myShakespeare

Shakespeare’s timeless works offer a unique opportunity for a fresh approach, making them as engaging and relevant to today’s learners as they were centuries ago. By embracing innovative methods, educators can unlock the beauty of the Bard’s complex language and intricate themes, transforming them into a source of inspiration and excitement for students.

This is where myShakespeare steps in—a groundbreaking EdTech platform that transforms Shakespeare’s plays into captivating, interactive experiences. Born from a vision to make Shakespeare more accessible and enjoyable, myShakespeare began with playful, in-character interviews. These featured professional actors bringing the characters to life in ways students could understand and connect.

“The goal was to get students past the intimidation of the text and into the world of Shakespeare’s imagination,” says Greg Watkins, founding partner.

This creative approach evolved into a fully interactive resource that redefines how Shakespeare is taught and experienced today. Through a combination of engaging videos, modern translations, and interactive tools, it offers a dynamic learning experience that resonates with today’s learners.

Innovating with Purpose

myShakespeare serves as both a valuable tool for educators and an open door for students, inviting them into Shakespeare’s imaginative worlds with excitement and curiosity.

“We are reshaping the teaching experience by integrating professional performances, comprehension quizzes, audio narration, and modern translations,” says Watkins.

Actors infuse key scenes with emotion and nuance, while audio guides clarify tone and pacing, making the text accessible to all. Interactive translations simplify Shakespeare’s language without sacrificing depth, which is especially beneficial for English Language Learners (ELLs). Meanwhile, comprehension quizzes, historical footnotes, and animated videos enrich understanding and create a dynamic learning experience. By breaking down barriers, myShakespeare makes Shakespeare more relatable and enjoyable for students of all backgrounds.

A key feature is the ability to interact digitally with Shakespeare’s works. This includes watching live performances, engaging with playful interviews, and exploring the content through multimedia tools such as animated explanations and songs. These tools help students move beyond the words on the page and into the imaginative worlds of the plays. For example, the pop-up modern English and even modern Spanish translations ensure accessibility for a diverse student body.

Another standout innovation is the audio narration tool, one of the platform’s most popular features. Recognizing that not all teachers are Shakespeare experts, myShakespeare’s audio guides remove the guesswork around pronunciation while allowing teachers to focus on fostering meaningful discussions and activities in the classroom.

Impact that Resonates

The platform's transformative power is evident in the numbers. Teachers overwhelmingly agree that myShakespeare has made a significant difference in their classrooms. From a survey of 200 teachers, 91 percent report increased student engagement, while an equal percentage note improvements in critical thinking and literary analysis. Ninety-six percent say it makes their jobs easier, and all surveyed teachers would recommend it to others.

Educators have shared glowing feedback, underscoring the platform’s transformative impact in classrooms. Chris H., a seasoned educator, shared his relief at finding a solution to a long-standing challenge: “Thank you for this resource. It is fantastic, and the depth it provides my students when reading is unparalleled. I struggle with teaching the original text or a modernized version every year. This resource has resolved that dilemma. It strikes the perfect balance, ensuring my students no longer have to trudge through a modernized version heartlessly. They engage with Shakespeare’s brilliance without feeling lost or overwhelmed.”

For Carissa J., a first-time Shakespeare teacher, the experience has been nothing short of a game-changer: “I was dreading teaching Shakespeare. How could I get my multi-level first-year students to understand and appreciate the greatness of Romeo and Juliet without ‘dumbing it down’ or dragging it out for weeks? Then I found this website—and it SAVED MY LIFE! The videos are phenomenal. My students laugh, groan, and, most importantly, understand what’s happening! I don’t know what I would’ve done without it. Thank you for creating something so beautiful, professional, and accessible. I need this for every book and play!”

Students, too, have embraced the platform. A high schooler in San Francisco praised the pop-up notes for simplifying metaphors in Macbeth, while another student appreciated how the performances made Shakespeare less intimidating and more relatable. These responses underscore myShakespeare’s ability to bridge the gap between classic literature and modern learners, turning Shakespeare from a daunting subject into an enjoyable one.

Redefining What It Means to Teach Shakespeare

One of myShakespeare’s most innovative achievements is how it redefines the concept of the book in the digital age. Initially seen as supplementary, the platform has evolved into a primary teaching resource, integrating Shakespeare’s full text with multimedia tools to create a living book. Teachers increasingly view the platform as “the book” rather than an additional resource, especially with features like annotation, highlighting, and personalized notes enabled through its free login functionality.

“Same Great Shakespeare, much better book” encapsulates this shift. By presenting Shakespeare’s works in an engaging and interactive format, myShakespeare challenges traditional teaching methods and encourages educators to rethink their approach to classic literature. The platform’s interactive multimedia design ensures students remain immersed in Shakespeare’s imaginative worlds while exploring his timeless themes.

Inspiring Curiosity for Generations

The ultimate goal of myShakespeare is not to make every student love the Bard but to inspire them to enjoy learning about him. The platform cultivates curiosity and a deeper appreciation for Shakespeare’s works by creating an interactive, approachable environment. As Greg Watkins notes, the focus is on bringing students past the words on the page and into Shakespeare's rich, imaginative worlds.

As the EdTech landscape evolves, myShakespeare remains committed to preserving the human touch in its productions. Live performances, playful interviews, and teacher-driven insights ensure students and educators find value in the platform. With plans to integrate more languages and compatibility with the Learning Management System (LMS), myShakespeare continues to expand its reach and impact.

An educator summed it perfectly: “myShakespeare is not just a resource, but a lifeline for both teachers and students.” Through professional performances, accessible translations, or interactive tools, myShakespeare ensures that Shakespeare remains relevant, engaging, and inspiring for future generations.