Orlando Shakespeare Theater

Tree House Shakespeare Streams to Schools

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with the University of Central Florida is expanding the reach of its Children's Series productions to under-served audiences through digital streaming to schools in Florida. And William Shakespeare himself is at the forefront of this effort.

Showtime with Shakespeare: A Magic Tree House Adventure with book and lyrics by Jenny Laird and Will Osborne and music and lyrics by Randy Courts, based on the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne, opened at Orlando Shakes's Margeson Theater October 19 and runs to November 17. On Thursday, November 16 at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., the show will be livestreamed free to schools outside a 30-mile radius of the theater. In the event the shows sell out, schools within the 30-mile radius will be invited to join the streaming.

In addition to offering schools the chance to view a free live stream of Showtime with Shakespeare: A Magic Tree House Adventure, Orlando Shakes has partnered with Mary Pope Osborne's Classroom Adventures Program to have a copy of the book Stage Fright on a Summer Night donated to 16,000 Title 1 second grade students in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties. First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides new books, learning materials, and other essentials to children in need, planned to distribute the donated books this month. Mary Pope Osborne's Classroom Adventures Program is designed to use kids' love of Magic Tree House adventures and their identification with the characters Jack and Annie to spark interest in learning across the curriculum and accomplish classroom requirements in creative, meaningful, and long-lasting ways.

Presented with theater in-the-round seating, Showtime with Shakespeare: A Magic Tree House Adventure sends Jack (Austin Larkin) and Annie (Alexis Harter) back to Elizabethan England where they meet Shakespeare (Tyler Tanner). Shakespeare is having a hard time with some of the actors in his latest show, and Jack and Annie are there to help out before it's curtains for Shakespeare. Directed by Steve MacKinnon, this is a world premiere of Jack's and Annie's third musical adventure at Orlando Shakes.

Audiences are invited to join members of the cast for interactive preshow fun for the whole family 15 minutes prior to every performance. After Saturday performances, cast members will be available for a special autograph session. An American Sign Language "shadow interpreted" performance is set for Saturday, October 28, at 2 p.m., during which interpreters shadow each actor. A sensory-friendly performance is scheduled for Wednesday, November 1 at 10:30 a.m. for children with sensory, social, cognitive, or physical challenges. In addition to lighting, sound, and vocal cues being adjusted, patrons will be able to exit the theater with ease during the performance should their child need a break.

To register for the live stream and to receive more information, visit www.orlandoshakes.org/streaming. For more information on the show or to order tickets, visit www.orlandoshakes.org.

October 25, 2017

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