Shakespeare in the Park kicks off Theatre Aspen’s summer education programs

Theatre Aspen’s education summer lineup kicks off on Thursday, June 27, with its production of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.”

“Much Ado About Nothing” is Theatre Aspen’s high school summer production and its fourth annual Shakespeare in the Park production. Actors in grades 9-12 will perform the Shakespeare play June 27-29 at 10 a.m. at the Hurst Theater Lobby in Aspen. 

Tickets for “Much Ado About Nothing” are free.

From July 18-20, Theatre Aspen students in grades 4-7 will perform “Finding Nemo Jr.” at the Hurst Theater. The summer youth musical program offered the students audition workshops and dance and acting training that culminates to the final performance.

Students entering grades 5-8 will construct and design the set for the production during a new half-day camp July 1-5. 

“Finding Nemo Jr.” will take place at 10 a.m. each day, including an extra 2 p.m. performance on July 19. Tickets are $15 for youth and $20 for adults.

Theatre Aspen’s Summer Musical Conservatory will also invite students in grades 8-12 to join a four-week project from July 1-17 to produce the musical “Xanadu.” It is a roller-skating musical set to a score by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar of the Electric Light Orchestra. 

Participants will receive specialized training in acting, vocal technique, and dance, and they will attend workshops and masterclasses with industry professionals. The show will run July 25-27. All performances start at 7 p.m. There will be an extra performance at 2 p.m. on July 27.