Our Community
Vivian Hernandez Tragesser
Shakespeare Week Host 2026Vivian Hernandez Tragesser is a retired educator and proud new grandmother! She has a gift for connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds, especially English language learners whom she taught for many years. She delights in supporting students as they discover the beauty, humor, and humanity found in great literature. A life-long lover of worship and praise music, Vivian brings a spirit-filled perspective to every community she serves. In her younger years, she performed in several stage productions and developed a lasting appreciation for Shakespeare and performing Shakespearean monologues.
Kelsey Johnson Lyons
Shakespeare Week Host 2025Kelsey Johnson Lyons is an actor, writer, and educator here in Indianapolis, Indiana. She's an Indy Shakes company member and an educator and writer at Felege Hiywot Center. She’s honored to uplift and support her community through the arts. When she's not acting, writing, or teaching, Kelsey can be found reading, singing old spirituals to her little one, poring over the poetry of Mary Oliver, and getting lost in the woods.
Aaron Smith
Shakespeare Week Host 2025Aaron read the title role of King Lear during Shakespeare Week 2025. He has been a theatre nerd (especially musical theatre!) since high school. As both an alumnus and staff member of The Oaks Academy, Aaron has a deep appreciation for the power of Shakespeare to create meaningful connections among young people. He is committed to developing safe and welcoming spaces for dialogue. In his spare time, Aaron can usually be found in the kitchen trying a new recipe, geeking out over Broadway shows, or spending time with his family.
Past Gatherings
Shakespeare Week 2026
July 20-24
Together we stepped into the world of Shakespeare with Narthex’s second annual Shakespeare Week, hosted by Vivian Tragesser. This summer program invited students to explore Twelfth Night through dramatic reading, thoughtful discussion, and individual monologue performances.
