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 on Saturday, 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.
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.
Pictured: Paul R. Coate
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