Kentucky Shakespeare to Renovate C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater

Kentucky Shakespeare announces that the C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater stage house in Central Park will be taKen Down after 24 years. Veteran scenic designer Paul Owen designed the multi-use structure in 1992. In 2014 Owen re-designed the stage floor to encompass that surrounding trees and bring the performance space closer to the audience. This newly rebuilt horizontal stage structure will remain in place while the upright portion is taKen Down

"What an exciting time for Kentucky Shakespeare under the masterful leadership of my colleague and friend Matt Wallace," said former longtime Producing Artistic Director Curt L. Tofteland. "When we raised this structure in 1992, under the watchful eye of the brilliant designer Paul Owen, the first production I directed was Much Ado About Nothing."

"Due to structural and safety issues and to reimagine the next chapter for our stage, it's time for us to take the vertical structure down," said Matt Wallace, Producing Artistic Director. "We got many good seasons out of the stage house, longer than intended. Now, with new seating, a new lighting truss, and body microphones incorporated, we are no longer limited to the playing area of the stage house structure. We've already begun work with Paul Owen on the design for next summer, and we'll be using this as an exciting opportunity to highlight the natural beauty of the park and the 'three sisters' - the three large trees that frame the stage in this beautiful Olmsted park."

The new, more natural design will align with the 2005 Olmsted and Metro Parks Central Park Master Plan, with the amphitheater "intended to be omnidirectional when not in use" with the "stage house completely removed after each series."

"Keep your eyes peeled, though," said Associate Artistic Director Amy Attaway, "because portions of the amphitheater stage house will have an encore performance on our set for 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead' in January at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts!"

On November 4, a group of past and present staff, board, artists, and technicians gathered at the amphitheater for a "stage house farewell" - sharing stories, Shakespeare's words, and plans for the future. Photos of the get together included with release.

The 57th season of the free Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park begins May 31, 2017, with Much Ado About Nothing. The season runs through August 13, 2017, with 8 productions running 66 performances over 11 weeks.

For more information about Kentucky Shakespeare visit www.kyshakespeare.com.

Kentucky Shakespeare presents the oldest free Shakespeare festival in the United States and is the largest, in-school arts education provider in the Commonwealth. Mission: Grounded in the works of Shakespeare, we enrich our community by presenting accessible, professional theatre experiences that educate, inspire, and entertain people of all ages.

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