Through the works of William Shakespeare, The Viola Project unites and empowers girls from diverse backgrounds so they may grow up to be whoever they want to be. In partnership with Chicago Public Library and Chicago Shakespeare Theater, The Viola Project will hold three free workshops in summer 2016 for girls in each region of the city to take on Shakespeare’s text while engaging in a vibrant discussion of contemporary issues facing young women. These girls-only workshops focused on Twelfth Night will explore the twists and turns of this gender-bending comedy and give participants the opportunity to perform a scene using Shakespeare’s language as their own.
 
The Viola Project welcomes youth ages 10–16 who identify culturally as girls, regardless of race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, or ability.