Orlando Shakespeare Theater to Host 2015 Free Open House This Weekend

Orlando Shakespeare Theater kicks off its 27th Season by welcoming the community to a Free Open House.

The family-friendly event includes crafts and coloring for the little ones, story time with costumed characters, creative demonstrations from the Theater's production staff, and an Artistic Q&A Panel with Orlando Shakes artists.

Guests will also have the opportunity to win tickets to 2015-2016 Season productions including Monty Python's SPAMALOT, as well as prizes from other Central Florida arts organizations, in a paid raffle.

Additional activities provided by the Orlando Fire Department, Orlando Fire Museum, WUCF, Orange County Library System, O2B Kids Oviedo, Macaroni Kid, and Mad Science of N.E. Central Florida.

It all takes place on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, located at 812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803. Ongoing activities from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. -- Walk-ins welcome throughout the event. This event is free and open to the public. For questions about Orlando Shakespeare Theater's Free Open House, visit www.orlandoshakes.org/openhouse or call (407) 447-1700 ext. 1.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of www.power2give.org/centralflorida, and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

Founded in 1989, Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF produces classic, contemporary, and children's plays and musicals. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director PJ Albert, Orlando Shakes has grown into one of the region's most acclaimed professional Equity theaters, garnering national recognition from The Wall Street Journal's Terry Teachout. "Hence the high quality of Orlando Shakespeare, a company that deserves to be far more widely known outside Florida." With ambitious, high-caliber productions like 2014's The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Parts I & II or 2008's chilling Macbeth performed "in the round", the Theater continues to provide an innovative world-class theatrical experience to its guests, while showcasing William Shakespeare's legacy as the cornerstone of the company. Orlando Shakes also offers immersive educational programming that serves Central Florida schools and the local community at large. For more information visit www.orlandoshakes.org.

Photo Credit: Landon St. Gordon