Shakespeare Week
9am-12pm
June 16, 17, 18, and 20
Step into the world of Shakespeare with Narthex’s first-ever Shakespeare Week, hosted by Narthex founder Hannah Kelly and actors, Kelsey Johnson Lyons, Aaron Smith, and Angi Parks. This summer program invites high school students to explore King Lear through dramatic reading, deep discussion, and personal performance.
What to Expect
Daily read-aloud and guided dialogue on the themes of King Lear
Coaching and preparation of a short monologue for a final-day sharing
Each student receives their own copy of King Lear
No previous acting experience required — just curiosity and a willingness to engage!
Dates & Times
June 16, 17, 18, and 20
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: St. Philip’s Episcopal Church (720 Doctor M.L.K. Jr St)
Cost: $50/learner (a link for payment will be sent after registration)
🎟️ Bonus Experience
Participants will also receive tickets to see the Notre Dame Shakespeare Company perform King Lear in August.
Meet our host Kelsey Johnson Lyons
Kelsey 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.
Meet our host Angi Parks
A native Hoosier, Angi pursued degrees in musical theatre and acting and went on to spend eight years as a professional performing artist in New York City. She lived in Hell’s Kitchen and occasionally temped in offices throughout NYC – which is where she met her delightful husband. Angi now lives in Indianapolis with her husband and her three beautiful daughters and their crazy dog. She directed seven Shakespeare productions for Middle Schoolers at The Oaks Academy and loved watching students connecting to his language and bringing his works to life. She feels lucky to get to participate in the inaugural Shakespeare week with the Narthex Community of Learners!
Meet our host Aaron Smith
Aaron will be reading the title role of King Lear during Shakespeare Week. 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.
Register
Spaces are limited.
Come ready to think, speak, laugh, and wrestle with one of the richest plays in the English language.