ASF's Alfa Schoolfest Serves Over 36,000 Students in 2010-11

Alfa SchoolFest, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival's student matinee program, will bring over 36,000 children to The State Theatre this year. During the 2010-11 season, twenty thousand of these students have been introduced to the Shakespearean plays Julius Caesar and Much Ado About Nothing.

Students from 60 Alabama counties participated in this season's Alfa SchoolFest as well as students from Georgia, Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana.

The student matinees will conclude April 26 and 27 for Much Ado About Nothing and April 28 and May 5 for Julius Caesar. Public performances for both shows will run though the weekend of May 21 and 22.

"ASF's Producing Artistic Director Geoffrey Sherman has made a concerted effort to grow this exceptional arts education program and introduce as many children to the theatrical arts as possible," said Eve Loeb, ASF's development director. "Alfa Insurance Companies' partnership and deep generosity continues to be critical to maintaining this unique opportunity for the children of Alabama and the Southeast - Alfa SchoolFest."

Alfa has been the title sponsor of SchoolFest since 2004.

ASF's Alfa SchoolFest plays are picked not only to be age-appropriate for students but to also fit into the Alabama education curriculum. In addition to actually experiencing the plays at ASF's Festival and Octagon theatres, ASF's educational and artistic staffs provide detailed study guides as well as on-and off-site interactive learning sessions for schools to assist in maximizing the theatrical and educational experience for teachers and students. Another important aspect of
the Alfa SchoolFest program involves the plays' cast members--many of whom have Broadway, television and film credits--meeting with the students for "talkbacks" after each play.

This season, Alfa SchoolFest participants also had the opportunity to experience the world premieres of The Nacirema Society, The Flag Maker of Market Street and Blood Divided. Students also enjoyed the family shows Peter Pan: The Musical and The House at Pooh Corner.

The Alabama Shakespeare Festival will be announcing its 2011-12 season in mid May along with its Alfa SchoolFest schedule.

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