactive games and gestures are paired with short phrases from Shakespeare’s works to improve social skills and help with identifying and expressing emotions.

San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is thrilled to partner with Francisco Middle School, Everett Middle School, Marina Middle School and Aptos Middle School of SFUSD, the College of Adaptive Arts at West Valley College in Saratoga, and Joseph Schmitz of Eureka Street Learning to present Shakespeare’s Heartbeat.

Teacher Natalia Ceníseroz from Francisco Middle School comments “It’s been great working with SF Shakes to find the different ways that we can reach each of our students in their own way. Students really engage with their beloved Shakespeare’s Heartbeat instructors, and are excited and look forward to class. The Heartbeat teachers come with a curriculum and have everything prepared for you. They’re there with you and make it a collaborative experience.”

Teacher Ann Caimi at Everett Middle School reports, “Shakespeare’s Heartbeat has been such a gift to my class. At first, I thought it would be a cool way to spend an hour a week. What it turned into was so much more! After Shakespeare’s Heartbeat, my students can compare anime villains to Próspero in ELA class, and can throw their angry faces away in favor of their focused faces during math tests. My students love this chance to try new things and as a teacher I relish the chance for them to thrive in new and different ways. But the best part is how they connect their Heartbeat work back into all our other subjects and to their own lives.”

This residency is a semester-long venture.  Pricing varies based on number of sessions, number of students/classes, number of teaching artists needed, required materials, and transportation.  When in-person isn’t possible, sessions can take place virtually.