Austin Peay State University Opera Workshop to perform “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” on November 20th

Clarksville, TN – The Austin Peay State University Opera Workshop will explore the diverse works of one of history’s greatest playwrights, William Shakespeare, as it presents “Brush Up On Your Shakespeare” on Sunday, November 20th.

The curtain rises at 3:00pm, in the Mabry Concert Hall, located inside the Music/Mass Communication Building on the University campus. The show is free and open to the public.

A series of selections from Shakespearian dramas and comedies, including “Macbeth,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Hamlet” and modern interpretations including “West Side Story” and “Kiss Me, Kate,” “Brush Up On Your Shakespeare” sees Austin Peay Opera Workshop students performing arias, duets and scenes from over 12 productions.

With selections performed in either English, Italian, French or German, Austin Peay students will have the opportunity to perform classic works in ways that test and grow their abilities.

A non-audition class, the Opera Workshop is open to students of all backgrounds and experience levels, as well as students from outside the Department of Music. Because of the wide range of talent levels on display, audience members will be able to enjoy veteran performers sharing the stage with young students – including some making their first outing at Austin Peay.

“Opera Workshop is an opportunity for students of all experience levels to get an opportunity to perform on stage,” Lisa Conklin-Bishop, director of opera theatre at Austin Peay, said. “This workshop gives them an opportunity that they might not get at other places, and it allows audience members to get to know more of the talented performers at Austin Peay.”

Joining Austin Peay students in the production of “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” are Conklin-Bishop, who serves as director and conductor, as well as vocal coach and emcee, Austin Peay professor of music, voice, Dr. Jeffrey Williams. Local musician Nylene Douglas will also accompany the performers on piano.

For more information on the show, contact the APSU music department at 931.221.7818.