Sonoma County Repertory Theater receives $25,000 from the NEA
Press Release - For Immediate Release
May 1, 2009
Media Contact: Scott D Phillips
(707) 823-0177, scott@the-rep.com
Sonoma County Repertory Theater receives $25,000 from the NEA
Sebastopol, CA (May 1, 2009) - The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has awarded Sonoma County Repertory Theater with a $25,000 grant to participate in Shakespeare for a New Generation for 2009 - 2010. Sonoma County Repertory Theater is one of 37 arts organizations from around the country to be selected for this year’s program.
“We are thrilled and honored to be selected to join in this vital initiative,” said Scott Phillips, Sonoma County Repertory Theater’s Artistic Director. “Shakespeare for a New Generations will allow us to deepen and expand our school outreach program, providing young people in Sonoma County an opportunity to experience the profound transformational power of Shakespeare.”
Sonoma County Repertory Theater will produce Shakespeare’s The Tempest as a live theatrical animation with puppets, masks, actors, digital media and music. Adapted, directed, and designed by Conrad Bishop and scored by Elizabeth Fuller, both of the Independent Eye Theater Company, it will run as an extension of our Sebastopol Shakespeare Festival, then tour to ten Sonoma County middle and high schools, reaching 3,000 students.
The Tempest will be produced in the fall of 2009 as part of Sonoma County Rep’s mainstage season and tour to schools February and March of 2010 through its Rep on Tour program. Now in its fourth year, “Rep on Tour” brings productions of classic literature into elementary, middle and high schools. Services include free or low-cost performances, study guides, pre-engagement workshops, post show discussions and artist residencies.
Part of the NEA's Shakespeare in American Communities initiative, Shakespeare for a New Generation targets middle and high school students, introducing young people to the power of live theater and the masterpieces of William Shakespeare. Managed by Arts Midwest, the program already has benefited more than one million students and their teachers with live performances and educational activities. The program also has provided employment to more than 1,200 theater artists, including actors, directors, stage managers, and scenic designers.
Including the newly selected companies, more than 80 of the nation's theater companies have taken part in the NEA's Shakespeare program since its inception. By June 2009, participating theater companies will have presented performances at 3,600 schools in 2,300 communities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Founded in 1993, Sonoma County Repertory Theater brings theater to life in Sonoma County by producing inspiring, stimulating plays of the highest artistic quality, and educating students of all ages in the theater arts. We strive to enrich the lives of our community members, foster emerging artists, and contribute to the economic vitality of the area. To learn more about Sonoma County Repertory Theater’s education program or mainstage season, visit www.the-rep.com.
