Maggie Maxwell, magnet arts faculty and alumna from the New World School of the Arts, directs 24 high school theatre students in a production of Tony Award-winner Shaina Taub’s (Suffs) and Laurie Woolery’s joyful musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s timeless play, As You Like It.
This rendition delves into the interplay between control and freedom through a lens inspired by the early 1900s. The court, characterized by power and spectacle, contrasts sharply with the Forest of Arden, a realm of liberation and creativity. As characters navigate these contrasting environments, the fluidity of identity emerges, highlighting how context and choices shape who we are.
“This production encourages us to develop discipline, adaptability, and ownership of our work.” said Ethan Dean who will play ‘Orlando’ in the musical.
Ultimately, As you Like It emphasizes themes of transformation, community, and the bravery required to embrace authenticity. Director Maxwell emphasizes the importance of commitment to a bold artistic vision, encouraging students to trust their creative instincts. This process invites them to make deliberate choices, take risks, and recognize how their individual contributions enhance the collective narrative. “I believe students grow most when they are given both structure and freedom. My goal is to create a space where they feel supported enough to take risks and challenged enough to discover what they are capable of.”
This production contains theatrical haze and flashing lights. Ages 6 and up.
Acting and musical theatre students at NWSA hone their craft through acting technique, movement, and speech classes, focusing on fundamentals of physical and emotional preparation. With performance at its core, training is based on the classical texts and the principles of drama as well as practical incursions into the contemporary and experimental edges of theatre. Consequently, alumni are found performing onstage nationally and internationally and their talent and vision are recognized and highly regarded in the industry. For information about the theatre program at New World School of the Arts please call 305-237-3541.
A Florida center of excellence in the visual and performing arts, New World School of the Arts is an educational partnership of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College, and University of Florida. NWSA provides a comprehensive program of artistic, creative, and academic development through a curriculum that reflects our community and the rich multicultural state of Florida. Through our partners NWSA confers the high school diploma, Associate of Arts degree, and Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music college degrees in programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, Music, Theatre and Art & Design. NWSA’s rigorous eight-year curriculum and conservatory-style teaching has empowered students in our community and our nation to become leaders in the arts for more three decades.
Information about New World School of the Arts at 305-237-3135 or nwsa.mdc.edu.
AS YOU LIKE IT
May 1, 2, 8, 9; 7:30 PM
May 2, 9; 2 PM
Louise O. Gerrits Theater
25 NE 2 Street, 8th Floor, Miami
General admission $15. Students and seniors $10