BTAC Offers DON'T FEAR SHAKESPEARE! Workshop and More, Summer 2013

Bloomington Theatre and Art Center (BTAC) is offering a variety of theater classes for youth and adults this spring and summer, including classes that introduce actors young and old to the works of William Shakespeare. This spring, Don't Fear Shakespeare! is a workshop that offers adults with limited experience the chance to better understand classical theater, and in late June, a 2-week workshop-and-performance called Camp Shakespeare will immerse young artists into the world of Shakespeare's vibrant comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.

Don't Fear Shakespeare! takes place today, April 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bloomington Center for the Arts at 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road in Bloomington. This workshop is taught by professional actor Paul R. Coate and is tailored for theater artists of any experience level who have little-to-no performance familiarity with classical theater. Attendees will explore the basics of how to read, speak, and understand Shakespeare's language, and learn methods of approaching Shakespeare's beautiful but challenging text, embody his dynamic characters, and more clearly interpret his timeless stories. The cost to attend is $45 for general admission, and $40 for BTAC members.

Paul R. Coate is a professional actor and singer who has performed with the Children's Theater Company, Park Square Theater, Theater Latte Da, Skylark Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, and many other venues in the Twin Cities. He has worked for Bloomington Theater and Art Center's Education Program for the last several years, reviving theater education offerings for youth and adults. Previous to his move to Minnesota five years ago, Paul served as an actor, educator, and camp director with the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival.

In June, after the great success of last summer's launch of Camp Shakespeare, BTAC is again offering this 2-week camp for students in grades 2-12. Between June 17 - 28, students will meet each weekday from 9:00 a.m. - noon, dividing into three age groups (grade school, middle school, and high school). Each group will explore a curriculum that makes the words and stories of William Shakespeare fun and easy to understand-all while learning valuable communication skills.

Twin Cities theater artists Anya Kremenetsky, Suzie Juul, and Adam Scarpello return from last year's camp to again lead a unique educational opportunity which will culminate in a public youth performance. During the Camp Shakespeare performance weekend, students will perform a short version of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing in the Schneider Theater (the home of Bloomington Civic Theatre) at Bloomington Center for the Arts. Performances take place Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 at 2:00 p.m. and are free and open to the public. The cost to attend Camp Shakespeare is $285 for the general public and $260 for BTAC members. Limited financial assistance is available.

BTAC is proud to be a source of artistic development for the Twin Cities' vibrant theater community through educational opportunities like Don't Fear Shakespeare! and Camp Shakespeare. To register for these offerings, call 952-563-8575. For more information about these or other classes and workshops at Bloomington Theatre and Art Center, visit www.btacmn.org.

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Pictured: Paul R. Coate

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