These Juvenile Offenders are Choosing a New Sentence: Shakespeare – The New York Post

Juveniles in Massachusetts who commit low-level crimes can be alternatively sentenced to perform Shakespeare in a six-week program. The program was started 17 years ago by Paul Perachi, a former high school principal who recruited the theater company to work with his students. When he became a judge, he implemented the program into the court system as a way to teach the juveniles about respecting the feelings of others, fulfilling commitments, and fostering a sense of pride in the youth. The program has the juveniles read the works of William Shakespeare, “take on the role of one or more of his characters, come up with ideas for costumes and sets, memorize their lines, rehearse and then act out their roles for an audience of family, friends and court personnel.” Read more.