The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) is entering into a unique arrangement with the upcoming theatrical release, Me and Orson Welles, directed by Oscar®-nominated Richard Linklater (School of Rock, Before Sunset). Based on the book by Robert Kaplow, the film stars Zac Efron and Christian McKay; with Ben Chaplin, Claire Danes, Zoe Kazan, Eddie Marsan, Kelly Reilly, and James Tupper also leading an amazing ensemble cast. The film will open in New York City and Los Angeles on November 25, with its national release set for December 11.
Me and Orson Welles is not only a slice of theatre history and a backstage story of perhaps the most influential Shakespearean production in American history, but it's also a look at one of the true creative geniuses of the 20th century. Set in November of 1937, the story revolves around a week in the life of a high school student (Efron) who lands a small part in Orson Welles' (McKay) Mercury Theatre production of Julius Caesar.
As a film that tells the story of the process of opening a show, Me and Orson Welles will be of particular interest to theatre students and educators who are well-acquainted with this exhausting, but profoundly gratifying process. Because Mr. Linklater and the film's producers intend for this movie to be an exploration of theatre history, Shakespearean drama, the theatrical work of Orson Welles, as well as all that is learned in the process of producing a show, a study guide and featurettes have been developed and will be made available to educators free of charge. The study guide will provide educators and their students with a way to use Me and Orson Welles as a tool to study these important aspects of the film, as well as a springboard to study the history and context in which the film's story is told.
The producers plan for the study guide to be available in time for the film's New York City and Los Angeles release on November 25. Educators who wish to obtain the study guide can do so by downloading it at meandorsonwellesthemovie.com.
In addition to the study guide, the producers of Me and Orson Welles are extending another valuable opportunity to New York theatre programs. The film is partnering with Fandango, the movie ticketing website, to give New York educators a fundraising option in connection with the film. Each participating school is assigned a unique code. Then, they invite their supporters to purchase tickets to Me and Orson Welles at Fandango.com, using the school's unique code at the time of ticket purchase. For each ticket sold, Fandango.com will give the school $1.00.
Educators who wish to participate in this program can do so by sending an e-mail to MeandOrsonWelles.tickets@gmail.com.
"EdTA is excited to introduce theatre educators and students to Me and Orson Welles, but we're even more excited about the educational outreach program created by Mr. Linklater and the film's producers," says EdTA Executive Director Michael J. Peitz. "We hope that educators and students will take advantage of these opportunities."
To learn more about Me and Orson Welles, go to meandorsonwellesthemovie.com.
About the Educational Theatre Association
The Educational Theatre Association, as the pre-eminent professional association for theatre arts education, shapes lives by sharing ideas and supporting efforts to have theatre arts education (including film, television, and other related media) recognized in all phases of education and lifelong learning. Our members are a network of theatre arts educators, students, professionals, and enthusiasts. EdTA operates the International Thespian Society (ITS), an honorary organization for middle school and high school theatre students. The organization also publishes Dramatics, a monthly magazine for high school theatre students and educators, and Teaching Theatre, a quarterly journal for theatre education professionals.
