Studio East Launches Free Shakespeare in the Park with MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, 6/29

For the first time ever, Studio East is bringing Shakespeare to the park: specifically, Bridle Trails State Park in Kirkland. On June 29, 2012 at 6:00pm Studio East's cast of talented local teens will remount their successful spring production of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing for one last free outdoor performance. It will be presented in-the-round on the Main Show Grounds and is recommended for audiences age 9 and over. Fourteen local area teens comprise the cast; two Studio East alumni, Sierra Kagen and Emily Fassler, return in cameo roles as Dogberry and Verges respectively.

Much Ado About Nothing is Shakespeare's hilarious comedy about love and relationships. It focuses on two couples: Claudio and Hero, a promised couple who must overcome obstacles before they can wed, and Beatrice and Benedick, long-time verbal sparring partners and confirmed singles who haven't yet realized they love each other.

Bring your blankets, low-back chairs and a picnic dinner. Park in the Main Show Grounds parking lot located at the 5300 block of 116th Ave. The show is free (donations accepted) and there is a $10 State Parking fee for those without a WA State Discover pass. For tickets, call (425) 820-1800 or go online. For more about Studio East, click here, and for more about Bridle Trails, follow this link.

Studio East Training for the Performing Arts creates opportunities for young people to discover and explore the performing arts. It was founded in 1992 to provide theater arts education for children on the Eastside, in the belief that children can build confidence, leadership and teamwork skills through learning the discipline, dedication, and responsibility required by the art and craft of theater. Starting with one theater program for teens in 1992, Studio East has become one of the largest children's theater training programs in the Seattle area. Today, Studio East serves over 70,000 people annually with a comprehensive program of theater classes and performances for youth from ages 3 through 19, including drama classes, theater arts camps, Mainstage productions and StoryBook Theater shows. 2012 marks the beginning of Studio East's 20th anniversary season.

StoryBook Theater, produced by Studio East, is an adult professional touring troupe that introduces young children to live theater at venues throughout the Puget Sound area.

Bridle Trails Park Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 devoted to protecting, maintaining and enhancing Bridle Trails State Park. Volunteers work closely with the Parks Ranger and the agency to promote proper use and enhancement of this public facility, and maintain it as a vibrant and important part of the State Park system. Visitors are invited to explore this 486-acre oasis of greenery in the middle of suburbia. Equestrian and pedestrian use, as well as appreciation for the natural landscape makes this gem at the corners of Bellevue, Kirkland and Redmond a great place to visit on the Eastside.

Photo credit: Studio East