Parker in Washington D.C.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Performing at the Folgers Shakespeare Theater

Dan, Harry, Perry, and Nic pester Devin in a segment of "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar." For just one take the performance was done quite well. The other students stood about before the stage as they would in an everyday Elizabethan performance while nobles (Maddi and Victoria) were poised on the stage itself to take in the play while showing off their extravagant wealth and power! Don't miss the actor commentary in the audio link below along with pictures.

Nobles on stage, enjoying the show

Rehearsing their lines

The official performance commentators

Receiving their constructive criticism...

The gallery captivated by the performance

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Lincoln watches over the students.

Honest Abe

The boys discovered a house divided against itself cannot stand.

An Evening with Abe

Both groups are wrapping up their day with evening tours of the Vietnam and Korean War Memorials as well as the FDR and Lincoln Memorials.

A Family Connection

At Arlington National Cemetery, Dan was able to find a relative.

The Eternal Flame

Students on bus #1 pay respect to John F. Kennedy.

Parker Acts Up...In a Good Way

It was a good day to be an English teacher. First the Library of Congress, next the Supreme Court, and then the Folger Shakespeare Library. A full morning in which words and ideas were the center of attention.

The Folger Library was a particularly special highlight to the trip. Having spent nearly eight weeks reading, studying, and acting Romeo and Juliet, the chance to learn a little more about Shakespeare and to see 10 original First Folio editions of his works meant a lot to many of the students.

However, it was the opportunity to act a little on an Elizabethian-style stage that the students will probably remember most. Everyone got up on stage at least once (even the chaperones) and tried their hands at different types of "death" scenes, Shakespearean phrases, and mini-versions of some of the more famous plays - including Romeo and Juliet.

It was especially gratifying to see student participate with enthusiasm and with a confidence in the language. Their willingness to have fun with the scenes and to cheer each other on should be commended. It was a great time that I know they (and the general public who were in the balcony watching) will remember for a long time.

Death at the Hand of Shakespeare

Students are trying their hand at different forms of death on the Shalespearean stage.

Yup, TJ Read Romeo & Juliet, Too

At the Library of Congress, everyone seemed pretty impressed with the architecture inside and outside of the building. We first looked down into reading room, which Dan D. immediately recognized from National Treasure. Then, we explored the Thomas Jefferson exhibit in which we were able to find his original copy of Romeo and Juliet from his personal library.

At the FDR Memorial

Thank you U.S. Marines for your service!

Sophia and Katie pause in front of the Iwo Jima memorial to watch the Marines raise the flag. A small group of Marines were practicing ceremonial marches in the park behind us that was interesting to see.

Canucked

The hallways were up late only to have their hopes of a memorable Marriott night dashed in the closing seconds of the Bruins game. We are hoping them and the B's will rebound... A big day of touring awaits including a hike to the top of the Arlington Cemetary. Hopefully the zzz's being picked up by Devin and Perry below will pick them up later today!

Mrs. Caiazza's Day with the Orangutans

Tuning In to our Nation's Capitol

Kate, Allie, and the Meghans prepare themselves for the Capitol guided tour. The guides moved quickly but it was exciting to see the business of the Capitol being run right alongside our tour! We completed our tour inside the chamber of the House of Representatives, where we have the great fortune of witnessing Kathy Hochul of New York being sworn-in as the newest member of the house by Speaker, John Boehner.