A group of second- through eighth-graders at Lutz Learning Center have been rehearsing their lines, and now they’re ready to present Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.”
The school, located at 621 Sunset Lane, will be presenting a free community performance of the play at Nye Park, 630 Sunset Lane in Lutz, on May 11 at 1 p.m.
(Courtesy of Lutz Learning Center)
Those attending the event should bring blankets or chairs to sit on, and they should get ready to see a bunch of young actors who are eager to put on a show, said Stephanie Rodriguez, director of staff at the school.
The play is an outgrowth a Shakespeare study the children have been involved in at the school.
“We kind of pride ourselves in making sure that kids are challenged and that they have a well-rounded education,” Rodriguez said, which includes not only mathematics and reading but also the arts.
“One of the things that we do try to implement is allow the kids a little bit of direction in their learning as well,” she said.
For instance, the school had planned to do Shakespeare’s tragic play, “Julius Caesar,” but the kids voiced a greater interest in putting on “Much Ado About Nothing,” a romantic comedy, Rodriguez said.
“They’re definitely a funny bunch,” Rodriguez said, describing the students who are presenting the play.
“I know a lot of the parents are going to come, but we wanted to open it up to the community, to reach out more — to give the kids a chance to perform for people other than their family,” Rodriguez said.
She expects the production to last between 20 minutes and 30 minutes.
Despite the range in age, the performers have been preparing as a troupe.
“They’ve been working together and practicing together,” Rodriguez said.
She thinks the experience helps the students to develop confidence, and she’s confident they’re going to put on a good show.
“These kids are just so animated. They really go into the role, 100 percent. They are using gestures, facial expressions. They are just completely into it, 100 percent,” Rodriguez said.
‘Much Ado About Nothing’
Where: Nye Park, 630 Sunset Lane, Lutz
When: May 11, 1 p.m.
How much: Free
Details: Bring a chair or a blanket and get ready to watch a group of second- through eighth-graders present their take on Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing.’
Information: Call Lutz Learning Center at (813) 949-3484.
Published May 10, 2017
