UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH BRINGS SHAKESPEARE TO YOUNG PEOPLE

PITTSBURGH, March 16 -- The University of Pittsburgh's Shakespeare-in-the-Schools (SITS) Spring 1999 tour of "Macbeth" runs through April 30 at rural and inner-city schools throughout the region, offering many students their first glimpse of classical theater.

New this year are same-day student workshops that complement and deepen the educational impact of the "Macbeth" performance. These interactive classes provide the opportunity for up to 120 interested students to learn more about "Macbeth," Shakespeare and Elizabethan culture. The workshops are scheduled at 10 Pittsburgh middle and high schools. A schedule of remaining tour dates at local schools is attached.

The 45-minute production of "Macbeth," performed with full sets and costumes by a small company of Pitt Theatre Arts graduate students, is specifically designed to engage and cultivate the imaginations of young people. There are two adaptations -- one for teenagers and the other for upper elementary students. Study guides are provided for teachers, and following the play the audience is given the opportunity to ask questions of the performers or try on costume pieces.

Under the guidance of Bryn Jameson, SITS artistic director, "Macbeth" is reaching close to 30,000 students this spring. And audience surveys and letters from many of them show the universal themes addressed in Shakespeare's plays continue to interest today's young people.

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"Macbeth"

Shakespeare-in-the-Schools

Thurs., March 18 9:15 a.m. Bishop McDowell School

Fri., March 19 9:45 a.m. Sterrett Classical Academy

2:30 p.m. Workshop

Mon., March 22 9:15 a.m. Frick School of Intern'l Studies

10:30 a.m. Workshop

Tues., March 23 10 a.m. West Liberty Classical Academy

1 p.m. Workshop

Wed., March 24 TBA Brashear High School

TBA Workshop

Tues., March 30 8:30 a.m. Washington Polytechnical

10:15 a.m. Workshop

Tues., April 6 9:30 a.m. Schenley High School

11:40 a.m. Workshop

Fri., April 9 1:30 p.m. St. Edmunds Academy

Wed., April 14 9 a.m. Carrick High School

TBA Workshop

Thurs., April 22 9:40 a.m. Perry Traditional Academy

12:45 p.m. Workshop