Inner City Shakespeare Ensemble

About This Project

Alissa Allen, Producer

About: The Inner City Shakespeare Ensemble (ICSE) brings at-risk students into the world of theatre, using Shakespeare’s ageless language and eloquent dramatic insight into people and events. Founded in 2011, this innovative and unique program has brought together hundreds of diverse students from South Central Los Angeles: one of the nation’s most economically challenged areas.

Under the direction and tutelage of Dr. Melanie Andrews, and the support of international professional mentors from the theater and film community, hundreds of talented young people reveal their special talents and perform with style and substance before audiences reaching more than 5000 people.

In a community blighted by violence, through ISCE, lives are changed and gang ties are cut. Today, more than 85% of the student performers are in college, carrying on their accomplishment far beyond the 4th wall of the theatre into a lasting impact for the future.

ICSE is a program that leverages the training, skills and creative canvas of theatre to open doors to unimaginable possibilities.

“Our mission is to bring our multi-ethnic diverse ensemble of students into the world of theater using Shakespeare. Without the grant, we could never have achieved that mission which culminated in our acclaimed production of A Midsummer Nights Dream.”