MONTANA SHAKESPEARE IN THE SCHOOLS
BOZEMAN – This fall, Montana Shakespeare in the Schools is performing Shakespeare’s boisterous comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to nearly 12,000 students in communities throughout Montana, Wyoming, and, for the first time, Idaho. Its annual tour began Oct. 10 at the Anderson School in Bozeman.
Kevin Asselin, executive artistic director of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, directs the play and the 10-week tour is the first of two educational outreach programs being offered during this academic year by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, which is based at Montana State University. The fall tour will conclude in late December and Montana Shakes!, a tour designed specifically for elementary school children, will start in the spring.
“The primary goal of Shakespeare in the Schools is to bring live, professional performances of Shakespeare’s plays to middle and high schools across Montana, Wyoming and Idaho with an emphasis on rural, underserved areas,” said Susan Dickerson, the organization’s managing director.
Shakespeare in the Schools’ annual Elise Event, a fundraiser named in honor of sponsor Elise Donohue, will be held Saturday, Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m., in MSU’s Black Box Theatre. The event will feature a catered after-show wine reception and the performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” followed by an intimate talk back with the actors and designers. Call (406) 994-3303 for tickets and more information.
Visit shakespeareintheparks.org or call (406) 994-3310 for more information about Shakespeare in the Schools, and to see if the tour is visiting a school near you.
Fall tour dates: Bozeman and Big Sky
Nov. 1: MSU Black Box Theater, 7 p.m. – public performance
Nov. 3: Park and Gallatin County Homeschool Network, 10 a.m.
Nov. 4: Bozeman High School, 8:35 a.m.
Nov. 14: Chief Joseph Middle School, 9 a.m.
Dec. 3: Belgrade High School, 9 a.m.
Dec. 5: Lone Peak High School, 8:45 a.m.
Dec. 18: Petra Academy, 9 a.m.
All school performances are private. If you are interested in attending a performance, please contact the school’s administration.
