Sending Shakespeare Out for a Big Sky Summer Tour
MSIP Executive Artistic Director, Kevin Asselin has been in his role for 10 years and has a deep history with MSIP. Prior to assuming his current position, Kevin worked with MSIP for 13 seasons as an actor, fight director, and director. Kevin is scheduled to be on Voices of Montana to talk about what Montana Shakespeare in the Parks means to rural communities and tell stories from his experiences with the company over the last 23 years. The company hits the road on June 26th.
History of MSIP
MSIP opened its first season in the summer of 1973. The goal was to bring Shakespeare directly to the people of Montana who would not otherwise have the opportunity to engage with free, live theatre.
Born from aspirations to bring the timeless tales of William Shakespeare directly to rural and under-served communities, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks has been enriching the lives of people in Montana, and beyond, for 51 years. Ushering Shakespeare’s immortal stories of life, love, and tragedy into a modern era, MSIP is dedicated to preserving the cultural traditions of theatre and literature.
MSIP’s 51st Season
This summer, the company will perform in 63 communities across 5 states including Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming, making this summer MSIP’s largest tour to date.
This is the company’s first time performing Measure for Measure since the year 2000. Categorized by scholars as one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays,” neither neat comedy nor tragedy, audiences will be captivated by the way this play explores themes of power, class dynamics, and justice through a modern and inclusive lens.
A swashbuckling tale filled with action and adventure, The Three Musketeers will enthrall all generations of audience members as they get swept away to 17th century France, following a young hero’s journey as he embarks to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a Musketeer. Adapted by Robert Kauzlaric, this play is sure to delight audiences of all ages. In the company’s long history, this is MSIP’s first time producing The Three Musketeers.