Central Florida Students with and Without Special Needs Come Together to Produce ROMEO AND JULIET

Two families clash amidst a star-crossed romance in the Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF (Orlando Shakes) special production of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet performed by the Shakespeare with Heart company. Following a two-week summer camp, the troupe of middle and high school students with and without special needs will perform their work on the Margeson Theater stage on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets (suggested donation of $10) may be purchased online at www.orlandoshakes.org, by phone at (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center. Walk-up sales begin one hour before show time.

"Over the past twelve years, Shakespeare with Heart has created a safe environment where everyone's skills and efforts are celebrated," said Anne Hering, Director of Education at Orlando Shakes. "Romeo and Juliet will be an exciting and moving show for both the cast and audience."

Shakespeare with Heart is a collaboration between UCP of Central Florida, the Exceptional Education Department of UCF, and Orlando Shakes in which students with and without special needs work together over a two-week period to produce a Shakespeare play. All students participate in daily voice, movement, and warm-up activities before rehearsing together. This camp culminates in a fully produced performance on the Margeson Theater stage, complete with professional costumes, lights, set, and sound designs.

For additional information about Shakespeare with Heart and other Orlando Shakespeare Theater's Creative Arts Summer Camps, visit www.orlandoshakes.org/education or call the Education Department at (407) 447-1700 ext. 254.

Shakespeare with Heart is presented by UCP of Central Florida and The English Speaking Union of Central Florida.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of OrlandoAtPlay.com and UAArtsEd.com. This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.

Set in in Washington D.C., the Montagues and the Capulets have each planned family reunions at the same time. Brought together by a high school romance, they are forced to learn acceptance and forgiveness in Shakespeare's tragic romance, Romeo and Juliet.

Friday, July 21, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.. Orlando Shakespeare Theater in the Margeson Theater, 812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803. $10 - Suggested Donation