Optimist Theatre / To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now ~ Reviews

“Delightful!”
Princessa Georgina Corsini, Palazzo Corsini, Florence, Italy

Colleges...

"To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now," created and performed by Ron Scot Fry, Artistic Director of Optimist Theatre, offers college students a learning opportunity that is uniquely memorable for both content and performance. Relevant to any English and Theatre classroom, Ron’s commitment to this piece makes everyone in the room feel as if they are in 16th Century England and meeting William Shakespeare for the first time. "To Be!" is the type of classroom experience professors crave for their students — one that is educational and entertaining; where dry facts become a visceral experience. I do believe Mr. Shakespeare would happily approve of this wonderful performance." Simon Provon, Equity Actor and Professor of Theatre, Wisconsin Lutheran College

I have had ten years of higher education, and I have experienced five “true” teachers in that time, Ron being one of them. Ron empowers the student and embraces their creations. I immediately get inspired and rejuvenated as a teacher after watching him instruct.
      Brian Posen Theatre Faculty, Columbia College Senior Teacher,
      The Second City Improvisation Coach, Steppenwolf Theatre
      Producer, Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival

Middle and High Schools...

This was a fantastic experience! This dovetailed well with our honors curriculum. I was thoroughly pleased. Divine! Delightful! Ron knew his material very well and how to keep a teenage audience captive. They were energized and excited. We would recommend the programme to other schools and organizations. We had a great time. Jill Cook and Alice Rast, Brookfield Central High School

“This (To Be!) has been, undoubtedly, the most dynamic way in which I can make Shakespeare come alive in my classroom. The students hang on Mr. Fry’s every word and always provide the most positive feedback about his performance.”
Cassandra Hanson, Germantown High School

I hoped for a program that kept the audience attention and that they leave feeling entertained. The program did that and more. The audience varied in ages and Ron tailored the program to bring each of us into full participation. It was highly entertaining and at the same time had an important educational element of Shakespeare’s time and life. He was an “infectious, tickle brained, malt worm.” And the kids enjoyed every minute. Steve Nibbe, Verona High School

“I think kids are intimidated when they here the word, “Shakespeare.” Ron’s program gives background, explanation, and examples that capture the students’ interests.”                                                                                                                                          Joel Fenske, St. Mark’s Lutheran School

“It can be a challenge sometimes to work with a multiage group like ours, but Ron succeeded in making the program engaging and fantastic for all ages. Thank you!”                                                                                                                              Mary Krawczyk, Milwaukee Area Home Learners

“Ron actually becomes Shakespeare for his presentation - he dresses, acts, and talks like those in Elizabethan England to bring the audience into the historical setting of Shakespeare’s time. Each time you partner with Ron, you learn something new and fascinating about Shakespeare. Students laugh and learn all throughout his presentations. He is highly engaging, educational, and entertaining.
                                                                                                                                                                              Paula Tracy, Northstar Middle School

We loved it. The kids did, too. Great review of materials taught and new knowledge as well. Ron was very effective, very knowledgeable and related well to the high schooler. The students enjoyed it even though some were convinced they'd be bored. I’m certain that the students will remember the experience. Absolutely will recommend this program.                                                                                   Kay Wege, Winnebago Lutheran Academy

Libraries...

Ron’s presentation seemed to channel directly from William Shakespeare. It felt as though one could not have scripted the flow any better. Marcy Gibbons, Delafield Public Library

“As he performance began I looked around, expecting the high school kids to turn to their cell phones. Imagine my shock when I saw their attention was not on their phones but on Ron! He managed to capture the attention of teenagers!”

“Ron was absolutely brilliant. Within the first five minutes of watching him you forget who he actually is as you become lost in the characters he plays. The fact that Ron is willing to come to small groups such as mine and perform shows his qualities, and they are of the highest. Very talented, very captivating.” Katie Dey, Marion Public Library

Both adults and students enjoyed the show. Though Shakespeare can be challenging to understand, the presenter did an excellent job engaging and entertaining preK – 3 students. Lynette Vlasak, Royall School District/Kendall Public Library

What an honor to have someone with this exceptional constellation of talents, skills and personal qualities come to our community to entertain and teach us. Representative teachers, students, community members each expressed gratitude for this program. As one community member said, “I don’t care what amount of funding was paid for this, it was worth it!”
Jeannie Gartman, Mead Public Library

“Superb! Optimist Theatre’s “To Be! – Shakespeare Here and Now” presentation is a magical, enthralling, comical experience that brings William Shakespeare to life for all ages!”
Mandy Canovan, Ripon Public Library

“On a scale of 1-10, Ron’s performance was an 11! He engaged audience members very effectively.”
Elke Saylor, Muskego Public Library