Rescue Romeo! invites families of all ages to learn digital literacy, decoding clues in Shakespeare until they either capture or rescue Romeo.
WHAT: Families team up with Capulet and Montague kids to learn how we spot the clues that build digital literacy. Through introspective and interactive games, Rescue Romeo! models the curiosity and contextual awareness for families to practice digital literacy in their daily lives.
Adapted from Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Romeo & Juliet
Cindy at the Media Swap in Audobon Park, giving away books and digital literacy kits (March 14, 2026)
Book an interview with Cindy Marie Jenkins, an internationally published writer and educator who shares research-based digital literacy for families through the arts. Read more.
2025 Orlando Kids’ Fringe poster:
PR Consultant Anne Collins, Fringezilla, and Cindy Marie Jenkins at 2025 Orlando Kids Fringe Festival.
Sparka Digital Literacy journey through emotional language & curiosity. Children & Caregivers learn to identify & talk about their emotions through songs and scenes celebrating Shakespeare’s connection to Nature.
60 min Workshop; 30 min Casual Q&A. Indoors | Outdoors | Virtual
Ages 6-11
Kids learn to use curiosity, context clues, and critical thinking to stay safe online. Arts & Digital Literacy Educator coaches students through scenes in Romeo & Juliet to identify trolling, bias, and how to de-escalate anger and conflict.
60 min Workshop; Pre & Post Educator/Caregiver Consultation. Indoors | Outdoors | Virtual
Ages 12-18
Teens work through the social dynamics of Romeo & Juliet and Shakespeare’s Histories to sharpen their talents in evaluating the meaning behind media.
Part 1: Arts Educator with over 25 years experience coaches students through scenes in Romeo & Juliet to identify trolling, bias, and how to de-escalate anger and conflict.
Part 2: Teens scaffold their learning from R&J to decipher bias in media, primary sources, and how to evaluate media before us.
60 min per Workshop; Pre & Post Educator/Caregiver Consultation. Indoors | Outdoors | Virtual
*All ages also available as a six week series (6 sessions) & one week camp (five days).
What does Shakespeare have to do with Digital Literacy?
By coaching and modeling Digital Literacy skills outside of the internet, children and caregivers connect the dots in more familiar scenarios.
Empowering children to understand even a short scene in Shakespeare builds their confidence to trust their instincts.
Showing the layers of a scene and a character’s motivations trains a child’s developing brain to scaffold information it receives; to not just identify intent and message, but also evaluate sincerity and when to ask for help.
