Enrich Your AST Experience this Summer

Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre is thrilled to offer educational prep sessions, workshops, lectures, and talk-backs to enhance theatregoers’ understanding of the plays produced during our 13th summer season on the campus of UCA. In utilizing academic leaders, professional actors, and other members of our creative team, we will enrich exploration of themes and ideas in both the Shakespeare plays and in our musical this season as a way to both facilitate reflection and expand understanding of the plays produced at AST during our summer festival. Check out the incredible offerings this summer! All talks are on the University of Central Arkansas campus, 5-6 pm. Sponsored by Conway A&P Commission.

Paige Martin Reynolds AST Actor, Artistic Collective Member, and Director of Dramaturgy: “Performing Shakespeare’s Women”

Why might what happens to Shakespeare's women matter to us today? Join AST Artistic Collective member Paige Martin Reynolds for a discussion of what is at stake for Shakespeare's female characters (and the actors who play them), based on her recent book, Performing Shakespeare's Women: Playing Dead (Bloomsbury Arden, 2019). TUESDAY, JUNE 11th, Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center

Mary Ruth Marotte AST Executive Director and UCA Professor of English: “The Comedy of Errors for Dummies”

Two sets of twins, a shipwreck, unrequited love, and much more! Mary Ruth Marotte will discuss The Comedy of Errors’ plot and themes in a user-friendly way to enhance your viewing pleasure of AST’s outdoor production this summer. TUESDAY, JUNE 18th, McAlister Hall’s Mirror Room

Robert Frost AST Music Director: “Loesser is Morer: The Music of Frank Loesser”

Frank Loesser, a composer most well-known for Guys and Dolls and How To Succeed..., penned a large body of work that spanned many styles and genres. Music Director Robert Frost takes a look at his most popular material, while also delving into his lesser-known works, pieces which signal a significant departure from his commercial hits. FRIDAY, JUNE 21st, McAlister Hall’s Mirror Room

Chad Bradford AST Actor/Director and Artistic Collective Member: “It’s Good to Be King: Staging and Status in Shakespeare”

How does Shakespeare seek to convey status onstage? Join AST Artistic Collective member Chad Bradford in an interactive talk about stage directions and status in the Elizabethan era. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26th, McAlister Hall’s Mirror Room

Rebekah Scallet AST Producing Artistic Director: “Behind the Scenes of Shakespeare’s Macbeth”

Prepare yourself for your journey into the Middle Ages with a helpful introductory session by AST’s own Rebekah Scallet, who is directing Macbeth this season. FRIDAY, JUNE 28th, Reynolds Performance Hall Mezzanine

Nick Narcisi AST Company Actor: “The Scottish Curse”

What has caused theater companies to close, untimely accidental deaths, and burns to Charlton Heston? Could it be simply saying the word “Macbeth” while in a theater? Why is this famous play is so cursed? And why do so many actors fear the title? Actor Nick Narcisi explores both the play and the history books for answers. WEDNESDAY, JULY 3rd, McAlister Hall’s Mirror Room

There will also be talkbacks with the actors following the performances on: June 25, 26, 28, 29; July 2, 4, 5

For more information, e-mail mrmarotte@arkshakes.com.