For the last 14 years, Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre (AST) has gathered in Conway, Arkansas, to create intimate one of a kind productions bringing the work of William Shakespeare to life on stage. It has always been part of our artistic mission to bring together working professionals, emerging artists, and students to share in an environment that encourages artistic excellence, exploration, and growth. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic we find ourselves unable to execute this process in person. In an effort to maintain our academic goals of connecting students with working professionals AST is pleased to share the results of the Designing for the Bard project.

 

Designing for the Bard is focused on providing an opportunity for college students to connect with the design world of Shakespeare and engage with industry professionals.  Through the program, participants will be able to apply their creativity to one of Shakespeare’s most fascinating plays, be able to share that work with AST’s network of artists and Shakespeare fans on social media, and have that work discussed by professional designers from around the country in an online roundtable.

​

The Student participants choose to design Scenery, Lighting, Costumes, Sound, or Projections Design for any Shakespearean Play title. These could be new designs created between during the month of June, or a previously unrealized design classroom project. This website is the culmination of their hard work and artistic endeavors. 

​

Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre is a professional Shakespeare Festival that is a proud part of the Film, Theatre, and Creative Writing Department at the University of Central Arkansas.

​

To read more about Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre please visit our website: https://www.arkshakes.com/