BLOOMSBURG, Pa. – Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble will be kicking off their 46th season with an exciting move off Center Street to present Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night in Bloomsburg Town Park. Free performances of the bard’s rollicking comedy will take place September 7th and 8th at 6:00pm and September 9th at 4:00pm. No tickets or reservations are needed; patrons need only show up and enjoy.
All are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs, bug spray, sunscreen, food, and beverages (no alcohol is permitted in the park). The performance is appropriate for general audiences, with mild comedic violence and bawdy Shakespearean language.
While the move off-site from the Alvina Krause Theatre became a necessity due to the installation of a new HVAC system, the company is excited to be performing out in the community. “BTE continues to exist because of this wonderful, supportive community,” stated Resident Acting Company member Amy Rene Byrne. “When we performed The Girl Who Swallowed the Cactus in the park in 2021, we saw how incredibly valuable it is to be out in and interacting with the community. People would stop and watch us rehearse and it gave us an opportunity to strike up a conversation about the show and our company. It built connections I never anticipated.”
This laugh out loud comedy will be directed by Tara Bradway, PhD. Bradway has served as the Artistic Director of the Adirondack Shakespeare Company–a company dedicated to producing world-class quality productions of Shakespeare’s plays unburdened by spectacle and technology. She brings with her a unique approach to staging and a focus on language that makes Shakespeare’s works accessible and engaging for all audiences. BTE is taking inspiration from the original practices of Shakespeare’s
company and this production will feature natural lighting, audience engagement, and live music. The combination of Bradway’s flexible direction and Aaron White’s original music ensures a lively, unique production at each performance.
New and exciting faces will be joining the familiar. RAC members Aaron White (Feste/Music Director), Elizabeth Dowd (Malvolio), and Amy Rene Byrne (Antonio/Curio) welcome Resident Acting Company Candidate Kimie Muroya (Orsino, Maria); Theatremaker Apprentices Diamond Gloria Marrow (Olivia), Arrianna Daniels (Viola), and Bruce Gomez (Fabian/Valentine/Assistant Director); and Guest Artists Michael Covel (Sebastian), Sean Loundsbury (Sir Toby), and Coleman Shu-tung (Sir Andrew).
The free performances in the park are made possible through the Shakespeare in American Communities Grant from The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest and is supported by the Town Park Improvement Association.
‘Twelfth Night’ is sponsored by Service 1st Federal Credit Union. BTE’s Technology Sponsor is Innotek Computer Consulting, and Accommodation Sponsors are Mike and Samantha Capita and La Malbec Bar and Restaurant. BTE’s Season Media Sponsors are Hanna FM, Big Foot Country, Viamedia, and WNEP.
If you miss the free park performances or if you prefer to watch Shakespeare in air conditioning, additional performances will be taking place at: The Community Theatre League in Williamsport on September 15th-16th at 7:30pm and 17th at 2:00pm, and Lewisburg’s Riverstage Community Theatre on September 20th and 30th at 7:30pm and October 1st at 2:30pm.
Patrons should please take note of the varying performance times. Tickets are available on CTL and Riverstage’s websites.
BTE is honored to be able to share this magic of Shakespeare with their community and beyond. “If music be the food of love, play on!”
Founded in 1978, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble (BTE) is a distinguished artist-driven, community-based resident ensemble that brings innovative and impactful theater experiences to audiences. BTE offers a diverse repertoire of classic and contemporary plays and delivers original theater education programs for all ages. For more information about BTE, upcoming shows, and programs, please visit www.bte.org.