Stage Door News
Stage Door News
A tradition continues this week as Playmakers! Theatre School presents its 19th annual Stratford Children's Shakespeare Festival on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, May 6 and 7, at Factory163.
Young actors will present three plays, Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale and Much Ado About Nothing and an adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream called Enchanted Forest.
The school's Apprentice cast of eight- to 10-year-olds will perform The Winter's Tale filled with fairytale elements including a lost princess raised by shepherds and a statue that comes to life.
Older actors aged 11-16 will present the comedy Much Ado About Nothing in an updated staging of the classic tale, including a live band.
The youngest actors, aged five- to seven-years-old, take on Enchanted Forest, bringing to life what the school called "the magical and hilarious results of human/fairy 'close encounters' in the forest one summer night."
Playmakers! has provided theatre training and performance opportunities to local youth since 1993.
"We’re proud to say that many of our students stay with Playmakers! for five seasons or more," said artistic director Susan Kennedy.
"Participating in our programs boosts their confidence while they hone real-world skills in collaboration, effective listening, empathy, literacy, cognition and higher thinking.
"Also, according to so many, many emails, letters and cards from students and parents over twenty-three years, they have a lot of fun!"
For ticket information and performance times, as well as background on programs and camps, visit /www.makers.ca.
From www.stratfordbeaconherald.com.
Photo: Erik Young as Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing. ©2016 Scott Wishart.
2016-05-03
Stratford: The 19th annual Stratford Children's Shakespeare Festival is May 6-7