Schuylkill Free Shakespeare is a theatre group whose mission is to make Shakespeare’s work accessible to local audiences through performances and education. Since mid-May, the cast from one of this season’s shows, As You Like It, has been rehearsing weekly in the spacious Main Gallery at the Walk In Art Center. The Main Gallery is an ideal venue for indoor rehearsals, and the cast will rehearse there for the next few months in preparation for their performances on August 8-12. The full company features Schuylkill County actors from all ages and walks of life, including both students and community members who either have other careers or are coming back to acting after retirement.
As part of the partnership, Schuylkill Free Shakespeare will be sending a group of actors to the Walk In Art Center’s annual fundraiser, Kick Up Your Heels, on September 15. These performers will be dressed in 40s-style World War II clothing and interact with guests in character during the event. The Walk In Art Center is excited to have them as part of Kick Up Your Heels. “I really think it will be something special,” said Event Director, Jordan Fees, “Having the actors here will really bring our ‘Hope & Glory: Swinging Art of the 1940s’ theme to life.” The Walk In Art Center is especially excited to partner with Schuylkill Free Shakespeare because of their mutual goal: engaging the community by getting people involved in the arts from a young age while also helping them remain engaged at all stages of life.