‘Taming of the Shrew’ to open July 18

Acting Up (in Acadiana), the resident professional theatre company at the Acadiana Center for the Arts, announces The Summer Youth Shakespeare Ensemble’s 12th season and its production of “The Taming of the Shrew.”

The production is the culmination of a 15-day intensive performing arts camp, at which students study all aspects of the performing arts with professional faculty members and an extensive support staff. Each day begins with an hour-long company class followed by small group workshops where students study in age- and experience-based groups. Afternoons are spent applying what they have learned in their workshops to their full production of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.”

“The Taming of the Shrew” is really a play within a play, performed entirely for Christopher Sly, a drunkard on whom a lord and his staff play a huge trick. The entire play will take place in a giant bedchamber as the young actors delve into this fast-paced romp of a comedy. 

Over 40 students ages 10 through senior year in high school perform the roles. Professional staff members include Hector LaSala, set design; Danny Devillier, music; Chad Trahan, costume design; Joseph Lymous, movement/choreography; Brian Schneider, lighting design; Amy Waguespack, acting and directing; and numerous members of the Acting Up (in Acadiana) family: Hannah and Ricky Briggs, Sarah Mikayla Brown, Lian Cheramie, Kelly Clayton, Kara Guarisco, Heaven Moore, George Saucier, Cathy Wagnon and interns Chance and Destin Briant, Samantha Degeyter, Mack McAnally and Francesca Tauzin. 

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on July 18, 19, 25 and 26, with a 2 p.m. matinee showing on July 20 at the Acadiana Center for the Arts.

For more information call (337) 739-4273. For tickets call (337) 233-7060 or visit www.acadianacenterforthearts.org. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children through high school. AcA members have a $2 discount.

Seating is General Admission. Tickets became available on Monday July 7.