Founded by CYS in 2013, Battle of the Bard was the first region-wide Shakespeare Slam program for high school teams. The program was designed to cross boundaries of geography, culture, and experience — bringing hundreds of students from across the Chicago area together through performance, team spirit, and friendly competition.
Battle of the Bard 2017/'18 Events
Saturday Shakes
Battle of the Boo! Fright Night Open-Mic
Winter Shakescation
Creative Youth Competition
Saturday Shakes
Battle of the Boo! Fright Night Open-Mic
Winter Shakescation
Creative Youth Competition
Battle of the Bard 2016
[in association with Chicago Shakespeare Theater]
[in association with Chicago Shakespeare Theater]
Our process was wonderful and my students felt transformed and grateful for being a part of it. - BOTB Teacher/Coach
The amazing people I met have such unique talents and it scares me that I might have never met them. Also, my appreciation for Shakespeare has gone through the roof – (now I can't wait to read Lear and Hamlet and The Tempest next year)! – BOTB Student
Battle of the Bard 2015
[in association with Chicago Shakespeare Theater]
[in association with Chicago Shakespeare Theater]
When I looked at all those kids on stage, a feeling of great hope came over me. I thought about all that language, all that creativity and thought, all that discipline and focus, all that collaboration and conversation—and I thought: those young people have all that it takes to lead us through this century. – BOTB Teacher/Coach
Battle of the Bard 2014
