"All the world's a stage"

If you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then unto me.

Another season of the the Shakespeare Project has wrapped up locally here in Monroe, and it is time for the youth to do their annual performance.

The words of the Bard will resonate through the Monroe Arts Center tomorrow evening as the youth from the project perform acts from many of the timeless classics. The performances start at 6:30 pm. As in past years, admission is a free will donation to Shakespeare on the Edge. Shakespeare on the Edge is a non-profit, so all donations are tax deductible.

Talking isn't doing. It is a kind of good deed to say well; and yet words are not deeds.

Take a little action and support these youth who are taking a step into the performing world. Creativity and enthusiasm abound during the performances by the members of Shakespeare Project and Shakespeare on the Edge.

Sideways Shakespeare Company

We are big fans of the arts here at Cheese Country Realtors, so it is exciting to see a new project starting.

Our friend Jennifer over at Primitive Soul Art Studio in Monroe started the Shakespeare Project for youth a number of years ago. This project has grown into the non-profit group Shakespeare on the Edge, which we have mentioned often on this blog. SotE now includes not only the Shakespeare Project but also The Eclectic Rogues, a traveling youth group who do performances as well as workshops addressing modern issues through the works of Shakespeare.

Jennifer and the SotE group has a new project up their sleeves. The Sideways Shakespeare Company is starting up to encourage creativity and give an outlet to adults who think it is shame that groups like this weren't around when we were growing up.

Here is how the group describes Sideways Shakespeare Company:

“…turning the works of the Bard sideways, upside down and backwards to get to the real art of Shakespeare--the fun!”

Adults here’s your chance to experience the powerful art of Shakespeare
first hand in a group of peers. Experience the Bard, while enjoying the therapeutic value of his work, de-stress, unwind, explore characters, converse, do a little improv, and have a blast!

Registration is going on right now, and the groups should be starting this spring. The introductory rate is only $25, a true bargain. To reserve your spot, email Jennifer or give her a call at 605-325-5268.

Things to Do Around Monroe

Hey there. What's shakin' this weekend?

~ The UW Alumni Club is meeting at Toffler's in New Glarus on Thursday evening at 8 to watch the UW Men's Basketball team play the Minnesota Gophers.

~ If sports isn't your thing, come over to Minhas Brewery's Lazy Mutt Lounge on Thursday evening instead for Monroe Art Center's Poetry on Tap. Award-winning Wisconsin poets will read aloud from their works starting at 7 pm. This event is free, and there will be libations courtesy of Minhas.

~ The Alternative Fuel Society meets at the River Valley Trading Company in Blanchardville this Friday starting at 7 pm. Newcomers are always welcome! RVTC also has a free documentary movie screening on Thursday at 7 pm. They will be showing "Mondovino".

~ Did you get your tickets for the Snowshoe Walk and Wine Tasting or the Pirate Night at Monroe Theatre Guild? We talked about these last week, but there are a few spots still available.

~ Calling all performers! Open Mic night at Winneshiek Playhouse in Freeport this Saturday night. From 7:30 to 9:30, you can take your 15 minutes of fame or just enjoy watching others doing their thing. Free will donation, free for performers. Sign up for performers starts at 7 pm.

~ Rainbow Fleece Farm near New Glarus has another Cabin Fever event this weekend. Yarn on the Farm! Come see the new lambs, new wools, new yarns. Saturday has a free needle felting session, and Sunday brings a spin and knit drop in session. Bring your projects, bring the family. Email Patty or call her at 608.527.5311 for more information. Rainbow Fleece Farm doesn't have a website, but you can find them at W7181 Hustad Valley Rd by New Glarus.

~ MTG has a History Day scheduled for Sunday. This free event is open to anyone who wants to come help incorporate MTG's history into scrapbooks for preservation. They also have an adult workshop on Monday evening. Junk Puppets for Adults is free for members ($5 for non-members). Have fun and get dirty learning to recycle everyday items in puppets for use in MTG's future youth programs. If you prefer to take your puppet home, they suggest a $10 supplies donation. Not a member? $15 will get an individual a membership for a year, $20 for a family.

~ Kookaburra's in Monroe has a cooking class next week. "Soups On!" will feature a variety of soups, and as always, participants get to taste. Check out Laura's new grapefruit and thyme dish soap while you are there. It smells superb.

~ Shakespeare on the Edge has a few spots open for their upcoming American Players Workshop with David Daniels. This full day workshop (10 to 4) will be at MAC on February 26, and is open to students ages 9-18.

Whew! Can you believe that is only a sampling? Hope to see you out and about!

Shakespeare Project

The Shakespeare on the Edge in Monroe is taking applications for this year's Shakespeare Project.

You think Shakespeare is boring??!! Then you have not experienced the Shakespeare Project! Check out Shakespeare in a way you never thought possible. Meet new friends. Be strengthened and transformed through art. With over 75% of all participants returning every year, something has to be good about this.

This is not your grandma's English class, this is fun!!!

The project this year will be held from February 4 through May 20 on
Thursdays 4-6pm at Monroe in the Primitive Soul Art Studio, just off the Square. There is also a workshop with David Daniels from American Players Theatre and a show at APT in June at no additional charge.

The value of this project is $800. Due to fund raising and generous contributions from individuals and organizations in our community, cost is only $100. Scholarships are available.

Class size is limited to 30 participants. No audition required, but youth must apply for a spot. To request more information or an application (Due by January 29th) please contact jpuppetmaker@aol.com or pvestin@yahoo.com
You can also call 608-325-5268

Renaissance Faire sponsored by Shakespeare on the Edge

Hear ye, hear ye!

Let it be known throughout the land that all goode people from the Monroevian realm to the far reaches of the kingdom are invited to the Second Annual Gathering of Rogues and Ruffians Renaissance Faire from noon until 10 p.m. on September 19 at The Piazza.

The Renaissance Faire, sponsored by the nonprofit group Shakespeare on the Edge, offers an afternoon of food, fun and revelry for the whole family, followed by a candlelit performance of William Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest, by the Eclectic Rogues youth acting troupe beneath the stars on the Piazza’s enchanting outdoor stage. Showtime begins at 7:00 p.m.

Roaming the Faire grounds throughout the day will be more than 50 entertainers, pirates, insulters, fairies, jugglers, musicians, minstrels and storytellers, and a host of artisans and vendors will display their wares. Food will also be available, and the Faire will be held rain or shine.

Family friendly entertainment includes:

* Midwest Knife and Axe Throwers (teaching even the youngest lads and lasses to throw knives and axes at targets)
* UW-Madison Belly Dancers (performances, as well as classes for children)
* Chicago’s The Suitcase Shakespeare Company (performing Much Ado About Nothing in under an hour)
* The Guild of St. Michael Military (A Bristol group that spends their summers as Bristol Renaissance Military)
* Archery lessons for all ages
* The Complete Fool Juggler and Supplies

A silent auction of items donated by area businesses will be held from noon until 5:30 p.m. The auction is the primary fundraiser for Shakespeare on the Edge, which is also funded by grants from the Wisconsin Arts Board and United Way of Green County. With the dual focus of building self-empowerment and communication skills through acting, Shakespeare on the Edge sponsors the Eclectic Rogues Core Company, the Shakespeare Project for kids ages 8-18 and, beginning this fall, the Adult Shakespeare Project.

Admission to the Renaissance Faire is $1, with a $5 maximum per family. The Piazza is located at W5549 Center Road, 3.6 miles north of Monroe on Highway 69. For more information contact 608-325-5268 or search Shakespeare on the Edge at GreenCountySpotlight.com