Photo Flash: Sneak Peek - STRAIGHT UP SHAKESPEARE at Middlebury Town Hall

In the winter and spring of 2013, Town Hall Theater and Middlebury Actors Workshop (MAW) teamed up to develop a short original Shakespeare show called "Straight Up Shakespeare - The Things We Do For Love" as part of its educational outreach program. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the cast in action!

Created by Lindsay Pontius, formerly of Shakespeare & Co. in Lenox, Mass, Melissa Lourie, a founder of Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, and the cast, the show is a fast, funny and poignant romp through seven of Shakespeare's best and most accessible scenes.

With original connective material and commentary designed to illuminate and enhance the scenes, a company of 6 MAW actors, including Lourie, take the audience on a ride through Romeo & Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, MacBeth, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Othello, and The Tempest.

The performance was created for students, and piloted twice at Town Hall Theater in April. Students from Middlebury Union and Mt.Abe High Schools, and Leicester and Mary Hogan Elementary Schools attended and also participated in interactive workshops held after the performance.

"Enthusiastic responses from the adults in the audience prompted us to consider community performances over the summer. Several people commented on how the language came alive. They seemed surprised at how much fun Shakespeare could be!" said Director Lindsay Pontius.

Students were also extremely positive: "I really enjoyed the play and loved that we had the opportunity to be part of the workshop. I liked when the actors were talking about what they think the feelings are behind each part of the scenes. The whole experience really broadened my understanding of Shakespeare and what he was trying to convey through his plays. I now know more about them and can relate to the emotions behind them."

THT and MAW plan to continue to develop Straight Up Shakespeare and bring it to schools around the state for years to come. Partially supported by an anonymous grant from the Vermont Community Foundation, additional grants and funding are currently being sought to make the program viable over the long run.

In an effort to raise awareness and funds for the program, the 50 minute performance, along with an interactive workshop with the actors, will be offered to the general public at the Hannaford Center's A.R.T. Black Box Theater on July 13 at 8pm & July 14 at 2pm. Tickets are $10. For tickets and information contact the THT Box Office at 802 382-9222, www.townhalltheater.org, or in person Monday - Saturday, noon - 5 pm.

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