News

Enchanted Circle will be on National TV!

Soledad O’Brien to Host “American Graduate Day 2015” airing October 3 on WGBY
Local and national broadcast to showcase Enchanted Circle Theater!

Enchanted Circle Theater is thrilled to be part of this day-long, multi-platform event celebrating the “Stories of Champions” — Individuals and organizations committed to improving outcomes for youth and raising graduation rates.

American Graduate Day 2015 returns this fall for its fourth consecutive year. Soledad O’Brien will host the all-day broadcast which premieres Saturday, October 3rd from 11AM-6PM on WGBY. Broadcast and streamed live from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City, the annual event is part of the public media initiative, American Graduate: Let’s Make It Happen, helping communities bolster graduation rates through the power and reach of local public media stations. Featuring seven hours of national and local programming, live interviews and performances, American Graduate Day 2015 will celebrate the exceptional work of individuals and groups across the country.

For the first time, this year’s broadcast will also feature seven mini-documentaries that highlight the extraordinary work organizations are doing across the nation to help keep students on the path to graduation and track to college.

One of those profiles airing across the country was produced by WGBY and spotlights ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER’s Shakespeare program and the work we are doing in Holyoke to help kids stay in school until graduation.

Our mini-documentary is expected to air in the 1-2 PM block of the broadcast.
Set your DVRs and VCRs or make a date with your couch!

Enchanted Circle Theater’s five-week summer Shakespeare intensive provides exciting and unique exposure to the dramatic arts through the work of William
 Shakespeare. In this program, students have the opportunity to explore the world of theater – acting, directing, choreography, costuming, and set design. The program culminates in a performance on the outdoor stage at the UMass Renaissance Center in Amherst and at Dean Technical High School in Holyoke. The Youth and Shakespeare Academy, now in its eight year, helps to combat the ‘summer slide’ and teachers say it is great boost for kids struggling with English Language Arts.

“Enchanted Circle Theater was thrilled to work with our friends at WGBY on this transformational summer arts and learning program for middle school students,” said Priscilla Kane Hellweg, Executive Artistic Director of Enchanted Circle Theater.  “Our Holyoke Public School youth have had a never-to-be-forgotten experience that will play out in so many aspects of their lives – both in school and out.  This is creative youth development at its best!”