Must-See Shakespeare with Mr. Mac at CHS For a Day

For a healthy dose of stage magic, and a side order of  romance, angst and death, talk to teacher Steve MacPherson. "Mr. Mac," as MacPherson is known, leads the annual Shakespeare festival and teaches theatre and drama at CHS. 

Mr. Mac will share some of his wisdom and experience at CHS for a Day.

Patch visited MacPherson's classroom in fall, learning that the teacher  served as consultant this summer to first-time director Brandon Wright.

In return, Wright came to CHS. Wright headed the first-ever all African-American production of Antony and Cleopatra at Chernuchin Theater at American Theater of Actors in Manhattan. 

To a spellbound group of some 50 students and numerous adults, the cast performed brief scenes from the tragedy, which Wright described as "the most tragic love story of all time." 

"It's also relevant now," said Wright of the play, set in classical times. "It's about absentee leaders during wartime, people who fall in love with a bang and turn away from their responsibilities."

After watching, it was the students' turn to perform. Each cast member gathered a group of students and coached them through exercises and a scene. As the students giggled and then performed, Wright watched with satisfaction.

"It's stage magic," he said, as the classroom was taken over by Shakespeare. "It works every time."

Come see the magic for yourself!

CHS for a Day  is a day of enlightening classes that typify the teaching that goes on every day at Columbia High School.

The 2013 CHS for a Day is scheduled for March 16. Enjoy courses including physics, math, Shakespeare, genetics, art and computer skills. 

Achieve is pleased to collaborate with SOMEA , the Adult School, Columbia H.S.A., Presidents’ Council, the Cougar Café, Cougar Boosters and the CHS Alumni Association to host CHS for a Day.

Register HERE for CHS for a Day

Download a full schedule HERE