When theater arts director Mr. Sidney Rushing of Klein Forest High School began planning for his students to present Romeo and Juliet, he looked for ways to make the masterpiece come alive for today’s audience. He was determined to keep the script intact while making changes to captivate his actors and audience. 

By changing the prologue to a rap, including texting as part of the balcony scene, and placing one scene on a basketball court, Mr. Rushing makes the production resonate for a young audience. 

Jaquelin Vallafranco, a Klein Forest drama student noted, “This show will appeal to a large audience because it is Romeo and Juliet with a modern twist. It appeals to older people who will enjoy Shakespeare’s language and younger people who might not be drawn to the language. We will also help the young audience members connect visually with the production.”

Approximately 50 students are involved in the production with 20 claiming speaking roles and about 30 comprising the technical team. 

The changes created by Mr. Rushing also affect the students involved in the production. Brittany Taplin of the cast said, “With the modern twist, we students have become more dedicated and enthusiastic about putting on Romeo and Juliet.”

Megan Hutson who plays Juliet rehearses with DaJameon Christie 

who is the understudy for the role of Romeo rehearse for the Klein 

Forest  High School production of Romeo and Juliet