JMU International Leaders in Education Program

Once a year, the ASC welcomes JMU's International Leaders in Education Program to the Blackfriars Playhouse for workshops and a show. ILEP brings outstanding secondary school teachers from around the globe to the United States for a semester's immersion, to further develop expertise in their subject areas, to enhance their teaching skills, and to increase their knowledge about the United States. In January 2012, participants from Brazil, Ghana, Egypt, Lebanon, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines came down from Harrisonburg to Staunton for a workshop with Ralph Cohen and Cass Morris and an afternoon production of Much Ado about Nothing. Here's what they had to say about their time with us:

• "To see Shakespeare's play in front of my very eyes is like a magic. Although I missed many words, I didn't feel I lost touch with the story told. Thank you, professor, for time you spent just to make me stand and know there is a character like Claudio, and conflict resolution between Claudio and Benedict."
• "I am just short of words to appropriately thank you for orchestrating such a memorable day. ... Today I was just transported to the Shakespearean period, enjoying his plays, awestruck, spellbound, enchanted, and mesmerized completely! I am still in reverie and it's hard to come out of it. What a splendid peformance by the actors -- just superb! ... This day has become one of the most unforgettable and gratifying days of my life."
• "I can't find words to express the happiness and joy I had tonight after the play we watched. To someone like me that had less entertainment in my life, this means a lot and will be always in a very special place in my heart and mind."
• "Very few things in this miraculous world could impress me. I would like to thank you for making my Sunday so beautiful! I simply enjoyed every moment of it, especially the play."
• "I'd like to thank you so much for your effort and your work. I've never been to London, to see some of Shakespeare's works, but with your help I could travel to the past and live for a few hours the atmosphere of his real time. ... Today, I had the magical opportunity to go above the language and knowledge - and feel what Shakespeare is."
• "I really enjoyed being with you in your kingdom of drama. It was a matchless, exceptional, and exquisite experience for me to attend. And the best thing is that I played a role in a play and was directed by a great man like you. I have never imagined in my life that I would get the chance to be with you and notice with the closest admiration the great work and the finest art you lead. Thank you very much."

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