Shakespeare's Heartbeat at San Francisco Shakespeare Festival

Shakespeare's Heartbeat is a program by the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival designed to engage students on the autism spectrum through the rhythmic structure of Shakespeare's language and the physicality of his characters. Operating within four San Francisco public middle schools, the program promotes social skills and communication through interactive activities that create a safe environment for personal expression. Education Program Manager Evan Held emphasizes the profound impact on students, while teachers report significant improvements in classroom dynamics and student engagement. The initiative is inspired by the Hunter Heartbeat Method, developed by Kelly Hunter, which combines Shakespeare with tailored communication techniques for diverse learning needs.