Support Ms. Awele's Shakespeare Journey

Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters of the Arts,

I'm reaching out with immense excitement and a humble request for help on behalf of Ms. Awele (ah WAY lay). A dedicated Drama Teacher in Oakland, California, I just received a truly extraordinary opportunity that will not only advance my own artistic journey but also directly enrich the lives of my students.

"Help Ms. Awele Bring Shakespeare Training from Prague to Oakland!"

I have been offered a coveted spot in the Prague Shakespeare Company Summer 2025 4-week Intensive (SSI, June 23 - July 20)!

https://pragueshakespeare.com/education.html

This is a transformational classical theatre training and mentorship program in Prague. Even more remarkable, I’ve been pre-cast by Lisa Wolke [https://lisawolpe.org] in their production of "The Winter's Tale." This isn't just any show; it's a special production that will play in Prague and then tour to the Verona International Shakespeare Fringe Festival in Verona, Italy! I am one of only seven students selected for this prestigious tour.

This isn't just about personal growth; it's about bringing world-class theatrical training and experience back to my students in Oakland. I plan to integrate these learnings directly into my teaching and directing, especially as I aim to direct a hip-hop theatre production of "Romeo & Juliet" – a powerful blend of classical storytelling and contemporary culture.

Unexpected Hurdles

While this news is incredibly exciting, the past two months have presented significant and unexpected financial challenges. I’ve bravely navigated two emergency surgeries in March and April to remove a nearly 9mm kidney stone, followed by a stent removal. The unforeseen medical bills from these procedures, combined with essential car repairs April ($1,700) and a plumbing expense, have created a substantial financial strain in unexpected costs.

Despite this, I have been awarded a generous $1,500 Room and Board Scholarship from the Prague Shakespeare Company in honor of Lisa Wolke. This significantly reduces the total cost, but I still need assistance to make this dream a reality.

Here's What's Needed:

* Tuition: $3,450

* Remaining Room & Board (balance after scholarship): $900

* Total Program Cost: $4,350

*Please note: This amount does not include my flights to/from Prague, meals, or personal expenses, which I am responsible for covering.

Investing in Our Community Through the Arts

I’m a passionate advocate for the arts and the power of storytelling to explore our shared humanity and to make sense of the world around us with my students and community.

When I’m not teaching or directing student shows, I’m producing the OUSD MLK Oratorical Fest and sharing stories throughout my community. My work consistently lifts up student voice, empowers students, and showcases their incredible talent. You can see the impact of my dedication in these three inspiring links.

Link 1: Golden State Warriors highlights of their 2025 MLK Day and our MLK Oratorical Fest which includes a feature of 3 of my students and my work. The 2nd link features the HBO EMMY Award winning documentary,about the 2018 OUSD MLK Oratorical I produce. The 3rd link features Mahershala Ali, one of the Executive Producers of the HBO EMMY Award winning documentary.

2025 GS Warriors MLK Day Link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHtmpncOAtP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

WE ARE THE DREAM: The Oakland Kids of the MLK Oratorical - HBO EMMY Award documentary. Trailer link: https://youtu.be/f5Gr6csM7jc?si=KaVB6hkALF2upAVM

Executive Producer Mahershala Ali clip: https://youtu.be/tydozZzHo4k?si=iTtNCuDob8_LmRdg

Impact

This opportunity isn't just for Ms. Awele; it's an investment in the future of theatre education in Oakland, ensuring my students continue to receive exceptional guidance from an instructor whose skills are sharpened by world-renowned artists, professional-level training and industry standards.

The amazing 4-week intensive training consists of classes M-F 10 am - 5 pm and Fri includes 1:1 mentoring, tutoring, and masterclasses; Rehearsals are 6:30 -10 pm M-F and Sat. 10 am - 6 pm. The application of our learnings happens in the professional production of the Prague Shakespeare Company. The Winter’s Tale would allow me to work with and learn from world renown artists from the U.S., UK, and European stages, build and practice new skills, essential understandings, and some mastery of playing Shakespeare’s great poetry on stage, through performance; expand my physical acting vocabulary through explorations of character development; and deepen my range, strength and personal connection to my voice through the detailed voice, text and speech work necessary in bringing a character to life. This experience will have a profound impact on my teaching and directing as a Drama Teacher of theatre for social change and classical theatre in Oakland, CA and as a storyteller.

How You Can Help

Every contribution, no matter the size, will bring Ms. Awele closer to the Prague Shakespeare Company Summer Intensive. Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with anyone who believes in supporting passionate educators in service of their communities, the power of Shakespeare, theatre for social change, the belief that the arts are essential, now and always.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping me seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in my professional development so that I can have a profound impact in my teaching and directing in Oakland.

With deepest gratitude,

Ms. Awele (ah WAY lay)

Regular Updates: Check back to learn more.