Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST Opens at the Curtain Theatre, Now Through Today

Austin Shakespeare teen company Young Shakespeare will perform The Tempest at Richard Garriott de Cayeux' replica of an Elizabethan theater, The Curtain Theater, on the shores of Lake Austin, June 19 - 22 (Thurs-Sun at 8 pm) and June 25 - 28 (Wed-Sat at 8 pm).

The Tempest, one of the Bard's late masterworks is considered by many to be his greatest play. Our family friendly adaptation contains the indelible characters Prospero, Ariel, Caliban and others. Shakespeare creates an imaginary world on a magical island as the play journeys through a series of twists and turns before order is restored and freedom attained.

Returning actors Zoe Buckalew (4th year), Jack Frey (3rd year), Nell Buechler (2nd year), Gabrielle Lewis (2nd year) and Jonathan Holle (5th year) will be joined by newcomers Solana Bailey, Adele Witt, Alley Koenig, Zachary Freeman, Morgan Metcalf, Michael Quinn, LARA and Ben Rodrigue. Young assistant stage manager is Lilly Sheridan and Young Production Assistant Ting Goodfriend.

These students come from all over the Austin area and represent diversity of ethnicity, socio-economic level and theater backgrounds. "It's exciting to work with a combination of experienced and new young performers," says Ann Ciccolella, Artistic Director.

"The language of The Tempest is among Shakespeare's most powerful - challenging students to rise to a high level of performance and comprehension, making this year's Young Shakespeare our most ambitious project yet. We hope that everyone will join us for an evening of verse, music, and a jig!"

The Young Shakespeare program features a professional rehearsal process with artistic director, designers and acting coaches, now in its fifth year. Director, designers, coaches and crew includes Ann Ciccolella (Artistic Director), Nancy Eyermann (Vocal Coach), and Kevin Squires (Resident Fight Choreographer). The costumes were designed by Talena Martinez, with set design by Leslie Turner. Dance choreography led by Yelena Konetchy.

For more information on Austin Shakespeare, The Tempest or the Young Shakespeare program, visitwww.austinshakespeare.org.

Young Shakespeare is generously sponsored by Bill Dickson.

ABOUT AUSTIN SHAKESPEARE: Founded in 1984 and the only professional classical theater company in Central Texas, Austin Shakespeare presents professional theatre of the highest quality with an emphasis on the plays of William Shakespeare, bringing to the public performances that are fresh, bold, imaginative, thought-provoking, and eminently accessible, connecting the truths of the past with the challenges and possibilities of today. Continuing its 30 years of free Shakespeare at Austin's Zilker Hillside Theatre, Austin Shakespeare also annually produces shows at The Long Center for the Performing Arts Rollins Studio Theatre as a new Resident Company. Additional programs include the weekly "Shakespeare Aloud" reading group, and Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream Summer Camp at St Michael's Academy June 24-28, 2013 . Austin Shakespeare's education program 20/20 sends professional actors into the schools to encourage love of language.