PITT'S SHAKESPEARE-IN-THE-SCHOOLS BRINGS "THE TEMPEST" TO YOUNG PEOPLE

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 10 -- The University of Pittsburgh's Shakespeare-in-the-Schools (SITS) Spring 2000 tour of "The Tempest" runs through March 31 at rural and inner-city schools throughout the region, offering many students their first glimpse of classical theater. (A schedule of remaining tour dates at regional schools is attached.)

The 45-minute touring production of "The Tempest" is performed with full sets and costumes by a core company of professional artists-teachers. Cast members include E. Bruce Hill as Prospero, Lee David Hollin as Antonio, Bryn Jameson as Mirand/Ariel, Ron McClelland as Ferdinand/Caliban, and David Vega as Drummer. The charming adaptation is designed specifically to engage and cultivate the imaginations of students in kindergarten through 7th grade. Study guides are provided for teachers, and after the play the audience is given the opportunity to ask questions of the performers.

New to the SITS Spring, 2000 season is "Shakespeare Rehearsed," an interactive hands-on program based on the text of "The Tempest" that offers high school students a chance to sit in the director's chair. They will witness scene work and make decisions with the SITS players that continuously affect the ongoing performance. These productions will be staged April 3 - 14, at 10 a.m., at the Stephen Foster Memorial Theatre, on the Pitt campus.

SITS will reach close to 6,000 students this spring. The performances allow the students to interface with the classics in a fun and exciting atmosphere, and in a context that shows relevance to modern student life. Additional information on SITS is available at http://www.pitt.edu/~sits or by calling 412-624-0933.

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Shakespeare-In-The-Schools

"The Tempest"

Spring, 2000 Tour Schedule

Wednesday, Feb. 16

9:30 a.m. Brookline Elementary School

1:30 p.m. Peters Township Middle School (Washington County)

Friday, Feb. 18

9:30 a.m. Roosevelt Elementary School

1:30 p.m. Frick International Academy

Wednesday, Feb. 23

9:30 a.m. Burgwin Elementary School

1:30 p.m. Greenfield Elementary School

Friday, Feb. 25

9:30 a.m. Beltzhoover Elementary School

1 p.m. Prospect Elementary School

Monday, Feb. 28

10:00 a.m. Washington Polytechnic Academy

1:30 p.m. Mifflin Elementary School

Wednesday, March 1

9:30 a.m. Reizenstein Elementary School

1 p.m. Word of God (K through 8)

Friday, March 3

10 a.m. West Liberty Classical Academy

2 p.m. Banksville Elementary School

Monday, March 6

9:30 a.m. Phillips Elementary School

1 p.m. Knoxville Elementary School

Wednesday, March 8

9:30 a.m. Alfred Wilson Elementary School

1:30 p.m. Smithfield Elementary School

Friday, March 10

1 p.m. Regent Square Elementary School

Monday, March 13

2 p.m. Finley Middle School (Washington County)

Wednesday, March 15

9:30 a.m. Friendship Elementary School (Fayette County)

2 p.m. Dunbar Twp. Elementary School (Fayette County)

Friday, March 17

9:30 a.m. Masontown Elementary School (Fayette County)

1:30 p.m. Masontown Elementary School (Fayette County)

Wednesday, March 22

9:45 a.m. Dunbar Twp. Elementary School (Fayette County)

2 p.m. Springfield Elementary School (Fayette County)

Friday, March 24

10 a.m. Allegheny Traditional Academy

1:30 p.m. Schiller Classical Academy

Wednesday, March 29

9:30 a.m. Vann Elementary School

1:30 p.m. Lemington Elementary School

Friday, March 31

9:30 a.m. Overbrook Elementary School

1:30 p.m. Overbrook Middle School