What progress lives in Pentameter-ville (VLA-Shakespeare)

[G.Robin Smith -]

Greetings.

The idea of VLA Shakespeare festivals center on a fact that is both
rewarding and a challenge -- it centers on a lot of people getting
involved. Of course it could be organized and done with fewer people
and a pile of money (about $10,000,000) but I do not think it would be
as effective. A creative community effort will do a better job,
lighten the responsibilities per individual, and allow as many who
wish to become involved.

A constellation of communities working in consort, creating an event
over several event sites all in once season, to bring about the entire
canon of Shakespeare, every year... it is daunting to consider.
However daunting, the rewards of tourism and art, accomplishment and
community satisfaction will be amazing.

The idea was first created to be placed in the Black Hills of South
Dakota. The tourist trade there, inspired by Mt. Rushmore, makes it a
natural center for tourists to come to, see the mountain, and then
want to do something else. Shakespeare is universal in appeal. Being
able to see any work of Shakespeare's you wish, when ever you visit
the area in season, would draw both audiences and actors.

Although created for the Black Hills area, it could fit into other
areas as well.
1) There should not be a strong Shakespeare presence near the
communities.
2) There should be a strong influx of tourists coming to or through
your area already.
3) There needs to be a willingness between at least a dozen or more
communities to coordinate the effort with strong public interest. This
should be a grass-roots public effort, vs. a strictly arts
organization or existing theatrical institutional effort.

Enough for now, be well, GregRobin