The Public Theater will present its fourth annual “Summer Shake Up” program July 16 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, where Pacino is currently starring in The Merchant of Venice. The free event will take place from 9:30 AM to 12 PM.

“Open to all students in New York City 6th grade and up, Summer Shake Up is a fun, vivid, and exciting introduction to Shakespeare and live theater,” according to press notes. “Students will get to work with Public Theater Teaching Artists who will lead workshops, games, exercises in acting, writing, and dance, as well as conduct crafty projects all focused on Shakespeare’s world, words, and works. Professional actors from The Public’s Shakespeare Lab will perform and demonstrate the techniques used to bring Shakespeare to life in the theater. Participants in Summer Shake Up on July 16th will get to speak on the world famous stage of the Delacorte Theater where later that evening Al Pacino will play Shylock. Snacks and prizes are provided.”

The program is led by Shakespeare Initiative Director Barry Edelstein. To register, visit shakespeareinthepark.org.

— Thomas Peter