Fundraising Goal: $16,500

$7,705 raised from 42 unique donors
Verified 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Delaware Shakespeare 2026 Educational Programming

Organization Mission:

Inspired by Shakespeare's creative vision and the broad societal mix of audiences of his era, Delaware Shakespeare (Del Shakes) brings our community together for vibrant theatre and learning experiences. We envision a Delaware where people from all walks of life celebrate and explore their shared humanity through the lens of Shakespearean works. Our core values include Artistic Excellence, Fiscal Responsibility, Diversity, Community, Openness, Respect, and Joy.

Delaware Shakespeare envisions a Delaware where people from all walks of life celebrate and explore their shared humanity through the lens of Shakespearean works. In 2026, Delaware Shakespeare will launch an exciting new educational initiative, bringing Shakespeare’s language, characters, and ideas directly into classrooms across Delaware and the greater Philadelphia region.

This touring program features a Shakespeare-inspired performance paired with an interactive workshop that invites students to explore public speaking, rhetoric, and persuasion through some of the Bard’s most powerful speeches.

As Delaware’s only professional Shakespeare company, Del Shakes is proud to deliver high-caliber, professional performances designed to inspire, challenge, and connect with young audiences.

The Performance: QvK
Royalty clashes with royalty in a duel of dominance as a troupe of actors brings Shakespeare’s greatest speeches to life.

Expect epic rhetoric, power struggles, and street-side showdowns in this dynamic, 45-minute performance that blends classical language with contemporary themes. QvK is a sharp, fast-paced satire exploring how the pursuit of ultimate power can ultimately corrupt.

The Workshop
Following each performance, students will take part in a one-hour interactive workshop led by the show’s actors. Through performance, discussion, and creative exercises, students will:
  • Analyze rhetorical devices used in Shakespeare’s most famous speeches
  • Compare classical and contemporary examples of persuasive language
  • Practice public speaking and performance techniques in a supportive, hands-on environment

Featured Characters & Speeches
Students will encounter some of Shakespeare’s most fascinating voices, including:
  • Hermione – The Winter’s Tale
  • Henry V – Henry V
  • Macbeth & Lady Macbeth – Macbeth
  • Iago & Cassio – Othello
  • Puck – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
 
Thanks to a special incentive from the DDOA, all gifts help Del Shakes earn a portion of a $125,000 stretch pool. The more we raise AND the more donors who contribute to our cause, the larger the payment we receive from the DDOA!

Organization Details

Organization Logo

Name:
Delaware Shakespeare

EIN: 364535637

Street Address:
4 South Poplar Street

City: Wilmington

State: DE Zip: 19801

Social Media:

Website:
https://delshakes.org

Counties Served: New Castle

Office Locations: Wilmington

Sectors: Arts & Culture, DDOA Grantee

Recent Donations

  • Elizabeth Bryson $500
  • Kelli Shermeyer $10
  • Luke Simon $5
  • Vanesa Simon ---
  • Jessica Redmond ---
  • George Harding $25
  • Rachelle Pownall-Brown $100
  • Mary L Ambro $100
  • Matthew Kinservik $100
  • Mara Gorman $100