Shakespeare in the Schools Touring ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

BOZEMAN — For its 29th season, Montana Shakespeare in the Schools has hit the road with a tour of “Much Ado About Nothing.” The group will host 53 performances at 47 schools in communities throughout Montana and Wyoming. The tour began on Oct. 1 and runs through mid-December. To accommodate schools’ scheduling needs, productions are trimmed to 75 minutes, along with workshops for students that relate to the play.

“Our mission through Shakespeare in the Schools is to share Shakespeare with students who might not otherwise have an opportunity to experience live, professional theater,” said Executive Artistic Director Kevin Asselin. “Seeing children's curiosity and excitement grow when they hear Shakespearean language for the first time is truly magical for all involved.”

The professional eight-member cast that makes up the touring company was chosen at national auditions. The company rehearsed for three weeks in Bozeman before presenting the play to middle and high schools. This year, the cast includes Calvin Adams, Sam Cheeseman, Andrés Enriquez, Emily Hawkins, Stephanie Neuerberg, Ethan Miles Perry, Nadja Simmonds and Gerit Wilford.

Tour Schedule - Golden Triangle Performances

Oct. 25 – Augusta High School

Nov. 16 – Belt High School

Nov. 17 – Power High School

Nov. 18 – Simms High School

Nov. 19 – Highwood High School

Montana Shakespeare in the Schools, which is based in Montana State University’s College of Arts and Architecture, is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts: Shakespeare in American Communities. Additional support comes from the Montana Arts Council; Montana Cultural Trust; the Homer A. and Mildred S. Scott Foundation; the Sidney E. Frank Foundation; The Grainger Foundation; the Michael J. Connell Foundation; the Gianforte Family Foundation; The Morton H Meyerson Family Foundation; Applied Materials Foundation; The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation; and individual donors.

- MSU News Service -