Water Works Theatre Company Announces Grants; Shakespeare in the Park Schedule

Water Works Theatre company is proud to announce that it has received a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA). This $5,600 grant will enable Water Works to continue to provide high quality, professional theatre in Royal Oak and to present its summer production of The Tempest as part of its 11th annual Shakespeare In The Park in Royal Oak.

Regarding the award, Water Works Theatre Company's Managing Director, Katja Thomakos stated, "The arts are a vital part of our communities, and Michigan is fortunate to have the advocacy of MCACA. Water Works Theatre Company is extremely grateful for MCACA's support, which allows us to continue providing vibrant, exciting theatre to southeastern Michigan." Water Works is also grateful for the support of The Royal Oak Arts Council and The Dancing Angel Fund. Without them, the company would not be able to have enriched the lives of more 20,000 people over the past 10 years. These grants along with private and corporate donations will enable the company to present five exciting programs in Starr Jaycee Park.

Shakespeare in the Park in Royal Oak is Michigan's biggest and best outdoor professional theatre festival, featuring three solid weeks of theatrical fun in the middle of a tree-filled 28 acre park. Free parking adds convenience to Water Works' already low ticket prices. Most patrons bring their own lawn chair or blanket, or use convenient bleacher seats. Many people picnic in the park before entering the theatre area. This year's Shakespeare In The Park in Royal Oak will make you Believe in Magic with two magical plays, Shakespeare's Sonnets, and two exciting educational programs.

William Shakespeare's The Tempest: July 21 - August 7
- Water Works' annual professional Shakespeare production staged outdoors and under the stars in Starr Jaycee Park. This year's exciting production will be directed by Water Works Artistic Director Jeff Thomakos and promises to incorporate the park's natural space like never before. This activity is supported in part by an award from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Lane Riosley's The Commedia Tales of Aladdin: July 26 - August 7
- Water Works' daylight family show returns for a third exciting year. Directed by Michelle LeRoy, this production will entertain children of all ages with hilarious Commedia Del Arte antics and a whole lot of fun props and costumes.
Summer Sonnets: July 30 & August 6
- New this year at Shakespeare in the Park in Royal Oak will be FREE Saturday afternoon performances of the Bard's most famous love poems directed by Holly Conroy.
KidsAct!: August 1-5
- An exciting theatrical day camp for students entering grades 1-8, this annual event gives local students a chance to learn classic Shakespearean techniques and dialogue along side Contemporary Theatre styles.
Water Works Academy: July 25-29
- High School students now have a chance to join the Shakespeare In The Park in Royal Oak experience with their own pre-college intensive week-long workshop. With a rigorous curriculum, area students will have the opportunity to create their own productions on Water Works outdoor stage.

Water Works Theatre Company, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional theatre company that provides professional caliber experience to the emerging professional theatre artist. The company is proud to be presenting its 11th annual Shakespeare In The Park in Royal Oak without the aid of local tax payer dollars. For more information log on to: www.waterworkstheatre.com.

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