Theatre has the power to transform lives. The Good Will Shakespeare Festival provides secondary school students with the opportunity to meet and learn from a variety of internationally acclaimed actors, musicians, and artists.  The Festival brings these world class performers, such as Baba Brinkman, Holly Adams, Aldo Billingslea, Bobby Bovenzi and many others to the four day festival in Summerland, British Columbia.  Each May nearly 350 students and their teachers descend upon the small town of Summerland ready to be involved in one of the richest possible learning experiences.  Although "Shakefest" (as the students like to call it) focuses on Shakespeare, it covers an array of subjects such as theatre, art, TV and Video, vocal, writing, improvisation, costume design, set design, acting, makeup and directing.  By participating in these workshops and learning about the theatrical process the students experience the transformative power of theatre and the arts. The Good Will Shakesphere Festival is a community event.  Many Summerlanders participate by opening their homes to billet students as well as volunteering throughout the festival.  Many of the local businesses provide much needed and appreciated financial support and supplies.  Throughout the festival students will act, sing, design, write and connect with others from around the province.  It is hoped that they will be inspired to take their passion for the arts in all its varied forms and share it with others so that they will see the value of the arts in their lives.