Chicago Youth Shakespeare [CYS] is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to putting Shakespeare’s timeless works into the hands of 21st-century teenagers. CYS provides innovative performances and educational outreach programs that connect young adults across Chicagoland with Shakespeare and with each other. We are committed to providing a safe space for young artists of all backgrounds, and to fostering a diverse community of creative and compassionate global citizens. CYS PROGRAMS The Chicago Youth Shakespeare Ensemble (CYSE) is the organization’s flagship program and the city of Chicago's only professional youth Shakespeare company. Featuring a diverse ensemble of youth artists ages 14 to 19 years old, CYSE productions reimagine Shakespeare's stories through a contemporary and undeniably youthful lens. Other CYS programs include: Summer Shakes, a six-week Shakespeare intensive and acting training program for high school students; and CYS In-Schools, providing Shakespeare workshops and residency programs for students during the school day. To date, CYS programs have impacted over 8000 students from more than 70 different public, private, and parochial schools across the Chicago area, bringing free Shakespeare performances and learning opportunities to hundreds of new students each year.