[NEohioPAL] FREE TICKETS to "The Importance of Being Earnest" at Actors' Summit

[Neil Thackaberry]

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

* *

*FREE Tickets for *

*The Importance of Being Earnest*




Actors’ Summit, Akron’s Equity professional theater, opens their production
of Oscar Wilde’s *The Importance of Being Earnest *on* *Thursday, March 29th
with a preview performance at 8 pm and an official opening on March 30th.
The production will be presented through April 22nd.  With the support of
the Knight Foundation, Actors’ Summit is offering a *FREE adult ticket* for
anyone accompanied by a full-time student of any age purchasing a student
ticket ($9).  (College students must present a valid ID.)**



This production is one of three shows this season academically appropriate
for the *“Take-your-parent-to-a-show!” *project.*  *

* *

Actors’ Summit received a significant grant from The Knight Foundation that
supports the theater’s ability to enable and encourage students to attend
live theater.



*“Take-your-parent-to-a-show!”* project allows any full-time student
(grade, middle school, high school or college) to buy a ticket for the
regular student rate of $9 and receive a *FREE TICKET* for his or her
accompanying parent to that same performance.  Parents and students
experiencing live performances together create additional learning
opportunities and encourage family participation in the arts.  The project
focuses on the social and communal aspects of the arts and supports arts
integrated instruction.



In addition to seeking patronage of younger audiences either through
bringing a parent or a school field trip, Actors’ Summit
encouragesincluding the show as part of school curricula.
Actors’ Summit offers special day time performances to local schools.  *Woody
Guthrie’s American Song*, closed on October 30th, *Bully!* on February 5thand
*The Importance of Being Earnest *runs from March 29th

through April 22nd .



In support of these programs, Actors’ Summit prepares detailed
Student/Teacher Guides for the plays.  The guide for *The Importance of
Being Earnest*, like the ones prepared for *Woody Guthrie’s  American **Song
* and *Bully*!, includes information on significant historical events as
well as questions and activities for teachers and students to prepare them
to view the production and to help them incorporate the experience of the
play into their classroom studies.  The guide for *The Importance of Being
Earnest *touches on Oscar Wilde’s life, 19th century fashion, the history
of tea, Victorian parlor games and cucumber sandwiches.



Arts Integrated Instruction has become an area of great interest over the
past decade.  Schools across the country are discovering the power of the

arts when used as a catalyst for teaching across the curriulum.  “Our
commitment is to making history, literature, and theater memorable for the
average student,” said Thackaberry. “We try to bring professional theater
experiences to students at the lowest possible cost.”



The classroom support allows students to connect with the artists.  The
study guides supports teachers in achieving State of Ohio standards in
history, social studies, and the arts.  In addition, the free* pre
and* *post-performance
discussions* with the artists can lock in the emotional and intellectual
experience, creating memories that foster achievement on standardized
tests.



Oscar Wilde’s* The Importance of Being Earnest* premiered 112 years ago and
this *Trivial Comedy for Serious People* has probably generated more
laughter than any other piece of dramatic literature.  Jack is Jack in
town, but Earnest in the country.  His ward, Cecily is deeply in love with
Earnest's ne'er-do-well brother who doesn't exist.  Lady Bracknell rules
all and is certainly not going to allow her daughter to "form an alliance
with a handbag."  Naturally everything works out perfectly and everyone
lives happily ever after.


Our season, in its entirety, and more information about Actors’ Summit can
be viewed at:

*www.actorssummit.org* <http://www.actorssummit.org/>**

Performances fill quickly, so reserve your seats now!  To schedule a future
school matinee, to get more information about Actors’ Summit’s *
“Take-your-parent-to-a-show!”* project or to receive *FREE* educational
support material for your classroom contact the theater at *330-374-7568.  *
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