The Arkansas Shakespeare Festival kicks off June 16 at the University of Central Arkansas. This fourth season of the festival includes Shakespearean classics Henry V and Comedy of Errors. This year’s non-Shakespearean productions include Dracula and children’s classic Alice in Wonderland.
All four productions were created from scratch over a one-month rehearsal and building period by a company of more than 70 artists combining Arkansas artists, out-of-town-professionals and college students from 12 different universities.
Tickets are $10 for students, $15 for seniors and UCA faculty/staff and $20 for the general public. Tickets for Alice in Wonderland are $10.
Tickets are available online and at UCA Ticket Central. All Sunday performances will be offered as “Pay What You Can” performances.
“These are tough times for everyone,” Producing Artistic Director Matt Chiorini said, “and we don’t want money to be a reason for people not to be able to participate in this one-of-a-kind festival. We offer something to be found nowhere else in Arkansas, and we want to make it as easy as possible for people from all over the state to take part.”
Additionally, the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre will host “The Bard and the Barrel”; a post-show club open after opening nights and for the close of the festival (June 16, 18, 24, and July 3 immediately following performances). “The Bard and Barrel” will feature food and “Karaoke with the Kast” and will be open to AST members and those purchasing one-night memberships.
For more information, visit www.arkshakes.com or at UCA Ticket Central by calling (501) 450-3265.
Hear “Comedy of Errors” Director Andrew Hamm talk about this year’s festival at the university’s YouTube page.
