San Marcos Daily Record: Texas State prof awarded HEA grant in support of teaching Shakespeare

Texas State University's Joe Falocco, an associate professor in the Department of English, has been awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities grant in support of his "Teaching Shakespeare's Plays" project.

The grant of approximately $63,000, awarded through Summer Seminars and Institutes for College and University Teachers, supports professional development programs in the humanities for school teachers and college and university faculty.

"Shakespeare was a man of the theatre who wrote works of popular culture for the theatrical marketplace," Falocco said. "Therefore, an understanding of the original staging conditions under which the plays were first produced is a necessary prerequisite for teaching Shakespeare.

"This seminar is designed to provide that understanding," he said. "Alumni will be able to bridge the gap between page and stage when teaching Shakespeare. They will guide students who read the plays to envisage their performance; and they will be prepared to stage scenes in their classrooms or for public consumption."

U.S. Rep Lloyd Doggett weighed in on the announcement.

"Supporting the humanities and investing in our teachers and faculty is vital – they inspire new ways of thinking, encourage diversity and imagination, and offer critiques of our society," he said.

"This grant will strengthen Texas State's humanities program and Professor Falocco's project will not only aid educators, but will pave the way for our next generation to critically engage with history's greatest works. I will continue to oppose President Trump's proposal to eliminate the funding that makes this program possible."