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Arts & Entertainment

There's No Easy Answer When It Comes to 'Sniper'

Bonnie Culver's play inspired by a 1970s high school shooting takes stage in Somerset.

On Dec. 30, 1974, Bonnie Culver got into her car in a parking lot in Olean, N.Y. and headed back to her home in Port Allegany, Pa. It was about 10 minutes into her drive when an emergency broadcasting system alert came over the radio.

Shots had been fired out of Olean High School toward the parking lot from which Culver—then a recent college graduate—had just driven away. The shots were fired by Anthony Barbaro, a 17-year-old student, and the incident is generally acknowledged as the first high school shooting.

It is, of course, something that stayed with Culver, who went on to become a writer and teacher. She first tried writing a play about the shooting in the 1980s, put it away and wrote about 10 other plays before going back to it.

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“Sniper” finally premiered in Red Bank in 2004, and won the New Jersey Arts Council’s Perry Award for Excellence in the Production of an Original Play. It went on to a New York production featuring an Equity cast and is now back in New Jersey at Villagers Theatre in Somerset through May 28.

Culver, who is co-producing the run at Villagers, said the play is inspired by the incident, but isn’t an account of what actually happened. Barbaro’s name has been changed slightly and the writer didn’t research Barbaro or his family much.

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“It was one of those things that obviously haunts you, so I followed the story,” she said. “And what happened is that the young man sat in jail for 11 months and no one knew what to do with him. And finally the night before he was to stand trial, he hung himself and he left a diary where he just wrote repeatedly, 'Why, why, why, why, why.'”

The play runs 90 minutes without an intermission. There are 10 characters and all of them are on stage throughout the show, sometimes standing to the side because, as Culver said, they’re always in Anthony’s mind. It opens with the shooter writing his confession in a diary and asking himself why he did what he did.

“What he’s seeing and reporting is how he sees his life and it’s those clues that all come together,” Culver said. “So you’re not getting the whole picture, you’re getting what Anthony sees and what he remembers. And we all know that that can be jaded and warped. It’s almost like he’s hardwiring himself in, but he’s trying to figure out how he did this.”

Culver said there have been some critics who thought her portrayal of the shooter is too sympathetic, but also said that most people appreciate that the play isn’t a docudrama looking for a black-and-white solution as to why tragedies like this happen.

“Sniper” takes place in the 1970s, not so much because Culver wanted to stick to facts, but because setting it then eliminates easy explanations for the shooting, like violence on the Internet or in video games.

“In the ’70s that wasn’t what this was about and the play then becomes, instead, about relationships,” the writer said.

Director and co-producer Greg Louis has brought Sniper to Villagers as part of the theater’s VIP series. Louis played Anthony’s father in the Red Bank production and received a Perry Award nomination for  his work. Culver did some polishing and re-writing, making this the debut for the newest version.

"He loved the piece because it’s really an actors’ piece,” Culver said. “There are little moments every single character has, funny moments, poignant moments. It’s definitely an actor’s piece where you can get at layers and textures.”

Culver said she and Louis talked about the play a lot prior to the production.

“I know he understands the piece and he’s passionate about it. He’s assembled a really, really strong cast," she said. "(That important) because it is an actors’ piece. There isn’t one emotion. They might be saying something else entirely while they’re talking about the coffee.”

The cast includes Derek Mazukewicz, Jeff Maschi, Barbara Guidi, Mark Versprille, James Broderick, Kate Pentek, Ryan Diminick, John Thompson and Eileen Hladky.

When she first wrote the play, Culver said, she was met with some skepticism from people in Olean who wondered whether a New York City writer could do justice to the story. But they embraced Culver, and her play, when they find out she grew up near Olean. She hosted a talkback in the city’s library leading up to the play’s New York run, and learned details of the real shooter’s background and how the the city’s residents were still affected by the tragedy.

“What’s really fascinating is that four or five people who would have graduated with him wrote to me after the Olean talkback and I found out more after the play had been produced,” she said.

She also heard from students at Wilkes College, where she is the director of an MA and MFA creative writing program, after the play was staged there.

“I had three or four college students who came back four and five times and said, ‘I understand why he feels that way. I wouldn’t kill anybody but I understand why he feels neglected,'" she said.

The writer added “Sniper” is an intense piece for audiences.

“It just keeps building and building in speed and intensity, until finally it should just push everybody back in their seats at the end, so it doesn’t really release the audience either,” she said.

Sniper will be performed at Villagers Theatre, 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset, through May 28. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15, or $12 for seniors and students. The playwright, director and cast will host a talkback following the May 21 performance. For reservations, call 732-873-2710, e-mail boxoffice@villagerstheatre.com or go to VillagersTheatre.com.

 THE ON STAGE SCOOP

A Season of Music and Laughter: The Women’s Theatre Co. in Parsippany has announced its 2011-12 season. The musical “They’re Playing Our Song” will open the season in September. The show features music by Marvin Hamlisch and Carol Bayer Sager, and a book by Neil Simon. Next up is Beth Henley’s comedy “Crimes of the Heart” in November. David Shire's, Richard Malby Jr.’s and Sybille Pearson’s musical "Baby" will take stage in March of 2012, followed by “Southern Comforts,” a comedy by Kathleen Clark. A bonus production, “A Person of Interest” will take stage next June. Click here for information.

Remembering a Theater Lover: Lee Ellen Eynon Nordholm, who performed many vital roles for died April 14. Nordholm was a set painter, director, make-up chairman, and, since the 1960s, the editor of the “Backstage” newsletter. She also served as trustee and vice president. She was a two-time recipient of the Players’ Shipler Award, and also won the Dawley Award for outstanding contributions over many years. A service honoring her life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, May 20, at , followed by a reception in the parish hall. Arrangements are with William R. Dangler Funeral Home of Summit.

Nordholm was born on Dec. 23, 1929, in Washington, DC, and raised on a farm in Virginia. At age 16, she won the Pepsi Cola Scholarship and graduated from George Washington University with a degree in International Economics. She lived as an artist, devoted to beauty in nature and in human endeavors. She was a painter. She loved classical music. She attended more than 1,200 performances of music, opera and theater. Visit Legacy.com to record condolences. Make donations to the Chatham Community Players, PO Box 234, Chatham, NJ 07928; or to the Calvary Episcopal Church for its Parish Life and Music Fund, c/o Calvary Episcopal Church, 31 Woodland Ave., Summit, NJ 07901-2149.

Maybe you need to see “Beyond Therapy:” are presenting Christopher Durang’s “Beyond Therapy,” through May 21. Described on the theater’s website as “absurd and hilarious,” the play introduces us to Bruce and Prudence, two lonely people, both in therapy, who meet through a personal ad. Now all they have to do is overcome their wacky therapists’ “help” to find true love. Director Lauren Moran Mills directs a cast that includes Scott Tyler, Tara Cioletti, Scott M. Jacoby, Donne Petito, Michael Sundberg and David Jimenez. Reamining performances are May 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. Performances are at the Chatham Playhouse, 23 N. Passaic Ave., Chatham. Tickets cost $20, or $18 for seniors and youth. The show contains adult situations and language. The box office will start taking reservations on April 26. Call 973-35-7363 for reservations. For more information, go to ChathamPlayers.org.

It’s “Curtains” at Paper Mill Playhouse: The Broadway hit “Curtains” is closing ’s 2010-11 season through May 22. The show is about Frank Cioffi, a detective who dreams of becoming a Broadway star, who is charged with investigating a series of murders at a Broadway-bound show. Written by John Kander and Fred Ebb, the musical stars Robert Newman and Kim Zimmer, known for their roles on “The Guiding Light.” Tickets cost $56 to $92. For information and tickets, call 973-376-4343 or go to PaperMill.org. The playhouse is located at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn.

That It Should Come to This:  in Morris Township is presenting Paul Rudnick’s “I Hate Hamlet” through May 22. The comedy hit focuses on Andrew Rally, an actor with a role on a hit TV show, a beautiful girlfriend and the chance to take on that most coveted of roles—Hamlet. The problem is, Andrew hates Hamlet, his show is being canceled and his girlfriend is holding onto her virginity. Tickets cost $40, $36 for seniors and $20 for students 18 or under or with a valid college ID. For tickets and information, go to MorrisMuseum.org.

Oy Vey, it’s “Jewtopia:” Things will get politically incorrect when in Hillsborough presents “Jewtopia,” Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfon’s off-Broadway hit about two single friends named Chris and Adam. Chris is a gentile and wants to marry a Jewish woman, while Adam, who’s Jewish, wants to marry out of his faith because he wants to forget his upbringing. The show is for mature audiences only. The show runs through May 22 with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $17, or $15 for seniors and students. Somerset Valley Players’ Playhouse is located at 689 Amwell Road/Route 514, Hillsborough. Call 908-369-7469 or go to SVPTheatre.org for more information.

Mystery, Meat: Omicron Theatre Productions will present its Murder Mystery Dinner featuring audience participation through May 28, at  on Amwell Road in Hillsborough. Admission costs $49 and includes dinner, the show, tax and gratuity. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required: Call 609-443-5598.

Meet the Players: will hold its annual meeting on May 18 at the Chatham Playhouse. All are welcome, cast, crews and audiences. Come hear how the Players’ 2010-11 season went and find out what’s in store for 2011-12, the group’s 90th season. Refreshments will be served after the meeting. RSVPs are not necessary. The Playhouse is located at 23 N. Passaic Ave. For more information, go to ChathamPlayers.org.

From the Ground Up: New York City-based theater group Ground Up Productions will present “The Importance of Being Earnest” at , May 20 through June 5. The cast includes Kate Middleton, Josh Evans, Sarah Berk and Mark Thornton. Special events tied to production include the opening night gala on May 21, including food and drinks and post-show cocktails with the cast; and educational workshops for drama students on May 22 and June 5, Summit Hill School Night is on May 26, when tickets will be $10 for Summit High School students. Tickets cost $20, or $12 for students with I.D. The Summit Playhouse is located at 10 New England Ave. in Summit. For tickets and information, go to GroundUpProductions.org.

About Kids and Bullying: The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey will perform Linda Daugherty’s “The Secret Life of Girls” on May 20. The dramatization explores the impact of cyber-bullying and mean behavior through modern technology. The show is recommended for grades 5 and up. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $12. Click here to purchase ticketsGo to GrowingStage.Goes.com for more information.

New Improv Group: Off Book, a new improv group, will present its premier performances at Pax Amicus Castle Theatre on May 21. The group will perform in the style of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” meaning everything it does will prompted by the audience, making each show different. Nick deVries hosts and directs. Group members are Stina Braun, Giffy Giffoniello, Brian Graziano, Dawn James, Michel Jay, Britni Morley, Jason Nicholas, Jen Russ and Mark Smith. The show is family-friendly. Bring props you want to see used and suggestions for skits. Tickets cost $10. Pax Amicus Castle Theatre is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. For information, call 973-691-2100 or go to PaxAmicus.com.

Meet the Artist and Watch a Play:  is hosting a free, staged reading of Suzanne Bradbeer’s “Shakespeare in Vegas” on May 25 at 7:30 p.m. The comedy is about a frustrated New York actress who takes a job with a classical theater company in Vegas. The reading will be followed by an open discussion between the playwright, director, actors and audience. The reading will take place at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum, 165 Hobart Ave., Summit. For information, call 973-378-7754, ext. 2228 or go to DreamcatcherRep.org.

You’ll Want to Stay Awake For This: Tony-winning musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” will take stage at in Montville May 27 through June 11. The show by Bob Marin and Don McKellar (book) and Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison (music and lyrics) is about a musical coming to life in the home of a theater lover when he plays the cast recording. The cast includes Lynn Hart, Kate Weigl and Billy Brisley. Scott Hart directs. The theater is located at 32 Skyline Drive in Montville. Tickets cost $20, discounts for seniors and students are available for Sunday matinees. For information, call 973-334-9320, e-mail boxoffice@barntheatre.org or go to BarnTheatre.org.

Beastly Behavior: The Grownig Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is hosting four performances of “Lord of the Flies” through May 28. Nigel Williams wrote this adaptation of William Golding’s legendary tale of a group of school boys on a deserted island who descend to savage behavior. Show times are May 21 and 27-28 at 7:30 p.m. Recommended for grades 5 and up. Go to GrowingStage.Goes.com for more information.

One Wild Weekend: Things should get pretty fun as  presents Alan Ayckbourn’s “Round and Round The Garden” through May 21. The play is the third part of Ayckbourn’s “The Norman Conquest” trilogy, about six characters, with all plays taking part on the same weekend. Performances will take place at The , 10 Durand Road in Maplewood. Tickets cost $16, $13 for seniors and students. Go to TheStrollers.org for more information.

If the Slipper Fits: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre is presenting “Cinderella,” through July 23. Performances for the family show are Saturdays through June 4, at 11 a.m. Performances are also scheduled for the following dates: July 12 and 14 at 10 a.m., July 20 through 22 at 10 a.m., and July 23 at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $12. Pax Amicus Castle Theatre is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. For information, call 973-691-2100 or go to PaxAmicus.com.

Audition Alert, “The Wedding Singer:” Villagers Theatre in Somerset is holding auditions for its TeensVill production of “The Wedding Singer on May 18, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Callbacks are on May 19, 6:30 to 11 p.m. and, if necessary, May 22, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Rehearsals will begin on May 23. Prepare 16 to 32 bars of a contemporary, upbeat musical theater song in the style of the show—“Footloose,” “Hairspray,” “Seussical,” “Legally Blonde,” “Fame,” etc. Those auditioning should wear comfortable clothing for a dance audition to be held at the open call. Performance dates are July 29 through Aug. 14, Fri.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m.  Addition information, including a character breakdown, can be found at VillagersTheatre.com.

Audition Alert, “Aladdin Jr:” Brundage Park Playhouse is holding auditions for "Aladdin Jr.," a for kids by kid production, May 17 and 19, 7 to 9 p.m. A character breakdown can be found here. Performance dates at July 8 through 23. Brundage Park Playhouse is located at 2 Bungalow Lane in Randolph. For information, call 973-989-7092 or e-mail bbp@brundageparkplayhouse.org.

Greetings from the Asbury Jukes: Jersey shore legends Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes will play a concert at  on May 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets for their evening of Jersey blues an soul cost $47 to $75. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org. Fans can meet South Johnny and get an autograph at The Morris Museum at 4 p.m. Ticketholders to the concert receive 50 percent off museum admission.

Latin Dance: New Jersey Ballet will celebrate Hispanic culture with “Ballet with a Latin Beat,” featuring a premiere of a new dance and a selections of revivals that promise to be sensual, sophisticated, earthy and elegant at  on May 21. Tickets cost $32-$42. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Time to Get Up, for Ballet: New Jersey Ballet will dance “Sleeping Beauty” at on May 22 with a kid-friendly performances at 1:30 and 4 p.m. The classic tale features music by Tchaikovsky and storyteller narration. Tickets cost $12. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Young Winners on Stage:in Madison will present the 28th Annual New Jersey Young Playwrights Contest Festival at the University Center’s Little Theatre at Kean University on May 23 and 24. The festival will consist of readings of 10 plays written by elementary, junior high and high school students. Elementary and junior high plays will be staged May 23. High school winners will be performed May 24. Admission is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. Reservations can be made by calling Jim DeVivo at 973-514-1787 X14 or via email njypf@ptnj.org.

Have a Beary Good Time: will present the Berenstain Bears in “Family Matters: The Musical on May 23 at 4 p.m. The family show is based on three of Stan and Jan Berenstain's popular books: “The Berenstain Bears Learn About Stranges,” “The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food” and “The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble at School.” For kids ages 3 to 10 (and their parents). Tickets cost $12. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Audition Alert, “The Wizard of Oz:” Auditions for Kaleidoscop Theatre for Youth’s production of “The Wizard of Oz" will be held at  on May 23 and 24, 4 to 8 p.m., with callbacks on May 31. Auditions are by by appointment only, and will be held at the playhouse, 10 New England Ave. in Summit. The theater is seeking kids and teens ages 6 to 20 who love to sing, dance and act. For more information and to sign up for an audition, please visit PixieDustPlayers.com.

Keeping it Real with ‘The Misanthrope:” will open its 2011-12 season with Moliere’s “The Misanthrope,” June 1 through 26. John Patrick Hayden stars as Alceste, whose disdain for hypocracy doesn’t keep him from falling in love with Celimente (Elizabeth Ann Davis), who exhibits the very behavior Alceste despises. Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte directs. Tickets start at $32. For tickets and information, call 973-408-5600 or go to ShaksepeareNJ.org.

From Conan to Morris: LaBamba and the Hubcaps will perform at on June 3, 7:30 p.m. Trombonist LaBamba is a prominent member of Conan O’Brien’s Basic Cable Band and is a former member of Southside Johnny’s Asbury Jukes. Acapella group Quiet Storm will open. The concert is tied to the museum’s exhibit “Jersey Rocks: A History of Rock & Roll in the Garden State on view though Sept. 5. Tickets cost $45. For information, call 973-971-3706 or go to MorrisMuseum.org.

Play Time For Adults: ’s Adult Playwriting Workshop Summer Session 1 will be held Mondays starting June 6 through Aug. 15, 7 to 10 p.m. This will be a basic workshop class where students share work in a supportive environment. Enrollment is open to students of all levels of experience. Classes will provide exercises to beginners working on their first plays as well as experienced writers who are further down the road. John Pietrowski is the instructor. The registration deadline is May 30. Classes will be canceled if class attendance numbers are not met by registration deadlines. The cost is $275, or $250 for returning students (prorated options are available). Click here for more information.

Summer Concert Schedule in Bridgewater: Somerset County Park Commission has announced its schedule for summer concerts Sundays at  on Old York Road, and the July 4 Family Festival at  on Milltown Road, both in Bridgewater. The season kicks off with Dr. K’s Motown Revue on June 26. Verdict and Total Soul will headline the July 4 Festival. Other shows include Tommy Mara & The Crests (with special guest Carisma) on July 10; Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes on July 17; Michael Amante July 24; Zydeco-A-Go-Go on July 31; Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King on Aug. 7; The Infernos on Aug. 14; Neil and the Diamonds Aug 21 and New Riders of the Purple Sage on Aug. 28. For information, call 908-722-1200.

School Will Be Out For Summer, So Why Not See Alice Cooper?: Tickets for Alice Cooper's Aug. 15 concert at  in Morristown are on sale now. The recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee will be playing hits like “School’s Out,” “I’m Eighteen” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” Tickets cost $57-$97. Click here for more information.

Camp Shakespeare:  has started enrollment for its summer educational programs, which offer training in classical theater by professional theater artists for middle- and high school-aged students. Applications for the Junior and Senior Corps are now being accepted. Returning students or children of 2011 season subscribers receive a $100 discount. To sign up for an audition slot, or for more information, call 973-408-3980 or email Classes@shakespearenj.org.

Working For Those Laughs: Tickets for Bill Engvall’s Aug. 17 comedy concert at the  in Morristown are on sale now. Engvall stars in his own sitcom on TBS and hosts Country Fried Home Videos on CMT. Tickets cost $57 to $97. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Bickford Theatre announces its 2011-2012 season: Eric Hafen, artistic director at the  in Morris Township, announced his 10th anniversary season with four plays by writers whose works have previously been performed at the theater. The season will open with the New Jersey premiere of Richard Dresser’s comedy “The Last Days of Mickey & Jean,” directed by John Pietrowski, Sept. 22 through Oct. 9. Next up is “Over the River and Through the Woods,” directed by Hafen, Nov. 17 through Dec. 4. The comedy by Joe DiPietro (“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) is a “heartwarming and hilarious funny comedy… filled with love, laughter and lasagna,” according to the Bickford. Things will get scary in 2012 with Ira Levin’s “Veronica’s Room,” directed by Daniel LaPenta, Jan 26 through Feb. 12. The season will wind up with “I Do! I Do!” the Tony-winning hit by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt. Four-play subscriptions include tickets to one of the Bickford’s “A La Carte Series” of concerts. Those are pianist Vladimir Zaitsev on March 4, a performance of Avi Hoffman in “Still Jewish After All Those Years” on March 11, and an evening of opera and popular song, “Italian Giants and American Icons” on March 18. Season subscriptions are on sale now and cost $115-$150. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 1. For information, call 973-971-3706 or go to BickfordTheatre.org.

Playwrights Theatre Summer Programs: Registration is open for summer programs at the . Acting Lab for grades four through six allows kids to act, play and be creative in a supportive, process-oriented class with an emphasis on play-building skills through improvisation, theater exercises and group collaboration. Five sessions will take place over the summer, with the first session starting June 20. Playwrights will also hold the Full Day Theatre Camp for grades seven through nine, offering daily classes in acting technique, play production, musical performance and playwriting. Sessions will start July 5 and July 18. The theater’s website notes that if class attendance numbers are not met by registration deadlines, classes will be canceled. Click here for more information about the full-day camp and here for more information about the acting lab.

Registration for Summer Theater Camps: Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph has announced its 30th season of summer performing arts education with the return of three programs. Summer Stages is a workshop for young performers ages 8 through 14 who have completed second grade or higher during the 2010-11 school year; staff instructs students in acting, music and dance, and each two-week session will end with a production for audiences of parents, relatives and friends. The Advanced Performers Workshop is open to students who are already at least 12 and will be entering seventh through 11th grades in the 2011-2012 season. Admission is by audition and interview. Students will spend part of their time in rehearsal for whatever show they are working on, and part of their time in workshops on various aspects of theater arts. The Budding Stars program is designed for children ages 5 to 7. Students will also create simple props and costumes for skits, fairy tales and children’s stories they perform. For pricing, schedules and registration, go to RandolphNJ.org, click on “Parks and Recreation,” and click on “Online Registration.” You can also register in person at the Parks and Recreation Department, located in the Senior Community Center on Calais Road, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 973-989-7092.

Registration Open for Villagers Summer Theater Programs: The Villagers Theatre in Somerset has announced its summer programs for training in theater arts, preparing young performers for the stage. Actors ages 9 to 12 who have demonstrated desire and talent for the performing arts will discover many aspects of theater, including acting, dance, voice, and musical theater, and production arts through both instruction and experience. The program will begin June 28 with two 3-week sessions, Monday through Friday. Li’l Villagers half-day sessions are offered from 9 a.m. to noon for younger performers, 6 to 8 years old; Villagers Apprentice full-day sessions are offered from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Each session will culminate in a performance on the Villagers Main Stage on the final Friday at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday at noon. Overture care and encore care are available for an additional fee. Students will be grouped for instruction by age, ability or experience. Arts educators will be assisted by college interns and high school counselors. Students are required to provide their own transportation and brown bag lunches. Session 1 will take place July 5 to 23. Session II: July to 23-Aug. 13. For more information, go to Villagerstheatre.com.

Get Schooled: The educational touring wing of , Shakespeare LIVE!, presents abridged productions of the Bard's work that keeps Shakespeare's language intact. It's offering A Midsummer Night's Dream and Julius Caesar through June 10. For more info and bookings, see here.

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