Scobey Students Receive Opportunity To Enjoy Play Elements

Shakespeare In The Schools

Sometimes, if you can’t come to the play, the performance might come to you.

Last week, through the Montana Shakespeare in the Schools program, Scobey students were treated to a live performance along with taking part in workshops with the actors.

“The goal is always to bring a high quality performance and education to rural schools,” tour manager Joshua Brelsford explained.

During the morning, the traveling acting group entertained students with an adaptation of The Comedy of Errors. It was certainly different than the traditional play as 13 songs from the 1970s were added to the performance.

“It’s kind of unlocking the play for them,” Brelsford said. “It makes them think of Shakespeare as they might not of before.”

The actors worked with high school students in workshops during the afternoon to teach different methods of adaptation.

Actor Robert Frank, a native of Houston, Texas, said that Scobey was a stop after the group held prior performances in the Billings area. They were heading to Bainville on Thursday and then to Great Falls.

“It’s been a pretty zig-zagging tour,” Frank said.

The tour has been rewarding though for the eight actors who bring their talents to rural schools throughout the state as well as parts of Wyoming.

“A lot of schools don’t have a lot of arts programs,” Frank explained. “We perform because the kids in the arts programs love it. We love bringing this to them.”

He noted that the actors have a variety of talents. “We’re all experts in different fields. We fill out our needs very well.”

Frank said the presentations are well received by the schools. “People really laugh a lot and tell us they like it,” he added.

Having the opportunity to work face-to-face with students during the workshops is also a highlight.

“It’s a blast,” Frank said. “It helps bring them out of their shells.”

He explains he is often reminded of words shared to him by someone who makes play adaptations.

“If you treat students like poets and geniuses, then that’s what they will be.”

This marks the 34th season for the Montana Shakespeare in the Schools program. Montana Shakespeare in the Schools visits 50 schools annually from October through December.