Distinctly Montana Magazine

L ANOTHER OUSTANDING MONTANA NONPROFIT. MONTANA SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS WHO: Since 1973, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is the only fully professional theatre program in the state cur- rently producing Shakespeare's plays, the only Shake- speare company in the country to reach extensively into rural areas, and the only company in the state that offers its performances free to the public, guaranteeing accessibility to all, regardless of how much they earn or where they choose to live. In some of the most remote communities, a visit from MSIP is the most highly anticipated event of the summer. In Heron, Montana (population: 150), audiences regularly exceed 700 and visitors travel from all over to attend the performance. In 40 years, the summer touring program has presented over 2,150 performances to nearly three-quarters of a million people. THIS SUMMER: The 2012 Summer Tour is presenting Hamlet and Shakespeare in the Parks in 1974 on the Montana State University campus. Twelfth Night, and marks the first time Montana Shake- speare in the Parks has given us the Prince of Denmark's tragedy. From June until September, the tour will travel over 6,000 miles for 75 performances in 60 different communities throughout Montana, northern Wyoming, eastern Idaho, western North Dakota and eastern Wash- ington. All performances are offered free to the public. DON'T MISS: For several years, the company has celebrated their 4th of July shows with a reading of The Declaration of Independence. This educational and powerful presentation has quickly become an audience favorite, and this year it will take place in Hobson-Utica. WEB SITE: Go to www.shakespeareintheparks.org for the full summer schedule and other information. 72 DISTINCTLY MONTANA • SPRING 2012 . . F F O O R e T vo EH .

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