GableStage’s production of Romeo & Juliet supported by theatre works!

For thousands of young people across Miami-Dade County, a recent trip to the theatre became much more than a day out of the classroom, it became a first encounter with live performance, storytelling, and creative possibility.

Thanks to support from theatre works, GableStage Theatre welcomed 6,385 students to performances of Romeo and Juliet in February 2026, with an incredible 80% attending live theatre for the very first time.

Students from more than 25 schools across South Florida attended the production, including Coral Gables Senior High, Hialeah Gardens High School, Miami Beach Senior High, TERRA Environmental, BioTech @ Richmond Heights, and many others. For many, Shakespeare transformed from something confined to textbooks into a living, emotional experience unfolding right in front of them.

‘This partnership demonstrates exactly why access to the arts matters. For many students, this was not only their first Shakespeare production, it was their first experience inside a theatre. Live performance creates empathy, curiosity, and confidence in ways that resonate long after the curtain falls.’

The production’s inventive staging and emotionally charged performances left a lasting impression on students.

An 11th grade student from Cutler Bay Senior High School, shared:

‘The actors’ ability to transform between characters was incredible and inspiring. It made me want to be more open and free in my own acting. Theatre gives young people a space to express themselves and engage with art and culture in a meaningful way. It’s something everyone should have access to.’

A 9th grade student from Coral Park Senior High School, was captivated by the creativity of the staging:

‘The balcony scene felt so real because of the actors’ emotion and connection. I was also surprised by how they used just three ladders to create the entire world of the play.’

Other students reflected on the emotional accessibility of Shakespeare’s language and themes.

‘Even with the older language, I could clearly feel the anger, love, and sadness,’ said a 9th grade student from Miami Coral Park High School.

‘It showed how creative and imaginative theatre can be,’ added a 10th grade student from Hialeah Gardens High School. ‘It’s a completely different way of telling a story, and that’s what makes it so interesting.’

Beyond the performance itself, students engaged deeply with the artists during post-show discussions, asking thoughtful questions about acting, directing, stage fright, rejection, design choices, and careers in theatre. Questions ranged from ‘Why did you choose this play?’ to ‘How do you get into the acting industry?’ — highlighting both curiosity and growing confidence in engaging with the arts.

Teachers also witnessed the transformative impact of the experience in real time.

A teacher from Felix Varela Senior High School noted:

‘The adaptation made Shakespeare feel accessible and relevant, and the actors’ clarity helped students follow the language without feeling overwhelmed. It was incredibly valuable to see them connect with material that is often perceived as difficult.’

For (English as a second language) ESOL students in particular, the production created meaningful pathways into complex literature.

A teacher from Hialeah Gardens High School explained:

‘The actors’ physicality, tone, and clarity made the story understandable even when individual words were unfamiliar. Students were able to follow the narrative, connect with the characters, and gain confidence in their ability to engage with complex material.’

Teachers rated the experience 5 out of 5 for supporting curriculum goals, reinforcing how live theatre can deepen learning, inspire creativity, and make classic texts feel immediate and relevant.

At theatre works!, we believe every child deserves access to transformative cultural experiences, regardless of background or circumstance. Partnerships like this with Gable Stage Theatre demonstrate the extraordinary impact theatre can have when barriers to access are removed. Sometimes a first trip to the theatre can open the door to a lifetime of creativity, confidence, and connection.

To enable us to support more US theatre experiences like this, donate.