1,000,000 Children Served Through KY Shakespeare
April 04, 2013
Celebration Day, co-sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, takes place April 23rd at Fern Creek Traditional High School
Kentucky Shakespeare, the largest in-school arts education provider in the Commonwealth, will serve its 1,000,000th child on April 23rd, 2013 at Fern Creek Traditional High School. Fern Creek offers the Communication, Media and Arts 5-Star Professional Career Theme.
Several types of performances will be held at Fern Creek throughout the day, as well as a presentation of Julius Caesar and a celebration of William Shakespeare’s 449th Birthday. Over 90 productions of Julius Caesar, Living History, Inspecting Shakespeare and Artists in Residents will also be happening at different schools in the Commonwealth.
As a prize for hosting the 1,000,000th child, Fern Creek will receive a minimum of $5,000 worth of free programs provided by KYS during the 2013-2014 school year. Fern Creek will use these programs to conduct assessments that will provide data in the valuing of arts-based education programs as they relate to test scores.
“The provision of arts education to our youth is critical and Kentucky Shakespeare has filled an important need,” states Lori Meadows, executive director of the Kentucky Arts Council. “Through workshops, performances, theatre camps and advanced training, students in every county of the Commonwealth have benefitted from their services, and I’m sure will continue to do so for many years.”
Barbara Sexton Smith, president/CEO of the Fund for the Arts, also added, “At the Fund for the Arts, we believe an arts-rich education improves graduation rates and raises test scores. Kentucky Shakespeare’s work is an excellent example of how the arts can benefit the children in our community.”
Both Lori Meadows and Barbara Sexton Smith will be on hand for interviews and questions beginning at 8 AM during the celebration festivities, as well as District 22 Councilman Robin Engel, Principal of Fern Creek Dr. Houston M. Barber and JCPS Superintendent Donna Hargens. Students will also be available for comments.
Fifth Third is a proud co-sponsor of Celebration Day, and will be hosting a Budgeting & Understanding Credit workshop to help students become more financially aware and prepared for their futures.
“Fifth Third is proud to partner with KY Shakespeare in celebration of the 1,000,000th child,” said Tom Partridge, President & CEO, Fifth Third Bank, “There is nothing more important than educating our children, and KY Shakespeare has made a tremendous contribution to this community.”
Kentucky Shakespeare’s education programs serve 75,000 students in 120 counties in Kentucky each year, as well as in Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
For more information or to schedule a media interview, call (502) 574-9900 or visit www.kyshakespeare.com. You can also follow the organization at twitter.com/kyshakespeare or on Facebook. continue reading
Best Bets | Kentucky Shakespeare's 'Measure for Measure'
July 26, 2012
By Elizabeth Kramer, The Courier-Journal, Published July 26, 2012
One could call it Shakespeare’s “Sex and the City.” “Measure for Measure” poses a tangled plot (this is the Bard) with Claudio and Juliet having consummated their marriage too soon in the eyes of the judge governing the city in the absence of the ruling duke.
The judge’s decision to execute Claudio sets off a string of efforts by his sister and novice nun, Isabella, visiting the judge to plead for her brother only to face his sexual advances. What is a nun to do with this moral conundrum?
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William Shakespeare meets Keith Kaiser
July 25, 2012
By Keith Kaiser, WDRB, July 25, 2012
The annual Shakespeare in the Park festival is proud to feature Much Ado About Nothing for its 53rd season opener.
Running now - July 29 in Old Louisville's Central Park, Much Ado is directed by nationally recognized Jane Page, who brings a new flare to the Louisville stage with a Gunsmoke meets Shakespeare theme - where eavesdropping and gossip are central to a community and where it is truly "a man's world."
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Festival in financial trouble
July 20, 2012
By Dawne Gee, Wave 3, Published July 20, 2012
LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) – Kentucky's Shakespeare Festival's "Much Ado About Nothing" is really something.
It is the very first play the company ever performed and you may never see Shakespeare done as a spaghetti western again.
Unfortunately, due to financial reasons, Kentuckiana may never see Kentucky's Shakespeare Festival again.
The festival is 53 years old, making it the oldest free Shakespeare Festival in the United States.
Producing Artistic Director Brantley Dunaway said, "It's a kind of magic that doesn't exist anymore, except here in Kentuckiana."
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@ "Much Ado" in Central Park
July 19, 2012
By Aimee Jewell, The Voice-Tribune, Published July 19, 2012
As the actors and actresses stepped onto the stage, an immediate hush fell over the audience. But rather than turning my attention to those in the spotlight, I was distracted by those in the audience. T-shirts and basketball shorts, suits and ties, sundresses and high heels, running shoes and even a few dogs in the mix – the diversity of the people in attendance was refreshing. This was not your average playhouse inside Actors Theatre of Louisville or the Kentucky Center for the Arts, but an outdoor arena, fit for all ages, all lifestyles and all fashions. This was Shakespeare in the Park, put on by Kentucky Shakespeare.
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WAVE 3 Editorial – July 17, 2012: Arts Community
July 17, 2012
By Ken Selvaggi, Wave 3, Published July 17, 2012
WAVE 3 Vice President and General Manager
Our community should take a bow at contributing to the most successful arts fundraising campaign in the country. The 11% increase in the Fund for the Arts campaign and the nearly $800,000 in new dollars topped all campaigns nationally. The more than $8 million raised was the third highest total in the 63 year history of the fund drive.
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"Much Ado About Nothing" review
July 15, 2012
By Rachel White, Arts-Louisville.com, Published July 15, 2012
Much Ado About Nothing
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Jane Page
Reviewed by Rachel White
Entire contents are copyright © 2012 Rachel White. All rights reserved.
Kentucky Shakespeare Festival’s production of Much Ado About Nothing claims to be Gunsmoke meets Shakespeare and melds the campy television American western style with the heightened Renaissance poetry of Shakespeare. In so doing, it turns Much Ado About Nothing into a slapstick romantic western comedy.
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Kentucky Shakespeare Festival's artistic director is making much ado over the company's future
July 13, 2012
By: Elizabeth Kramer, The Courier-Journal, Published: July 13, 2012
NOW PLAYING
What: The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival’s “Much Ado About Nothing” by William Shakespeare
When: 8:30 nightly (except Mondays) through July 29 (7 p.m. pre-show entertainment)
Where: Old Louisville’s Central Park, Fourth Street and Magnolia Avenue
Cost: Free
Information: (502) 574-9900; kyshakespeare.com.
This month’s opening of the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival production of “Much Ado About Nothing” dovetailed with cooler temperatures — a good development for audiences seeing the play outdoors in Louisville’s Central Park.
But work has been going on at what seems a fever pitch for the past two years, since the organization’s producing artistic director, Brantley Dunaway, came on board. During that time, he’s been working to remake the organization into what he said can be a driving force in the local economy and more.
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KY Shakespeare Director Says Much Ado is "a Kick in The Pants"
July 13, 2012
By Laura Ellis, WFPL, Published on July 13, 2012.
Last night, Kentucky Shakespeare opened its production of Much Ado About Nothing, with a twist—this version is set in the Wild West. Producing Artistic Director Brantley Dunaway joined WFPL's Erin Keane on Friday's Byline, to talk about the show, and what's new with Kentucky Shakespeare.
Listen NOW! continue reading
Theater: Much ado About Shakespeare
July 11, 2012
By: LEO Weekly, Jennifer Harlan, Published July 11, 2012
Shakespeare in the Park gears up for its 53rd year.
All the world may be a stage, but this summer Louisville theater-goers should head to Central Park for Kentucky Shakespeare’s delightful slate of summer fare. The oldest free outdoor Shakespeare festival in the country, Derby City’s Shakespeare in the Park has been delighting local audiences for more than 50 years. This year promises to be another winner, with crowd-pleaser “Much Ado About Nothing” leading off the season.
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Kentucky Shakespeare
July 11, 2012
By: WUOL, Published on July 11, 2012
Jane Page, who directs Much Ado About Nothing, the opening production by Kentucky Shakespeare, describes it as “Gunsmoke meets Shakespeare”. Classical 90.5’s Alan Brandt talks to Page and Producing Artistic Director and CEO Brantley Dunaway about the show.
Click here to hear the interview!
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Shakespeare in the Park presents "Much Ado About Nothing" with a Western Theme
July 09, 2012
See our promo from WHAS 11 below! Published July 9, 2012
Shakespeare in the Park presents "Much Ado About Nothing"
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Kentucky Shakespeare creates Much Ado over the play
July 09, 2012
By: Louisville.com, Brian Kennedy, Published July 9, 2012.
Love and deception take over in the Shakespearean comedy Much Ado About Nothing, the summer opener for Kentucky Shakespeare starting this week.
Much Ado About Nothing will take place every night except Mondays from July 12-29 at 8:30 p.m. with a pre-show beginning at 7 p.m. All performances are to happen in Central Park, located at the corner of 4th and Magnolia Streets in the Old Louisville area.
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Monday Movie Night in Central Park
July 05, 2012
By: Joe Hayden, Published on July 5, 2012
Most people dread the beginning of the week, but throughout the month of July, Shakespeare in the Park will be giving everyone something to look forward to on Mondays. Councilman David James teamed up with Kentucky Shakespeare to create this summertime fun event for families.
Starting on Monday July 9th, Shakespeare in the Park will be presenting Monday Movie Nights. This is a FREE event that will be offering a different movie each Monday during July in Old Louisville's Central Park located at 1340 S. Fourth Street from 9:30 pm till midnight. Families and friends can pick up soda and snacks from the concession stand or bring some treats of their own to nibble on during the viewing.
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Kentucky Shakespeare presents “Much Ado About Nothing”
July 03, 2012
By J. Mack, Getoutlouisville.com, Published July 3, 2012
Event: Kentucky Shakespeare presents “Much Ado About Nothing”
Dates: July 12th – 29th (Daily Expect Mondays)
Time: 7pm (Pre-show Entertainment), 8:30pm (Curtain Call)
Location: Old Louisville’s Central Park, 1340 S 4th St. 40208
Price: Free; $20 (VIP)
Purchase Ticket: VIP – Online (HERE) or Call 502.574.9900
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Kentucky Shakespeare presents "Much Ado About Nothing"
July 02, 2012
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Lenae McKee Price
Director of Development and Marketing
502.574.9900
lenae@kyshakespeare.com
Kentucky Shakespeare Presents the 53rd
Season of Shakespeare in the Park
Featuring Much Ado About Nothing
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 26, 2012) – The annual Shakespeare in the Park festival is proud to feature Much Ado About Nothing for its 53rd season opener.
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A Double Heart for Kentucky Shakespeare
June 28, 2012
By Laura Snyder, NFocus Louisville Magazine, Published June 28, 2012
Brantley and Madison Dunaway Bring Their Love of Theatre to Louisville
For the 52nd year, the social movement and cultural treasure known internationally as “Shakespeare in the Park” will return to Louisville’s Central Park, bringing free performances of a Gunsmoke-meets-Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing to all who want to enjoy the communal experience of theater in a civic space. NFocus spent some time getting to know Kentucky Shakespeare’s Producing Artistic Director and CEO Brantley Dunaway and his wife, award-winning actress Madison Dunaway, along with the cast of Much Ado About Nothing. What we have to share with you is nothing short of the transformative enchantment you would unexpectedly find in the best of Shakespeare’s “Green World.”
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Previewing Kentucky Shakespeare's 2012 summer season [Theater]
June 21, 2012
By Brian Kennedy, Louisville.com, Published June 21, 2012
Bring a blanket or get the VIP treatment during the 2012 summer season for the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival.
During the summer season, the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival will present two plays: Much Ado About Nothing (July) and Measure for Measure (August). Both performances will happen outdoors at Central Park, located at the corner of 4th and Magnolia Street in Old Louisville.
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Shakespeare Festival Shopping for Theater Space
April 09, 2012
by WFPL News, written by Erin Keane on April 9, 2012
The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival is shopping for a new indoor performance space. Festival leadership has expressed interest in purchasing a Theater Square building that currently houses the Roxbury Nightclub and Lounge.
The board of directors recently approved a new strategic plan that calls for expanded programming. Producing artistic director Brantley Dunaway hopes more plays and a longer production season will transform the festival from a free summer program into a robust tourism destination. continue reading
National Study of Arts Education Finds Declines in Theater, Dance Instruction
April 06, 2012
By: Philanthropy News Digest, Published April 6, 2012
The National Center for Education Statistics, a federal entity located within the U.S. Department of Education, has released the findings of a national survey that comprehensively documents the state of arts education in U.S. public schools, the first such survey in a decade.
Based on data collected in 2009-10, the report, Arts Education in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools (126 pages, PDF), found that while there have not been significant declines in music and visual arts instruction in elementary and secondary schools nationwide over the last decade, the percentage of elementary schools making theater and dance instruction available has fallen dramatically, from 20 percent a decade ago to 4 percent and 3 percent, respectively, in the 2009-10 school year. The report also found that coursework in the arts was not required for graduation at more than 40 percent of the secondary schools surveyed. continue reading
U.Va. Drama Offers Fresh Look at Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'
April 05, 2012
by: UVaToday, John Kelly, Published April 5, 2012
The University of Virginia Drama Department is peeling back the layers of one of the most oft-told love stories with a new production of "Romeo and Juliet."
Set to debut April 19 at Culbreth Theatre, this production is directed by Brantley Dunaway, executive director of the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival.
This time around, the tale of the Montagues and Capulets is set in the Mississippi Delta of the early 20th century and, according its director, has been fashioned with accessibility in mind. continue reading
"We the People" in Bowling Green City Schools
April 05, 2012
By LAUREL WILSON The Daily News lwilson@bgdailynews.com, Published April 5, 2012
A touring theater group made stops in several city schools over the last few days to perform scenes from American history.
Living History: We the People education program, presented by members of the Kentucky Shakespeare troupe, included scenes from the American Revolution through the Civil War. The three-person show demonstrates how the country is shaped by its citizens and why it’s so important to participate in democracy.
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The future of the historic community tradition of Shakespeare in the Park
April 04, 2012
By Underwired Magazine's Laura Grinstead
Click Here Underwired Magazine's Article on Kentucky Shakespeare
As the director of marketing and development for Kentucky Shakespeare, Lenae Price is on a mission to ensure the future of this historic community tradition.
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Shaking up Shakespeare: Jeffersonville Elementary students learn playwright's work
April 04, 2012
By newsandtribune.com - JEROD CLAPP | Published: April 4, 2012
JEFFERSONVILLE — After the show, audience members talked a little about romance amidst feuding and the price two lovers were willing to pay to spend eternity together.
But these onlookers haven’t even started middle school yet.
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Are you a Montague or A Capulet?
April 03, 2012
By: ArtsEducation, submitted by Toska Adams, Arts and Humanities Teacher | Published April 3, 2012
Students at Laukhuf Elementary spent 2 weeks studying William Shakespeare and his most famous play Romeo and Juliet. With the help of 5 x 5 Funds for the Arts, Kindergarten had a hands on experience with actors from Kentucky Shakespeare by participating in Bard Buddies. During their Bard Buddies experience students wore costumes and performed scenes from Romeo and Juliet in their classroom under the direction of Kentucky Shakespeare actors. continue reading
Kentucky Shakespeare officials in negotiations to buy Theatre Square property housing troubled Roxbury rap club
April 02, 2012
The Roxbury on Theatre Square
One of downtown’s persistent trouble spots might be getting a radical makeover into a performing arts center.
Insiders have told Insider Louisville that Theater Square Club Roxbury, a rap and R&B club with a long record of fights and shootings, could become a performance center for the ascendant
Kentucky Shakespeare organization.
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Kentucky Shakespeare officials in negotiations to buy Theatre Square property housing troubled Roxbury rap club
April 02, 2012
By InsiderLouisville.com, Terry Boyd | Published: April 2, 2012
The Roxbury on Theatre Square
One of downtown’s persistent trouble spots might be getting a radical makeover into a performing arts center. continue reading
Play on! Kentucky Shakespeare offering Spring Break Acting and Playwriting Camps for Middle Schoolers
March 21, 2012
By InsiderLouisville.com Staff | Published: March 21, 2012
In a day when everyone’s a star, Kentucky Shakespeare is giving aspiring thespians a chance to learn from the greatest playwright who ever lived and the greatest fighter.
Kentucky Shakespeare is collaborating with Locust Grove and the Muhammad Ali Center April 9 through April 13, creating two new play writing and acting spring break camps for Louisville-area middle schoolers.
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Kentucky Shakespeare Uses Creative Educational Programming to Reach Students of All Ages
January 06, 2012
Kentucky Shakespeare has announced its 2011-2012 educational programming schedule, further expanding its innovative list of offerings to schools across a five- state region. Kentucky Shakespeare is the largest arts education organization in the Commonwealth visiting more than 75,000 children in the classroom each year.
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Councilman David James and Kentucky Shakespeare Present the First Ever Saturday in the Park October 15, Central Park in Old Louisville
October 15, 2011
WHO: Councilman David James of District 6- Old Louisville and Kentucky Shakespeare, the oldest free Shakespeare festival in the nation.
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Kentucky Shakespeare will Host the National Conference on Outdoor Drama
September 01, 2011
Kentucky Shakespeare will host the 2011 National Conference on Outdoor Drama in Louisville, October 12-15. Sponsored by the Institute of Outdoor Drama, a public service agency of East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., the 49th annual conference brings together professionals for in-depth discussions of all facets of outdoor drama. continue reading
Lenae McKee Price Joins Kentucky Shakespeare
August 15, 2011
Lenae McKee Price has joined the staff of Kentucky Shakespeare as Director of Development and Marketing, a position which fuses her passion for theatre and non-profits.
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Shakespeare Comes Alive at Western Middle School Thursday
March 01, 2011
- Thursday, April 28
- 12:45 p.m. (Actors will begin setting up at 11:30)
- Western Middle School, 2201 West Main Street
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Kentucky Shakespeare Celebrates 50th Anniversary with July 17th Gala Event
July 07, 2010
“Shakespeare with the Stars” to Feature Local Celebrities, Business Leaders and Personalities Performing Memorable Scenes and Sonnets
Louisville, KY - The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Shakespeare in Central Park with a gala event beginning at 6:30 p.m. continue reading
Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Presents "Richard III"
June 29, 2010
Shakespeare in Central Park Opens its Second Performance of the Season on Wednesday, June 30; Runs Through Sunday, July 11th
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Festival Enjoys Shakespeare With Shakesbeer
June 24, 2010
Louisville, KY- For the first time in Kentucky Shakespeare history, the Festival is including beer and wine in concession sales, thanks to the generosity of corporate sponsors Bluegrass Brewing Company, LLC and Brown-Forman. Select Brown-Forman wines and the BBC's special brew, fondly named Shakesbeer, are for sale in the amphitheater for $5 a glass or pint.
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Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Announces 50th Season
of Summer Shakespeare
June 08, 2010
Louisville, KY – The 50th Summer Season of Shakespeare in Central Park will present The Tempest and Richard III. Both of these great works of Shakespeare offer a great opportunity for families and friends to gather and enjoy a free professional performing arts event!
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Kentucky Shakespeare Welcomes Producing Artistic Director, Brantley M. Dunaway
April 23, 2010
LOUISVILLE, KY APRIL 23, 2010 ‐ Kentucky Shakespeare is pleased to introduce Brantley M. Dunaway as Producing Artistic Director. Mr. Dunawaywill lead every aspect of the organization’s many Shakespeare‐based initiatives, from its free plays in Central Park and its state‐wide educationalprogramming, to its summer camps and professional development series.
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Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Bids Fond Farewell to Producing Artistic Director
November 24, 2009
Louisville, KY- With heavy hearts and much gratitude, the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival bids farewell to Anthony Patton, the Producing Artistic Director for the past 13 months. The Board of Directors has cited a difference in strategic visions as the reason for the departure. Anthony stepped in to lead Kentucky Shakespeare through a difficult time of transition with his passion, energy, and vision. From building relationships throughout Kentucky to directing the wonderful production of 'Romeo and Juliet,' Anthony has worked tirelessly for Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, and through those efforts, improved the arts community throughout our entire commonwealth.
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Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Announces New Outreach Program
October 06, 2009
Louisville, KY- Kentucky Shakespeare Festival is proud to announce the “Winter Doldrums Project”. This project will visit local community centers, hospices and homes of elderly or disabled people who are “shut-in” for the Winter. Kentucky Shakespeare Festival will bring workshops and performances of Shakespeare’s work to these people.
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Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Presents Romeo and Juliet
June 29, 2009
Louisville, KY- Romeo and Juliet, directed by Producing Artistic Director Anthony Patton, will present a preview performance on June 30 followed by Opening Night July 1. Romeo and Juliet will run Tuesdays – Sundays through June 30 & July 1-12. For all performances, curtain is at 8:00 PM at the C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheatre in Central Park, located at the corner of Fourth and Magnolia in historic Old Louisville. All performances are free and open to the public. Critical Review is invited for Romeo and Juliet beginning July 1.
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Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Announces 49th Season
of Summer Shakespeare
June 23, 2009
Louisville, KY – Under the leadership of new Producing Artistic Director Anthony Patton, the 49th Summer Festival of Free Shakespeare in Central Park will present two of William Shakespeare’s masterworks, Macbeth and Romeo & Juliet. These plays are two of the most popular works of Shakespeare and offer a great opportunity for families and friends to gather and enjoy a free professional performing arts event!
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Thriving Arts (Not Just Surviving) During Recession Kentucky Shakespeare’s New Collaboration Adds Vitality
May 29, 2009
With economic problems wreaking havoc on many arts organizations, it’s no surprise that Kentucky Shakespeare found itself in a bind. But what is surprising is how the organization’s attempts to survive have actually helped it flourish and thrive.
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Keep Shakespeare Free! Take a Chance for Derby/Oaks Tickets!
April 30, 2009
Louisville, KY - Kentucky Shakespeare Festival is selling 500 raffle tickets at $50 each to support free Shakespeare in Central Park. First place prize in the raffle will be a clubhouse box for the Kentucky Derby®.
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Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Names New Producing Artistic Director
September 21, 2008
Louisville, KY, September 21, 2008 –Kentucky Shakespeare Festival announced the appointment of Anthony Patton as the company’s new Producing Artistic Director. Mr. Patton succeeds Curt Tofteland, who announced his retirement this summer after 20 years of leadership to the Festival. Mr. Patton will formally begin his tenure with Kentucky Shakespeare Festival on November 3.
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Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Announces New Addition “Family Week” To Its Summer Season Events
June 19, 2008
Louisville, KY – Kentucky Shakespeare Festival announces “Family Week,” the newest addition to its brood of fun, festive, and educational programming July 16-20.
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Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Announces 48th Summer Season Adds “Family Week,” “Speaker Series,” and “Group Nights”
June 08, 2008
Louisville, KY – Kentucky Shakespeare Festival will perform Julius Ceasar and Pericles this summer and will add “Family Week,” “Speaker Series,” and “Group Nights,” to its annual Festival events.
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The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival: Friends, Romans, Countrymen…Join Us for a Julius Caesar Benefit Performance
April 08, 2008
Louisville, KY. (April 8, 2008) – The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival (KSF) is hosting a Julius Caesar Benefit Performance on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the Humana Tower Theatre at 500 W Main St. to honor KSF as one of only 35 theatres nationwide to participate in the National Endowment for the Arts Shakespeare in American Communities program. Proceeds will help cover the costs of their free Shakespeare in Central Park performances during the 2008 summer season.
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