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The National Endowment for the Arts Announces Second Phase of Shakespeare InitiativeShakespeare in American Communities Phase 2: Shakespeare for a New Generation to reach thousands of schools January 8, 2004
Staunton, VA - The National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Dana Gioia announced today to the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America a new component to the Arts Endowment's successful national initiative, Shakespeare in American Communities. This second phase, Shakespeare for a New Generation, will provide middle and high school students in underserved communities across the United States the opportunity to see professional productions of Shakespeare plays. Shakespeare in American Communities Phase II: Shakespeare for a New Generation is an initiative of the Arts Endowment administered by Arts Midwest, a regional arts organization based in Minneapolis, Minn. The initial phase of Shakespeare in American Communities represents the largest tour of Shakespeare's plays in American history. With the partnership of the Sallie Mae Fund, the initiative involves seven professional theater companies touring five plays to small and mid-sized communities, including military bases, in all 50 states. In addition to performances, phase one features educational activities and a teacher's resource packet. Shakespeare in American Communities launched in New London, Conn. on September 20, 2003 and ends in November 2004. NEA Chairman Gioia said, "The unqualified success of the first phase of Shakespeare in American Communities has made us realize that many more communities are eager to participate in this program. With Phase II, we will bring the finest new productions of Shakespeare to hundreds of additional schools and communities." In Shakespeare for a New Generation, up to twenty theaters will be selected to receive matching funds to support activities for students from at least 10 schools in their community, state or region during the 2004-05 school year. Through the two phases of Shakespeare in American Communities, the Arts Endowment expects to reach up to one million students. Arts Midwest invites proposals from nonprofit theater companies to participate in Shakespeare in American Communities Phase 2: Shakespeare for a New Generation. Applications are available at the Arts Midwest web site (www.artsmidwest.org). The deadline for applications is February 17, 2004. Grant recipients will be announced on April 15, 2004. For more information, contact the Arts Endowment's Office of Communications at 202-682-5570.
National Endowment for the Arts |
