MISSOULA – The University of Montana School of Theatre & Dance’s production of “As You Like It” marks the beginning of a new project for the school: the construction of a reusable set that is an homage to London’s famed “wooden O,” better known as Shakespeare’s Globe.

A model of the Shakespeare’s Globe set under construction at UM (UM Photo)
A model of the Shakespeare’s Globe set under construction at UM (UM Photo)
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Shakespeare staged many of his plays in the original Globe Theatre, built in 1599. UM faculty and staff decided to build a scaled replica of the space to create the opportunity to practice and perform Shakespeare’s plays as they would have been produced in his lifetime.

The ongoing project will be undertaken with a set the school intends to keep and reuse for multiple productions in the coming years. The center two-story element of the set was built for “As You Like It,” while the remaining side towers – to be used by both actors and audiences – will be built at a later date.

The set will eventually include a trap in the stage floor, and additional small scenic elements will be added for different productions.

“The School of Theatre & Dance couldn’t be more excited and proud to bring this historical – and yet innovative – project to audiences,” said UM theater Professor Alessia Carpoca, who designed the Globe replica for Montana performances.

“As You Like It,” directed by UM Associate Professor of Theater John Kenneth DeBoer, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Oct. 11-14, and Oct. 18-21, as well as at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15 and 22, in the Masquer Theatre in UM’s Performing Arts and Radio/TV Center.

General admission tickets cost $16, while senior and student tickets cost $14. Admission for children 12 and under is $10. Tickets are available by calling the UMArts Box Office at 406-243-4581 from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, or ordering online at www.umt.edu/theatredance.

A complete schedule of UM School of Theatre & Dance productions for the 2017-18 academic year is online.

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