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Shakespeare Theatre Company

Theater, Businesses Team Up To Provide
Free Spring Break Activities for Kids

Shakespeare Theatre CompanyThe Shakespeare Theatre Company has organized a week of kid-friendly events on Barracks Row in Washington, D.C., to take place during spring break for D.C. Public Schools, April 1–5.

As part of “Shake Up Your Spring Break on Barracks Row!: Spring Break Activities sponsored by the Shakespeare Theatre Company,” many businesses in this Capitol Hill neighborhood will host activities that give children a chance to think outside the box, free of cost, during their week off of school.

Marcy Spiro, STC community engagement manager, originated the spring break program. “I wanted to give students the opportunity to do something fun, creative, and educational during their spring break,” Spiro said in a press release. “There are so many great businesses and organizations on Barracks Row—I wanted kids to be able to visit a number of them and try their hand at a variety of artistic crafts. It was very important to STC for these activities to be free, and we are extremely grateful to all of these organizations for donating their materials, time, and expertise to this program.”

The schedule below details events by participating businesses, including theater and dance classes, crafts, and food specials. Participants are required to sign up in advance to reserve their places in each activity. They can do so online by visiting the event page, or by calling the STC Education Hotline at 202-547-5688. Questions and comments on the week's events can be directed to the STC Education Department at STCcommunity@ShakespeareTheatre.org or the Education Hotline at 202-547-5688.

Shakespeare Theatre Company, STC Rehearsal Studios at 507 8th St. SE, every day from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., recommended ages 6–14—Young people can discover their inner performer by joining STC teaching artists for a workshop of fun theater activities and games. During these interactive workshops, students will work together to tell a story, create dynamic characters, learn the basics of improvisation, and explore the world of William Shakespeare.

DC-3, 423 8th St. SE, Monday, April 1, 2–3 p.m., Recommended ages 5–12—What do hot dogs and Shakespeare have in common? We're not sure either, but participants can enjoy a Shakespeare-inspired hot dog.

Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Tuesday, April 2, 4–5 p.m., Recommended ages 3–12—Hill Center, a Vibrant Home for Culture, Education, and City Life on Capitol Hill, hosts a variety of children's programs including spring break and summer camps. Hill Center program partner Tippi Toes Dance Company brings a unique program of dance and creative movement which has a remarkable impact on social and developmental growth. Hill Center classes  use original kids' music and choreography, fuel creativity, build imagination, and sharpen both motor and cognitive skills.

Tippi Toes at Hill Center: Busy Bodies in Motion. Busy Bodies in Motion is a high-energy dance class designed to keep boys and girls ages 3–6 engaged in continual motion while they learn the basic elements of dance, including positions and terminology. Children will learn a variety of ballet, tap, and jazz elements in a way that is fun and healthy for active kids, including exercising their bodies, imagination, and singing voices.

Tippi Toes at Hill Center: Hip Hop Dance Class. Hip Hop is a high-energy dance class designed to keep children ages 6 1/2–12 actively engaged and interested in dance. Children will start learning choreography and dances quickly while learning various dance elements. This version of hip hop/jazz is extremely tasteful and uses age-appropriate material, including clean popular music that children will enjoy.

Marine Barracks, 8th & I (Eye) Streets SE, Wednesday, April 3, 10–11 a.m., Recommended ages 5–15—The Marine Barracks Washington, also known as "8th & I," is the oldest active post in the Marine Corps. Families can spend the morning at the Marine Barracks Washington and learn more of the history and receive a full tour of the grounds.

Hello Cupcake, 705 8th St. SE, Thursday, April 4, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Recommended ages 10–14—Hello Cupcake is offering free drop-in cupcake decorating. Kids can take home a cupcake they decorated with frosting and sprinkles.

The Corner Store, 9th and South Carolina Ave. SE, Friday, April 5, 1–1:45 p.m., 2:30–3:15 p.m., 4–4:45 p.m., Recommended ages 5–14— Make a Names Tile. Parents can attend a tile-making workshop at the Corner Store with their children. Three 45-minute classes will feature hands-on sculpting in clay for elementary-age children. Each child will make a names tile for the 28-foot-long mosaic Yume Tree (you/me tree) and learn about the basic steps involved in creating public art. Their names will be added to the mosaic tree to help celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of this beloved work of community art. Parent or caregiver must be present to assist.

March 26, 2013

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