Everything Under The Sun: Shakespeare From A Barber's Chair

Mark Williams (right) with Slicers Barber & Styling Lounge owner, Allen Jackson.

In urban neighborhoods, there is one place where kids end up for several hours each week - that's the local barbershop. Barbershops can be hubs of information and socialization, a place to collect neighborhood news, and to renew relationships among friends and neighborhoods. But could it be something more?

Mark Williams had observed the ins and outs of barbershops for a while and realized that many youth spent two to three hours each week hanging out with the barber or beautician. So much time was spent by youth with these individuals that these adults ended up providing mentorship for these youngsters.

That's when Mr. Williams got an idea. He loved the works of William Shakespeare and the world of words to the point of knowing how critical literacy is in the education of youth. Putting all the pieces together and consulting a literature professor, he formed a program in the local barbershops of the Charlotte, NC, area, to expose local youth to the works of Shakespeare.

Realizing how influential Shakespeare's works were in his own childhood and utilizing the multi-generational ambience present in barber and beauty shops, Mr. Williams set out to provide this positive influence for the younger generation in his program, SHAKESPEARE IN A CHAIR. He stated, "Shakespeare has been around for 450 years and many youth have never been exposed to his writings. The program will highlight the influence his words have on today's culture and vocabulary."

Shakespeare in a Chair has become an eight-week literacy program for youth ages eight to young adult. During each eight-week session, one of Shakespeare's works is studied, discussed, and interpreted. Participating barber shops have visual and digital prompts to encourage participation. Youth can proceed at their own pace through the work, and receive ample encouragement and support from the barbers and beauticians. Some of the skills promoted are critical thinking, literacy, oratory, and reading comprehension. Youth are allowed to utilize mobile devices to look up words and phrases, thus increasing their vocabulary.

Other features of the program include: understanding sentence structure, learning about play settings and locations, group visits to Shakespeare productions, open mic nights for guest and academic readings and discussions, partnerships with Shakespeare production companies, partnerships with local colleges and universities, and even more.

Two young girls working their way through Othello.

Mr. Williams, himself, comes from Charlotte, NC, where he is a father, husband, and entrepreneur. He received a Bachelor's degree from Pace University and has been working in sales and marketing for a cable company for more than fifteen years. Charlotte, and the surrounding area, has so much to appreciate about his involvement in their community.