More Shakespeare Festival Activities for More Ages

Thanks to a new "best of" book published by National Geographic, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival is ready for increased attention as one of the 10 best theatre festivals anywhere.  Author Susan Magsamen included the Bloomington-Normal summer event in her book, "The 10 Best of Everything Families: An Ultimate Guide for Travelers."

But Central Illinois families have several other Shakespeare Festival-related activities to enjoy this summer. The festival's Education Outreach program, "Shakespeare Alive," will present a free, family-friendly, 45-minute version of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" in the Ewing Manor courtyard.  The play is geared toward children 9 and older, but all family members are welcome to attend.   Families should bring their own lawn chairs.

Although "The Tempest" will be presented free at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays from June 27 to Aug. 8 (but not July 4), tickets must be reserved in advance by calling (309) 438-3334 or e-mailing a request to festedu@ilstu.edu.

In "The Tempest," Prospero, the rightful king of Milan, has been banished to a magical island where he rules over fantastical creatures. When Prospero discovers that the brother who betrayed him is sailing close to his enchanted island, he conjures up a storm that shipwrecks the unrepentant Antonio and sets off a chain of surprising events that will lead to a final reconciliation.

The production also is available to tour.  Groups interested should contact Educational Outreach Director Annaliisa Ahlman at 438-3334 or festedu@ilstu.edu

Another offering available to youngsters this summer (from entering sixth grade to entering senior year in high school) is the first Shakespeare Summer Camp.  These day camps offer participants an exciting environment to explore Shakespeare's text with their peers in one week or two week sessions.

Sessions will run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday from June 22 to July 3 (focusing on "A Midsummer Night's Dream"), July 6 to 10 (focusing on "The Tempest") and July 13 to 17 (focusing on "Hamlet").  The cost is $350 per student for the two-week "A Midsummer Night's Dream" camp, $200 for the one-week "The Tempest" camp and $200 for the one-week "Hamlet" camp.

Small group activities with trained teaching artists help students develop skills in acting, voice, movement, character development and technical theatre. Students will also learn beginning stage combat. Small group rehearsals lead to a public performance at the end of each session. Tuition also includes special workshops with our professional actors, backstage tours and discounted tickets to a performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Applications for Shakespeare Summer Camp are available at http://www.thefestival.org/downloads/Camp%20Shakespeare%20Registration.pdf    Special family and dual session rates are available.