LA Theatre Ensemble and The Broad Stage Team for POP UP SHAKESPEARE, 11/15 & 16 and 12/13 & 15

In this special collaboration, the Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble (LATE) pairs its professional directors and actors with students from Santa Monica High School's Drama Department to present Shakespearean scenes prior to select performances of the London Globe's Hamlet and Fiasco Theatre Co.'s Cymbeline. Fulfilling the Education and Outreach missions of LATE and The Broad Stage, Pop Up Shakespeare educates and excites local youth about the magic of theatre by involving them, from beginning to end, in the professional process.

LATE Directors Drew Shirley and Jonathan Redding are leading the students through auditions, call-backs, and rehearsals that students have to juggle with Choir practice, SAT testing, and active social lives. "The students have all stepped up to the challenge-they are committed, intelligent, and ambitious...and we're learning so much from them," says LATE's Education Director, Danika Burmester. In addition to the in depth instruction and performance opportunities the students receive, they will also be workshopping their scenes with visiting artists from The London Globe's production of Hamlet and will be special guests at The Broad's Student Matinee performances of Hamlet and Cymbeline.

The Broad Stage and LATE are working together to combat the impact budget cuts are having in Education and the Arts, by supporting an extraordinary local arts program: Santa Monica High Schools Drama Department through Pop Up Shakespeare. Under the leadership of Kate Soller, SAMOHI students are receiving excellent instruction and opportunities in drama despite the current economic crisis. "Theater has the power to transform the lives of students; they become confident, and self-assured. We are honored to be part of this collaboration," says Soller.

"Pop-Up Shakespeare is just one of many programs we are launching to activate our plaza and create a playful experience for everyone who comes to The Broad Stage," says the new Manager of Outreach and Education, Carolyn Palmer. "At the Broad Stage we have an incredible capacity for providing access to world class artists, like actors from Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. We are capitalizing on the opportunities to create in depth programs that provide not just access, but also performance opportunities for students. In the process, we're deepening the experience of our patrons and artist as well."

Pop Up Shakespeare features scenes from Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, Julius Caeser and Taming of the Shrew.

Directed by Jonathan Redding and Drew Shirley Assistant Director, Danika Burmester, the LATE cast features Melissa Collins, Michael Pappas, Jonathan Redding, Mick Simons, and Isaac Wade. The Santa Monica High School cast includes Matilda Mead, Glenn Morizio, Alice Kors, Caragh Tiernan, and Olivia Worthen.

For tickets to Hamlet and Cymbeline, call 310-434-3200 or visit www.thebroadstage.com. For more about the Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble, go to www.latensemble.com, and for more about Education & Outreach at The Broad Stage, visit www.thebroadstage.com/artsed. 

The Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble is dedicated to staging theater works of high artistic integrity while endeavoring to remain broadly accessible and genuinely entertaining. The ensemble holds fast in its commitment to strike a balance between providing a venue for emerging artists and veteran artists; between the works of new playwrights, and revisiting timely and important classics.

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