“Of all men else I have avoided thee: But get thee back; my soul is too much charged with blood of thine already,” -Shakespeare’s “MacBeth”

These angry words recited by MacBeth to his foe, MacDuff, just before a dramatic fight scene in this Shakespearean tragedy may sound a little confusing to the average middle school student, but Nathaniel Parker is beginning to feel comfortable with the language.

On Friday, Parker will be performing the title role of MacBeth during an abbreviated in-school production of the play at Tipton Middle School.

Parker was one of 50 Tipton students chosen by teachers to participate in a special camp session sponsored by the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

Instead of spending this week in a typical classroom, these select students are learning about the inner workings of a professional theater production.

The camp is being held at the school under the guidance of ASF actors, production managers and costume designers.

“All these kids have to focus on during the camp is Shakespeare,” said Rasheeda Moore, ASF camp acting instructor. “We practice at the school every day this week, all day long.”

The students were divided into groups and spend the week rotating between classes on acting, stage combat, dance, technical work, and costume design.

“At first I didn’t understand the language, but our teacher explained it to us and now I get most of it,” Parker said. “It has been a lot of fun.

Shantara Newkirk, who is taking on the role of Lady MacBeth, says she has been in plays before at her church and is looking forward to performing in front of her peers.

“I think I will be nervous during the play, but we are practicing so much that I will be used to it,” Newkirk said. “The words were confusing at first, but now I understand it. This experience has been great, especially since I don’t have any homework.”

Newkirk says the acting and dance classes have been her two favorites during the camp.

Moore said each of the Tipton students taking part in the ASF camp were chosen based on their academic achievement and conduct. The school has students from each grade level participating in the camp.

“Some of the students started this a little unsure if they were going to like it,” Moore said. “Now they have become interested and, come Friday, they will really be excited.”

Martinez Smiley, who will be playing the role of MacDuff, says he is enjoying learning about something different and new at school.

“This is fun to me and our teacher is really helping us with acting,” Smiley said. “I don’t think I’m going to mess up

during the play.”

By the end of the week, Moore said, the students will be able to have a whole new outlook on acting, drama, and being creative.

The students will perform “MacBeth” for parents, students and teachers in the Tipton gymnasium Friday at 1:30 p.m.