A new generation of high school students is learning more about the plays of William Shakespeare through an outreach effort by the College of Arts + Architecture’s Department of Theatre.  For  two-months, students and faculty from the department are presenting “Twelfth Night” in  area high schools.

In a lively 70-minute rendition of this romantic comedy, directed by assistant professor Lon Bumgarner, student actors perform multiple roles to present a tale of clever disguise, misguided desire and musical revelry.

“Sharing Shakespeare with high school audiences as a 70-minute touring production helps students experience a classic work in an accessible way,” said Beth Murray, assistant professor of theatre education.  “Some high-schoolers love Shakespeare, but for many, the required reading for English class finally makes sense when they see it performed.  Lon has kept diverse high school audiences firmly in mind as the piece has evolved.”  

Between 1984 and 1991, Bumgarner founded and served as artistic director of the Charlotte Shakespeare Company. He is currently a member of the UNC Charlotte Shakespeare in Action Center and co-teaches the course “Shakespeare in England,” which is taught in Stratford and London.

The “Twelfth Night” tour, which continues through April 6, will serve nine high schools in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Gaston counties. The production also will be presented for the public in a free performance at Central Piedmont Community College on Saturday, April 14, and in three, ticketed performances in UNC Charlotte’s Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m., Thursday, April 26, through Saturday, April 28.