If there’s one thing the students of Rochester Memorial School have proven it’s that the works of William Shakespeare aren’t just for adults, says teacher Danni Kleiman.

For the past 24 years, Kleiman has directed the 5th and 6th grade students in a spring adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s plays.

On April 12, the students will tackle the concept of regicide in “Macbeth,” the story of the Scottish king who committed many murders on his way to the throne.

Despite the lengthy dialogue, Kleiman said the students have really made the story their own.

“Come show night,” said Kleiman. “You wouldn’t even know these kids were in 5th or 6th grade. They don’t get nervous. Most of them go to the music room between scenes to play card games then return to the stage for a big performance. I would be a wreck, but they’re not.”

Kleiman said she discusses the plot with the students to make sure they understand the meaning behind their lines.

“It’s interesting,” said Kleiman. “The emotion of anger is a lot easier for the students to act compared to love.”

For the students, getting their lines down is just a matter of practice makes perfect.

Gabe Noble Shriver, a 6th grader, plays the lead role of Macbeth.

“I have over 150 lines this year,” said Shriver. “I don’t really have stage fright but I go over my lines every night and read through the play over and over. The audience needs to hate me. I’m plotting to be King! I kill everyone to be King!”

Sixth grader Mackenzie Drew plays Lady Macbeth, wife to Macbeth

“I’m not that shy on stage,” said Drew. “I read over my lines almost every day and night. My mom actually helped me a lot by writing down one of my lines and having me write the next line. That way I know my ques.”

“Lady Macbeth is a tough character,” Drew said. “I’m actually a bit pushy and have a lot of different ideas in my head. I’m Macbeth’s backbone and I only really break down in worry during my spot scene.”