FESTIVAL AND SHOW MEDIA KIT

PRESS RELEASES,

STORY IDEAS,

SHORT BLURBS,

AND EVERGREEN and CURRENT PHOTOS

CURRENT FESTIVAL PRESS INFO FOR 2011  (June 2011:  This page is continually being updated, and more information may be added.  However, all info posted is current at this time, and is now available for 2011 immediate release)

For further information, contact:

Robin Heinemann, Executive Director for The Iowa Shakespeare Experience, at RobinHeinemann.Pres@Gmail.com; 515-274-8989

NOTE TO PRESS MEMBERS: INFO IS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR USE IN MULTIPLE FORMAT CHOICES!

Press Colleagues: For your convenience, the ISE provides press information in a wide variety of useful styles and formatting.  So that you can suit our material to your needs, space allotment and interests, you will find press information formated below in the following different ways:

A "Basic" Release which includes detailed nightly schedule and show information; INCLUDING Short Description of Each Show

 
1. A "Composed Story" style with narrative and quotes
2. A list of possible story ideas and various "unique slants" on the basic story
3. "Sound Bytes" for short blurbs  or captions or sidebars are also provided in the following shortie formats: "Blurbs" run from 70-270 word options -plus one 730 word mini-story. (find these by scrolling towards the bottom of this page.)

PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD:

High Quality current and "evergreen" JPEG photos are available for immediate download (along with an additional series of press releases which are distributed statewide) at our account with LinkLine.

QUICKLINK TO GET IMMEDIATE PHOTOS  The quick link below should take you immediately to a selection of about 10 festival photos featuring day and night stage shots of actors, picnics, the crowd and other scenes.  All photos are labeled with suggested captions and identification of people:

http://www.link-line.com/justinstory.asp?StyID=15496

SPECIAL NOTE RE GETTING PHOTOS:  The internet can be touchy sometimes, and we know you may be on deadline.  In the rare event you have trouble with the click, simply follow the easy alternative steps below to get to the photos:

1. Go to http//www.link-line.com/  The Link.  (There are a few organizations which pop up as "The Link" - scroll down to The Link). 
2. Enter Iowa Shakespeare Experience in the search function
3. Find photos and suggested captions with our Link Line material
4. Any further  problems, call 1-800-373-1713 and ask for Deanna. 
5. Or call Robin Heinemann and 515 274 8989 and we can send j-pegs via email.

PRESS RELEASE INFO 2011:

BASIC Festival Schedule for 2011

(includes Mainstage Show Description)

For Immediate Release

May 14, 2011

Contact information:

Robin Heinemann

Executive Director

The Iowa Shakespeare Experience

RobinHeinemann.Pres@Gmail.com

515.274.8989

www.IowaShakespeare.org

EVENT OVERVIEW:

Overview: HUZZAH! The Iowa Shakespeare Experience presents “R U Shakesperienced? “ 2011 annual FREE Professional Shakesperience Festival: Shakesperience Fest!

Basic Event Description and Hot News:  It’s the Best Night of Summer! R U Shakesperienced?  Thousands are – so in 2011, central Iowa’s premiere FREE outdoor theatre festival is expanding!  Produced by the non-profit The Iowa Shakespeare Experience (ISE) since 2009, the 2011 Festival line-up brings a new “Classics-Along-the-Cityscape” Series to join ISE's famous “Shakespeare-Under-the-Stars” series!  Following the tradition of the nation’s leading Shakespeare Festivals, the Festival now presents classic works by non-Shakespearean authors as well as by the Bard! So in 2011, Producers Lorenzo Sandoval and Robin Heinemann bring audiences TWO lush, magical shows – each absolutely FREE!  This ain’t “yer Grandma’s Shakespeare” – shows come alive with professional actors,  live music, sizzling choreography, and special effects.  Full show description for each show below.  Also in 2011, the Festival further expands to include traveling shows to the Northern and Southern suburbs as well as Mainstage shows. Mainstage shows take place on the last two weeks of July:  Fridays - Mondays July 22-25 AND 29-31, with nightly Indoor Rain Locations PLUS the Monday August 1 as a Rain Date Show. Mainstage Gates open at 6pm for picnics, pre-show concerts 7-7:30, with plays starting at 8:15 pm.  Similar schedule for Traveling shows.

Location: Mainstage shows are held on the gorgeous waterside location of the Des Moines Riverwalk, in the professional Simon Estes Amphitheatre where Producers Lorenzo Sandoval and Robin Heinemann bring you TWO lush, magical shows – each absolutely FREE!  . AND we also present our first year of traveling shows - a full-length traveling show will be taken to the Northern and Southern suburbs (Ankeny and Carlisle) as part of the exciting 2011 line up!  More info below!

Event Timeline: Activities take place through June and July, and culminate on the last 2 weekends of July in a European-style Festival on the downtown Riverwalk with suburban traveling shows.  Overview of Schedule, below.  Gates open at 6 for picnics and pre-show activities, and shows start at 8:15 pm.

Tickets: 

• No Tickets Required for general seating for Mainstage Shows and pre-show concerts- event is FREE! 
• For VIP seating areas, for private party tents, and for select parties and activities, tickets are sold at a range of prices through Midwestix at www.Midwestix.com or directly through our offices as listed below.   More infomation at FAQ pages and below.


Inclement Weather:  Shows go up rain or shine!  Rain location will be confirmed on Home Page, but is generally the Des Moines Scottish Rite Consistory at 519 Park Street in downtown Des Moines.

Picnics: Picnics are welcome at Shakesperience Fest -Mainstage - and usually at our traveling venues, too!  At the Mainstage, gates open at 6 to accomodate picnics. Attendees may even bring their own wine, altough there are also great vendors and a special wine garden for wine tasting and purchases.  and gourmet picnics to our gorgeous waterside location in Simon Estes Amphitheatre where Producers Lorenzo Sandoval and Robin Heinemann bring you TWO lush, magical shows – each absolutely FREE!  This ain’t “yer Grandma’s Shakespeare” – shows come alive with professional actors,  live music, sizzling choreography, and special effects. 

Legends of the Iowa Shakespeare Stage: A “Sunday Afternoon with Friends” event from the Iowa Shakespeare Experience, featuring some of Iowa’s most legendary Shakespearean Actors appearing at various house parties throughout June or July.  To purchase tickets or for exact times and locations, contact RobinHeinemann.Pres@Gmail.com.  

Bard-in-the-Yard: “Midsummer Day Dreams in the Garden”:  
Enjoy the Sonnets of Summer -and sip champagne- in the private garden established by one of the world’s leading Hosta growers. To purchase tickets or for exact date and location, contact RobinHeinemann.Pres@Gmail.com.  

Strolling Shakespeare:  “Shakespeare is our Middle Name”: The Iowa Shakespeare Experience presents strolling Street Theatre at various locations through town, including at various Farmers Markets and the Des Moines Arts Festival. 

The Bill’s-on-Will: East Village Promotional events (spontaneous street theatre in the East Village throughout June and July - for exact details, contact RobinHeinemann.Pres@Gmail.com.

Shakespeare-on-the-Aire Radio:  “Five Babes and a Bard”: with the Culture Buzz on KFMG Radio; schedule tba.

Bard-in-the-Books: FREE Shakesperience Library events for Youth, Families and Seniors:  at the Downtown Des Moines Central Library, 6pm, June 29th.  

Will-on-the-Wander:  FREE traveling “Shakespeare Shorts” shows in venues and parks throughout the Metro; tentatively scheduled for July 17 in Colby Park, Windsor Heights, Iowa.  Check with Colby Park at tlevine@windsorheights.org for further information.

The Main Event:

The Iowa Shakespeare Experience presents 2011 annual

FREE Professional Shakesperience Festival 

SHORT DESCRIPTION THE 2011 SHOWS:

The Iowa Shakespeare Experience presents Shakesperience Fest 2011 featuring TWO full length plays in true Repertory:

SHOW A: “Shakespeare-Under-The-Stars”: The Regina Monologues – the Royal Queens and Kings of Shakespeare: Macbeth’s witches conjure up two of history's most famous Monarchs who figured prominently in Shakespeare’s life.  Queen Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth are spirited right into our midst - -where they regally employ Shakespeare's own poetic prose to share wit, wisdom -and the War Between the Sexes!- in a fun-filled romantic comedy laced with live music, sizzling dance, and mysterious twists and turns.   Presents some of Shakespeare's most famous scenes of all time with rich production values -complete with lush period costumes and special effects.  Perfect for Bard Newcomers plus rich insider treats for Bard fans. Featuring musicians from the Hot Club of Des Moines and terrific dancers from area ballet schools! Preceded nightly by The Regina Melodies mini-concert show from a local queen of music, Ms. Tina Haase Findlay.

FEATURING SCENES FROM:  William Shakespeare's As You Like It, Hamlet, Antony and Cleopatra, The Merchant of Venice, and The Winter's Tale.

SHOW B: “Classics-Along-The-Cityscape”:  Mark TWAINment Tonight!  Ever the ultra-cool Wit, America’s own Bard makes an appearance on our Riverside as you’ve never seen him before, with fresh twists on old favorites plus a rare foray into ever humorous, yet deeply touching seldom-produced Twain romantic works. There are stories for the intelligentsia, stories for the romantics, and stories for families and kids of all ages -all told and portrayed by Twain plus his wife, daughters, best friend- and a terrific musical entourage.  Lush period costumes. The New York Times calls Twain the height of a unique kind of cool which just makes you feel good! (Find Times and Register reviewer quotes on our Home page.) Featuring original music written by favorite Metro songbird actress Preshia Paulding plus the guitar stylings of Iowa's own Rob Lumbard!  The Prairie Meadows Family Night show is preceded by an interactive concert from The Belin String Quartet after the Social Groove Community Drummers drum in that ancient classic spirit. 

FEATURING SCENES FROM:  Mark Twain's Extracts from Adam's Diary, Eve's Diary, The Prince and the Pauper, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, and essays and lectures.

2011 SEASON SHOW, CONCERT

AND SPECIAL EVENT SCHEDULE

Friday JULY 22:Mayor Frank Cownie presents Festival Opening Night  plus Date Night at Shakesperience Fest!

• 5:45 pm: FREE PARKING opens in adjacent city lots
• 6:00 pm:  Grounds open for picnics and wine tasting, Homemade Gelato by Chocolaterie Stams and European/English delicacies by Ames British Foods.
• 6:15 pm:  DATE NIGHT SPECIAL:  Private Picnic “romantic pasha” tents available for advance purchase through MidwesTix; Date Night door discount sales begin as available
• 7:00 pm:  DATE NIGHT SPECIAL: VIP Cabaret Tables available for advance purchase through MidwesTix, Date Night door discount sales begin as available
• 7:00 pm:  Picnic-with-Panache informal contest – come ready for The Best Night of Summer by bringing a picnic feast with all the accoutrements like Candelabras, fresh flowers, fine linens and crystal or dress in your best summer frocks or Renaissance Attire - -and in addition to having fun, you might win an automatic VIP seating upgrade!
• 7:00 pm:  Pre-show Guest Artist concerts featuring romantic tunes sung by area “Kings of Croon” with special guests like Fred Gazzo!
• 7:30 Drum in the Ancient Magic with The Social Groove Community Drummers
• 8:00 pm:  Mayor Frank Cownie Welcome
• 8:15 pm: FREE THEATRE UNDER-THE-STARS: The Iowa Shakespeare Experience presents: Classics-Along-the-Cityscape: Mark TWAINment Tonight!

Saturday JULY 23: Young Professionals Night and Art Market Fair at Shakesperience Fest!

• 5:45 pm: FREE PARKING opens in adjacent city lots
• 6:00 pm:  Grounds open for picnics and wine tasting, Homemade Gelato by Chocolaterie Stams and European/English delicacies by Ames British Foods.
• 6:30 pm:  “Up and Comers” Art Fair and mini-Grey Market showcasing the works of a host of the Metro’s most exciting young artists and designers
• 6:15 pm:  PRIVATE PARTY SPECIAL:  Private Picnic “romantic pasha” tents available for advance purchase through MidwesTix; door discount sales begin as available
• 7:00 pm:  PRIVATE PARTY SPECIAL: VIP Cabaret Tables available for advance purchase through Midwest Tix, door discount sales begin as available
• 7:00 pm: Pre-show Young Professional’s “PLAY OUTSIDE STAGE PARTY” with the cast, featuring music and select beers, wines and appetizers; $10 per person. Tickets available at the Stage Steps.  Includes complimentary VIP section seating during the show!
• 7:00 pm:  Picnic-with-Panache informal contest – come ready for The Best Night of Summer by bringing a picnic feast with all the accoutrements like Candelabras, fresh flowers, fine linens and crystal or dress in your best summer frocks or Renaissance Attire and in addition to having fun, you might win an automatic VIP seating upgrade!
• 7:00 pm:  SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST CONCERT PERFORMANCE: The Regina Melodies featuring Des Moines’ own Music Queen:  Tina Haase Findlay with special guests!
• 8:15 pm: FREE THEATRE UNDER-THE-STARS: The Iowa Shakespeare Experience presents: Shakespeare-Under-the-Stars:  The Regina Monologues – the Royal Queens and Kings of Shakespeare!  With live music and dance.

Sunday JULY 24: Mayor Frank Cownie presents VIP Night and Interactive Family Night at Shakesperience Fest, featuring Des Moines Civic Music and The Belin String Quartet!

• 5:30 pm: FREE PARKING opens in adjacent city lots
• 5:30 pm:  Grounds open for picnics and wine tasting, Homemade Gelato by Chocolaterie Stams and European delicacies by Ames British Foods.
• 7:00 pm:  “The King Doth Keep His Revels Here Tonight” TENTED VIP WINE PARTY hosted by some of the Metro’s most prominent community leaders (For Tickets, call 515 274 8989)
• 7:00 pm Picnic-with-Panache informal contest – come ready for The Best Night of Summer by bringing a picnic feast with all the accoutrements like Candelabras, fresh flowers, fine linens and crystal and/or dress in your best summer frocks or Renaissance Attire and in addition to having fun, you might win an automatic VIP seating upgrade!
• 7:00 pm:  SPECIAL FAMILY NIGHT CONCERT LINE UP featuring the Social Groove Community Drummers with a special interactive performance by the Belin String Quartet; surprise guest appearances! Also a Children's Story Circle on our stage, featuring readings by MFA Candidate and Guest Artist Torii Grabowski. )
• 8:00 pm:  Mayor Frank Cownie welcomes Families!
• 8:00 pm:  Family Night Special Seating: Families with young children are encouraged to move forward into front area seating sections- see ushers for more information.
• 8:15 pm: FREE THEATRE UNDER-THE-STARS: The Iowa Shakespeare Experience presents: Classics-Along-the-CityScape:  Mark TWAINment Tonight featuring the music of Rob Lumbard.
• 10:30 pm:  FAMILY NIGHT BACK STAGE TOURS FOR YOUTH – meet the Festival Director at the Stage Steps and let the kids take the stage and backstage areas to explore sets, costume areas, and more!  Complete with an opportunity to meet the cast and get autographs. 

Monday JULY 25:  BONUS PERFORMANCE – The Regina Monologues

• 5:45 pm: FREE PARKING opens in adjacent city lots
• 6:00 pm:  Grounds open for picnics
• 7:00 pm:  Picnic-with-Panache informal contest – come ready for The Best Night of Summer by bringing a picnic feast with all the accoutrements like Candelabras, fresh flowers, fine linens and crystal or dress in your best summer frocks or Renaissance Attire and in addition to having fun, you might win an automatic VIP seating upgrade!
• 8:15 pm: RAIN DATE PERFORMANCE OF FREE THEATRE UNDER-THE-STARS (Show tbd.)

Friday JULY 29: NEW!  TRAVELING SHOW!   Mark TWAINment Tonite

BRAVO AND PRAIRIE MEADOWS PRESENTS:

Will on the Wander:  A NEW festival amenity of shows which travel to various Bravo 28 E cities!

Presenting a Southern Suburbs Prairie Meadows Family Night show as follows:

• SPECIAL LOCATION: On the front porch and front lawn of the Historic Randleman House, Carlisle, Iowa.   Step back in time across the 12 miles from Des Moines to Carlisle and see thecomplete  show staged in terrific historic surroundings.  Find our great production values (full lights and sound and costuming) even closer to your home!  Still FREE!  Bring picnics anand have an amazing home-town time!

• Gates open at 7, show begins at 8!

Sponsored by the Historic Randleman House and the City of Carlisle.  For more information, contact the Historic Randleman House; Mary Sue Van Ryswyk at 515 321 6585 (cell) or CAHS.webs (MarySue123@hotmail.com)

Saturday JULY 30:  NEW!  TRAVELING SHOW!  Mark TWAINment Tonite!

BRAVO AND PRAIRIE MEADOWS PRESENTS:

Will on the Wander:  A NEW festival amenity of shows which travel to various Bravo 28E Suburbs!

Presenting a Northern Suburbs Prairie Meadows Family Night show at:

• SPECIAL LOCATION: The Ankeny Bandshell at Wagner Park, Ankeny, Iowa:  Come see Shakesperience Fest on the move!  Find our great production values (full lights and sound and costuming!) as it comes even closer to your home! This is a complete show- not a preview version! Still free!  Bring picnics and wine and have an amaing home-town time!

• Gates open at 7, Show begins at 8.

Sponsored by the City of Ankeny Parks Deparment;  contact Deb Dyar, City of Ankeny Public Relations Officer, 515 965 6414 (Ddyar@Ankenyiowa.gov) for more information.

JULY 31:  “Friends and Family” Night at Shakesperience Fest!

• 5:45 pm: FREE PARKING opens in adjacent city lots
• 6:00 pm:  Grounds open for picnics and Jasper wine tasting, Homemade Gelato by Chocolaterie Stams
• 6:15 pm:  “FRIENDS AND FAMILY” SPECIAL:  Private Picnic tents available for groups via advance purchase through MidwesTix; door discount sales begin as available
• 7:00 pm:  “FRIENDS AND FAMILY” SPECIAL: VIP Cabaret Tables available for advance purchase through MidwesTix, door discount sales begin as available
• 7:00 pm:  Picnic-with-Panache informal contest – come ready for The Best Night of Summer by bringing a picnic feast with all the accoutrements like Candelabras, fresh flowers, fine linens and crystal or dress in your best summer frocks or Renaissance Attire and in addition to having fun, you might win an automatic VIP seating upgrade!
• 7:00 pm:  SPECIAL  “FRIENDS AND FAMILY” CONCERT PERFORMANCE: A special interactive version of The Regina Melodies Concert featuring Des Moines’ own Music Queen Tina Haase Findlay along with very special guests!
• 8:15 pm: FREE THEATRE UNDER-THE-STARS The Iowa Shakespeare Experience presents: Shakespeare-Under-the-Stars:  The Regina Monologues – the Royal Queens and Kings of Shakespeare! With live music and dance.

August 1:  RAIN DATE PERFORMANCE AS APPLICABLE (all Shakesperience shows offer a terrific rain date location for picnicking indoors, downtown at the “Secret Castle Ballroom” in the Des Moines Masonic Consistory. But if any show is cancelled for rain, we may additionally have an extra outdoor performance in the Amphitheater on this date. Our “Weather pages” and Home Page “Weather Box” will have continually updated information as applicable.) 

• 5:45 pm: FREE PARKING opens in adjacent city lots
• 6:00 pm:  Grounds open for picnics
• 7:00 pm:  Picnic-with-Panache informal contest – come ready for The Best Night of Summer by bringing a picnic feast with all the accoutrements like Candelabras, fresh flowers, fine linens and crystal or dress in your best summer frocks or Renaissance Attire and in addition to having fun, you might win an automatic VIP seating upgrade!
• 8:15 pm: RAIN DATE PERFORMANCE OF FREE THEATRE UNDER-THE-STARS (Show tbd.)

ADDITIONAL PRESS INFORMATION FOLLOWS:

(Narrative-style story with quotes and Short Blurb Sound Bytes) provided below. 

COMPOSED STORY RELEASE WITH QUOTES:

To be added soon

LIST OF STORY IDEAS FOR UNIQUE SLANT:

Story Ideas for 2011:

1. HUGE EXPANSION! The 2011 Festival is EXPANDING!  We are now producing our first NON Shakespearean Author (as do about 70% of Shakespeare Festivals nationwide), we are now traveling to the suburbs, and we have now expanded back (after a recessionary contraction) to 2 shows in Repertory and to 6 days!
2. TWO BARDS! The 2011 Festival  features "England's Bard" (William Shakespeare) AND "America's Bard" (Mark Twain)
3. TWO BESTSELLERS! The 2011 Festival features two of the world's rare authors who BOTH have been on best seller lists in EVERY century since they first were published!
4. ORIGINAL ARTISTIC WORKS: The 2011 Festival features TWO original works by published playwright, Lorenzo Sandoval, one of Iowa's leading minority artists!
5. Story idea: CROSS-CULTURAL INTERVIEW:  Interview ISE Artistic Director Lorenzo Sandoval on a Latino artist's preparation for "becoming Mark Twain" - Lorenzo has prepared in many ways for his role, including years of research, making a pligrammage to Twain's New York studio and Connecticut Victorian Home- Lorenzo even resides in his own Victorian home, which often puts him "in the mood"
6. Story idea:  YOUNG ARTIST INTERVIEW:  Interview emerging actress Tiffany Flore, a recent Simpson theatre grad who is pursuing her MFA as the culmination of a young lifetime spent in theatre- Tiffany has been in shows since she was about 6- she plays the lead role of Cleopatra in Festival 2011 and she is a signing, acting and dancing dynamo!

SOUND BYTES AND SHORT BLURBS

(Blurbs range from 230 - 70 words, plus one 730 word mini-story.  Shortest blurbs at bottom.)

Mini-Story - About 730 words.

      Organizers say: “Bring your best bottles of wine, gourmet picnics, and friends or family to downtown Des Moines annual Shakesperience™ Fest on the Riverwalk (and other great stages) for live, FREE professional theatre under- the-stars! An evening of friends, family and outdoor theatre is a magical summertime tradition enjoyed all around the world!

     This “best of summer” event is the place to “picnic with panache” (Candlelabra welcome!), to roar with laugher at some of the world’s most famous comedies– or be moved to tears by the most famous love stories of all time.  The Iowa Shakespeare Experience specializes in shows you can relate to.  Organizers say   “its all the classics you remember- so freshly told, you’ll never forget!”  Each features lush period costumes and extravagant special effects.

     And this year, the Festival is expanding!  Like roughly 70% of all major Shakespeare Festivals across America, in 2011 Iowa’s Shakesperience Festival will begin presenting the works of other classic authors, in addition to the works of William Shakespeare.  The line-up will feature not just England’s famous Bard, but also America’s own beloved Bard:  Mr. Mark Twain.   

    Co-producers Robin Heinemann and Lorenzo Sandoval explain that in 2011 they are adding a brand-new series to the Shakesperience line up, bringing the Festival 7 star-spangled nights with two different romantic comedies performed in repertory!  In 2011, a new “Classics Along the Cityscape” series will present: “Mark TWAINment Tonite! “ in which not just Mark Twain, but also his wife, daughters and friends present a music-spangled fresh twist on old favorites for young and old alike- plus very rare and touching Twain romantic works. The “Classics” series will be presented in tandem with Festival’s initial “Shakespeare Under-the-Stars” series, which showcases “The Regina Monologues; the Royal Queens and Kings of Shakespeare”.  There, two Queens who figured prominently in Shakespeare’s life,  Queen Elizabeth and Queen Cleopatra, use music, dance and prose to explore The Bard’s war between the sexes via famous Elizabethan-style Shakespeare scenes that feature love, laughter, and intrigue – inside a two-act play that involves secrets held by the mysterious witches from MacBeth.  Both works offer multiple entry points into the works-each of these plays are rich with” insider” treats for the expert fan to relish… while being a perfect introduction to these authors for the newcomer. 

     The producers point out that: “Many people may not realize that Twain’s works were interrelated in several ways with Shakespeare’s –so it’s a fun dynamic to have these two great Bards …each so strongly associated with their respective Thames, Avon and Mississippi rivers… coming to Des Moines’ own breezy, beautiful river and other special area stages!  Also, both authors are considered iconic fathers of our current culture: William Faulkner called Twain the father of American Literature, while Shakespeare is considered the father of theatre.  Each is among the very few writers in the world to have top selling works published in every century since they wrote.  Yet it’s hard to find a more au currant pair - within the past 2 years, each author has been at the very forefront of contemporary literary discussion in any number of intriguing ways, from runaway best sellers to intriguing new historical finds. In fact, both authors are among the few worldwide to have produced “bestsellers” in each and every century since they lived – in fact, Twain is a major hit on the New York Times bestseller list this very year! ”

    Organizers note that the Festival’s Riverside grounds features bug-free breezes, a twinkling skyline view, plus a wine garden and gourmet food vendors for those who don’t want to bring their own picnics, Especially stylish picnics or costumed groups may win on-the-spot premiere seating passes!  And again this year, these free shows don’t require tickets. Free Director’s Talks, an art market, a Family Night and a variety of pre/post show parties round out the fun, along with a terrific roster of free pre-show concerts who organizers identify as some of the biggest names in Metro music.  The Festival also offer affordable VIP tents for private gatherings, as well as reserved premiere seating available for purchase through Midwestix.” Suburban traveling shows on select night offer other unique atmospheres.

Gates open at 6 for pre-show concerts, Directors talks, art exhibits and picnics Showtime at 8:15 nightly. Full schedule and related free youth activities found at IowaShakespeare.org.  Fridays-Mondays, July 22-31.  FREE, but reserved VIP seats and private party tents are available at Midwestix.com. 

About 230 words:

Summer’s beloved iconic Bards from history each come alive along Des Moines’ own river when the 2011 FREE “Shakesperience™ Festival” returns downtown to Simon Estes Amphitheater (and other designated stages) with an expanded line-up of not just one, but two romantic comedies.  The music-spangled “Mark TWAINment Tonight!” kicks off the Festival’s NEW “Classics Along-the-Riverside” series, featuring fresh twists on favorite stories as America’s own Bard, Mr. Mark Twain - - along with his wife, spirited daughters and the music of Rob Lumbard - -offer up a rousing celebration of famous American lore complete with rare Twain romantic works.  Next, the Festival’s “Shakespeare-Under-the-Stars” series returns to entice those new to Shakespeare as well as expert fans with fresh insights into some of the most famous scenes ever penned by England’s Bard, as Shakespeare’s enchanting best stories are explored in “The Regina Monologues; the Royal Queens and Kings of Shakespeare”. Organizers invite you to treat yourself to “all the classics you remember- told so freshly you’ll never forget!” Lush period costumes and rich special effects. Gates open at 6:00 pm for nightly pre-show concerts and picnics  (candlelabras welcome!) 8:15 Curtain.  For schedule of shows,  Director’s Talks, Family night, nightly pre-show concerts, and parties:  visit www.IowaShakespeare.org.   Fridays-Mondays, July 22-31.  FREE, but reserved seats and private tents are available to purchase at Midwestix.com. Nightly indoor rain locations, gourmet food vendors, wine garden (or bring your own!).

About 190 Words:

Two beloved iconic Bards of summer each take center stage when Des Moines’ 2011 FREE “Shakesperience™ Festival” returns downtown to riverside Simon Estes Amphitheater (and other designated stages) with an expanded line-up.  The romantic comedy “Mark TWAINment Tonight!” kicks off the Festival’s new “Classics Along-the-Riverside” series, featuring fresh twists on favorite stories as Mark Twain’s wife, spirited daughters and the music of Rob Lumbard join America’s Bard in a rousing celebration of American lore.  And, the original “Shakespeare-Under-the-Stars” series returns to entice those new to Shakespeare as well as expert fans with fresh insights into some of the most famous scenes ever penned by England’s Bard, as Shakespeare’s best works are explored in “The Regina Monologues; the Royal Queens and Kings of Shakespeare”. Organizers invite you to treat yourself to “all the classics you remember- told so freshly you’ll never forget!” Lush period costumes and special effects. Gates open at 6:00 pm for nightly pre-show concerts and picnics  (wine and candlelabras welcome!) 8:15 Curtain.  For schedule of shows,  Director’s Talks, Family night, nightly concerts, parties and rain locations:  visit www.IowaShakespeare.org.   Fridays-Mondays, July 22-31. FREE, but reserved seats and private tents are available to purchase at Midwestix.com.

About 170 Words:

Summer’s iconic Bards from both England and America take center stage when Des Moines’ 2011 FREE “Shakesperience™ Festival” returns downtown to riverside Simon Estes Amphitheater (and other suburban parks) with an expanded line-up. NEW in 2011, a “Classics Along-the-Riverside” series features the music of Rob Lumbard in the romantic comedy “Mark TWAINment Tonight!” -while the original “Shakespeare-Under-the-Stars” series offers some of Shakespeare’s most famous scenes in “The Regina Monologues; the Royal Queens and Kings of Shakespeare”.  Newcomers and expert fans alike will discover fascinating insights into time-tested stories, as the work of top actors is richly underscored with live music and dance.  Lush period costumes and special effects. Organizers invite you to treat yourself to “all the classics you remember- told so freshly you’ll never forget!” Gates open at 6:00 pm for nightly pre-show concerts and picnics  (wine and candlelabras welcome!) 8:15 Curtain.  For show schedule,  Director’s Talks, Family night, nightly concerts, parties and rain locations:  visit www.IowaShakespeare.org.   Fridays-Mondays. July 22-31. FREE, but reserved seats and private tents are available to purchase at Midwestix.com.

About 130 words:

Downtown Des Moines’ FREE 2011 “Shakesperience™ Festival” returns to riverside Simon Estes Amphitheater and travels to suburban parks with an expanded line-up. NEW in 2011, a “Classics Along-the-Riverside” series features “Mark TWAINment Tonight!”, while the original “Shakespeare-Under-the-Stars” series offers “The Regina Monologues; the Royal Queens and Kings of Shakespeare”.  Plays feature top local actors and are richly underscored with live music and dance.  Lush period costumes and special effects. Organizers invite you to treat yourself to “all the classics you remember- told so freshly you’ll never forget!” Gates open at 6:00 pm for nightly pre-show concerts and picnics  (wine and candlelabras welcome!) 8:15 Curtain.  For show schedule,  Director’s Talks, Family night, nightly concerts, parties and rain locations:  visit www.IowaShakespeare.org.   Fridays-Mondays. July 22-31. FREE, but reserved seats and private tents are available to purchase at Midwestix.com.

 About 120 words:

Des Moines’ FREE “Shakesperience™ Festival” returns, bringing an expanded line-up of FREE professional outdoor theatre to riverside Simon Estes Amphitheater downtown  and traveling to other suburban parks. NEW in 2011, a “Classics Along-the-Cityscape” series joins the original “Shakespeare-Under-the-Stars”.  Shows in both series feature top local actors, lush period costumes, and are richly underscored with live music, dance and special effects.  Organizers invite you to treat yourself to “all the classics you remember- told so freshly you’ll never forget!” Gates open at 6:00 pm for nightly pre-show concerts and picnics  (wine and candlelabras welcome!) 8:15 Curtain.  For show schedule,  Director’s Talks, Family night, nightly concerts, parties and rain locations:  visit www.IowaShakespeare.org.  Fridays-Mondays, July 22-31.  FREE, but reserved seats and private tents are available to purchase at Midwestix.com.

About 100 words:

July 22-31, bring wine and picnics to the breezy downtown Des Moines Riverwalk or other designated stages to catch FREE professional Theatre-Under-the-Stars at Shakesperience Fest.  Presenting two different  shows featuring Shakespeare and other classics –all richly underscored by live music and dance, with lush period costumes and special effects.  2011 features Shakespeare’s famous Queens and Kings in “The Regina Monologues” and the comedy “Mark TWAINment Tonight”.  Organizers note its “All the classics you remember- told so freshly, you’ll never forget!” Pre-show concerts and picnics (candlelabra welcome!) at 6:00 (8:15 Curtain.) Fridays-Mondays. July 22-31. FREE, but ticketed reserved seats/private tents available at Midwestix.com. www.IowaShakespeare.org.

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 VERY SHORT CAPTION OR LISTING: (Approx 70 words)

Bring wine and picnics to the breezy downtown Des Moines Riverwalk or other designated suburban stages: catch FREE professional Theatre-Under-the-Stars at Shakesperience Fest. Presenting two different shows featuring Shakespeare and other classics –richly underscored with live music, dance, lush period costumes, special effects.  Mainstage has nightly pre-show concerts, parties and activities starting at 6:00 (8:15 Curtain).  Fridays - Mondays, July 22-31. FREE; but ticketed reserved seats/private tents available. www.IowaShakespeare.org.

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