Shakespeare’s Love Scenes Spotlighted in Mountain Laurel Center’s Outreach Program

Bushkill, PA—- A rousing presentation of favorite love scenes from Shakespeare, performed by one of the nation’s top acting troupes, will kick off Mountain Laurel Center for the Performing Arts’ 2007 education program in local schools on January 24. New York City-based The Acting Company will offer two performances of Love, Shakespeare, plus a workshop, to the high school students of East Stroudsburg Area School District.

The South High School Students will travel to the North Campus to enjoy the performance while access to their auditorium is limited by surrounding construction. MLCPA is also gearing up for many more educational programs that will be offered to the young people of the region throughout 2007.

“With the full leadership and support of Dr. Rachael R. Heath, superintendent of East Stroudsburg Area School District, the Mountain Laurel Center is proud to offer Love, Shakespeare and to continue our deep commitment to the arts in education,” said Richard T. Bryant, chief executive officer of MLCPA. “We have programmed another series of top-quality performances and workshops that will actively engage the students and help teachers meet or exceed the core performing arts curriculum standards of their districts. The arts can truly change lives, and the Mountain Laurel Center is gratified to be able to offer these life-enhancing experiences to Pocono-area students.”

Love, Shakespeare is an entertaining and educational show that looks at the trials and tribulations of falling in love through scenes from four of Shakespeare’s most famous plays: Romeo and Juliet, As You Like It, The Taming of The Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing. The Acting Company also provides teachers with a resource guide filled with lessons and activities to enhance the students’ experience.

The Acting Company, founded in 1972 by actor John Houseman and Margot Harley, performs each year in more than 50 U.S. cities to a combined audience of 70,000-plus people. The acclaimed theatrical troupe makes the language of the theater accessible to students of all ages through performances, special classes, and other educational outreach activities. Notable Acting Company alumni include Kevin Kline, Angela Lansbury, Patti LuPone, David Schramm, Lisa Banes, and Jeffrey Wright, among many others.

Mountain Laurel Center’s arts education programs are made possible, in part, by the Pocono Mountain Vacation Bureau, The Wolfington Companies, and the ongoing participation and support of our patrons and friends.

Mountain Laurel Center provides comprehensive, interactive educational programs that are deeply integrated into the region’s schools. Through direct collaboration at all grade levels MLCPA aspires to help the many school districts meet core curriculum standards for the performing arts, while introducing students to a wide range of artistic offerings from numerous cultures and disciplines. For additional information about MLCPA education programs, please call Steve Lastra, MLCPA Education Manager 570.426.2090 or visit mountainlaurelcenter.com.

Mountain Laurel Center for the Performing Arts (MLCPA) is a nonprofit performing arts center serving the beautiful Pocono Mountains and beyond. Its principal venue, the Tom Ridge Pavilion, offers 2,500 covered seats and room under the stars for up to 6,000 more on its comfortable lawn. MLCPA is dedicated to serving the region by providing world-class artists and entertainers through an ongoing series of performances and educational programming. Planning for the 2007 season is underway and will be announced later this spring. For additional information about the Mountain Laurel Center, please call 570.426.2084 or visit mountainlaurelcenter.com.

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Contact:
CJ McKenna
Development Manager
Direct: 570.426.2080 x5007
Email: cmckenna@mlcpa.org