"Non-traditional Shakespeare!" The New York Times    "It's Shakespeare as Willy himself intended!" The Boston Globe  "The stars, I see, shall kiss the Valley first" Rich in culture, steeped in history and framed by the rugged White Mountains, the Pemigewasett Valley of New Hampshire is home to year-round sports and outdoor offerings, quaint university towns, cozy inns, upscale restaurants and a plethora of activities attracting year-round visitors from around the world for centuries. Housed in the resort town of Waterville Valley, N.H., our beautiful Mary Devlin/Margaret Harmony “Women of Grace” outdoor stage is framed by towering balsams and nestled against the granite hills, lakes and streams in the heart of this verdant valley. Shakespeare in the Valley offers thrilling and entertaining fare for all ages in an interactive style evocative of Shakespeare's time. Our actors often speak directly to the audience and the audience (in turn) is not only encouraged but expected to respond in turn! We use Renaissance staging techniques unique to very few companies in the world and the result is a visceral, thrilling, fast-paced and exciting evening that GUARANTEES you'll walk away NEVER seeing Shakespeare the same way again. WE PUT THE "SHAKE" BACK IN SHAKESPEARE!® Our mission is, quite simply, to bring high-quality professional theatrical productions of Shakespeare and the classics to the Pemigewasett Valley region, following the model set by Shakespeare’s own original company: Minimal sets, props, small ensemble casts and cross-gender casting. We cast the right actor for the role regardless of age, sex, gender or culture.  Our "parents" may actually be older than their "kids", men play women (and vice versa) and the same actor may play three different roles in one production! A core component of the theatre is to perform in such a way as to restore Shakespeare back to his original intention—which was to delight, captivate and appeal to as many people as possible. Our theatre is “accessible” and “entertaining” to modern day audiences. As well, we provide educational and performance opportunities to young people, especially area youth for whom there is little outlet or education of this kind. An important part of our vision is the inclusion of actors with physical disabilities as well as being the first outdoor summer theatre in the country to target young people with physical disabilities for inclusion in our educational workshops and performances. In our inaugural 2006 summer, close to 2,000 people saw some form of the entertainments offered by Shakespeare in the Valley. Our Main Stage actors were treated to rousing standing ovations and curtain calls every week-end. Area families thrilled and delighted to our "Sugar-Coated Shakespeare"© Family Interactive Matinees and toddlers were spouting iambic pentimeter with the best of 'em! Over 80 people saw our Reach for the Stars "Can Do" Youth Camp© performance of scenes and selections from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and 13 youngsters (many of whom were area youth on scholarship) got the chance of a lifetime--being mentored by working professionals from all over the U.S. as well as receiving their first professional credits as part of the Fairy Corps for the evening Main Stage performances of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". We raised money for local arts organizations as well as drug and alcohol prevention and education programs all over N.H. Lastly, we remained committed to providing opportunities for locals by giving four local college students and community theatre actors their first "break"--casting them in our professional Main Stage Company. This year we hope to provide even more opportunities to thrill, delight and entertain the community we serve as well as staying true to our mission of "invigorating, educating and illuminating" our audiences . Come see what all the "huzzah" is about--we promise you won't be sorry! BUT DON'T TAKE OUR WORD ON IT..HERE'S WHAT SOME OF OUR AUDIENCES SAID... "Who knew Shakespeare could be so funny?" (Pat, Wolfeboro, NH) "I was dragged here the first time, but have to admit I really liked it--I've been back four times!" (Tom, Lewiston, ME) "I see a TON of Shakespeare in very sophisticated places. I thought you'd all be a bunch of hicks up here in podunkville--I was wrong. I'm going to make the five hour roundtrip drive next week-end and bring friends!" (Lydia, Tyngsboro, MA) "For the first time I understood every word and got everything that was going on" (Dick, Kingston, NH) "We go to the Oregon Fest (the nation's largest) every year and really didn't expect much. Wow! Were we wrong! This was the best Shakespeare we have ever seen!" ("The Five Ladies from Ashland", Ore.) "This was better than Stratford!" (Sonya, Ontario, Canada) "Shakespeare in the Valley rocks!" (A trio of teens who came every week-end)   SHAKESPEARE IN THE VALLEY (A Non-Profit Theatre Corporation that invigorates, illuminates and educates)  Family Shows Sponsored by The Waterville Valley Foundation (www.watervillevalleyfoundation.org)  In partnership with the Waterville Valley Recreation Department/Town of Waterville Valley (www.watervillevalley.org/recreation) with help from The Rey Center Arts in the Mountains (www.curiousgeorgecottage.org) Shakespeare in the Valley 39 Alden Drive  Campton, NH 03223   603-726-0098 Member of the National Assoc. of Shakespearean Theatres. This ain't your Momma's Shakespeare!®