The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is proud to announce that its educational touring company, Shakespeare LIVE!, has again been selected to participate in Shakespeare for a New Generation, a major initiative sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts in cooperation with Arts Midwest.

Shakespeare for a New Generation will give high school and middle school students throughout America the opportunity to experience Shakespeare’s works through high-quality productions and educational activities. It is the a part of Shakespeare in American Communities, launched in September 2003, which has already reached more than 400 communities, 18 military bases, and 1,000 schools across all 50 states. This is the largest Shakespeare tour in American history.

Last school year, Shakespeare LIVE! performed for over 3,600 students in underserved communities in New Jersey and New York thanks to funding from Shakespeare for a New Generation.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is one of just 35 professional companies nationwide selected this year to participate in Shakespeare for a New Generation.

“A great nation deserves great art,” said National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Dana Gioia. “We are proud to present to America the greatest playwright in the English language. And we are proud to present performances of the highest caliber. Shakespeare in American Communities exemplifies the Arts Endowment’s commitment to artistic excellence, access to all Americans, and leadership in arts education.”

Education will continue to be an integral part of Shakespeare for a New Generation. The project combines the presentation of art with arts education through scholastic programs and classroom materials. In addition, educational materials developed by the Arts Endowment and showcasing some of the greatest actors of our day will continue to be distributed, free of charge, to thousands of classrooms.

To see if your school qualifies for a free or reduced-cost performance through this initiative, email Jamie Brink-Grant (jbgrant@ShakespeareNJ.org).

To learn more about Shakespeare in American Communities: Shakespeare for a New Generation, visit:

www.shakespeareinamericancommunities.org