Flatwater Shakespeare and the 2012 Mayor's Arts Awards

The 2012 Mayor's Arts Awards for the city of Lincoln has honored the Flatwater Shakespeare Company's touring production of A Midsummer Night's Dream as the Outstanding Arts Event of 2011.

In addition, two long-time Flatwater Shakespeare associate artists have also been recognized. Actor Stephen A. Gaines will receive the Artistic Achievement Award in Performing Arts and Costume Designer Janice Stauffer will receive the Artistic Achievement Award in Visual Arts.

About that Outstanding Arts Event: last summer, the Flatwater Shakespeare Company presented Shakespeare's most magical comedy at parks and other outdoor locations around Lincoln – and presented it free of charge.

The tour was organized by the show's properties master, Dustin Witte, and movement director, Daniel Kubert, with the help of Dave Bomberger of Lincoln Parks. The show, directed by Bob Hall, was based on the production previously staged at Lincoln Community Foundation Garden. The tour was made possible by a grant from the Woods Charitable Trust. Free ice cream was generously provided by Ivanna Cone.

Venues on the tour included Prescott Elementary School, Cooper Park, Bethany Park, Henry Park, First Plymouth Congregational Church, Trago Park, Antelope Park, and Woods Park.

Audiences were large, lively, and appreciative, offering a range of positive comments:

“My family and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you so much for your passion and commitment, and keep it up!”

“It's a great idea and I hope Flatwater Shakespeare can continue to present excellent work in exciting locations.”

“We had a great time and I am delighted that both girls now have a new found love of Shakespeare. As a matter of fact, they want to know when we can do it again!”

The entire staff and creative team for the Flatwater Shakespeare Company are delighted with this honor – and we're eager to go on tour again this summer with Twelfth Night.

The 2012 Mayor's Arts Awards will be formally presented at a banquet the evening of Monday, June 18. More details later here and on the Lincoln Arts Council webpage: http://www.artscene.org/mayors-arts-awards.