American Player’s Theatre’s Tim Gittings to guest star with Pioneer Players in this fall’s Shakespeare classic

This fall, the UW-Platteville Pioneer Players will welcome guest artist Tim Gittings, Core Company member of the American Players Theatre (APT), to their production of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Gittings will take on the role of Nick Bottom. The production opens Wednesday, Nov. 19 in the Center for the Arts Theatre.

"We are so excited to have the amazing opportunity to work with an actor of Tim's caliber," said Ann Dillon Farrelly, professor of theatre and director of the production. "There is so much our students can learn from him, and they cannot wait to get started."

Gittings, who has been a Core Company member at APT in Spring Green, Wisconsin, for 18 years, is also looking forward to working with the young cast.

"'Midsummer' was the first Shakespeare play I ever did, back in junior high, and it will always have a special resonance for me because of that," said Gittings. "I'm excited to meet this group of young artists and to embark on this unique journey together!"

"Working with a professional actor is an extraordinary opportunity to improve our skills and hone our craft," exclaimed Nik Swiggum, cast member and second-year English and fine arts-theatre double major. "As someone who has worked at APT as a member of the front of house staff for the last three years, I am stoked to work closely with Tim in the show!"

The idea to invite a guest artist came from Assistant Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Education Carrie Van Hallgren, who spent eight seasons as the managing director at APT. Gittings will appear on stage with UW-Platteville students because of the generous support of the Bert Glanz Fund for Classical Theatre. Glanz was a faculty member in the English department at UW-Platteville for 25 years. He also served as the department chair and performed with the Wisconsin Shakespeare Festival. He passed away in 1990.

"As a child, I was in several professional Shakespeare productions with Bert at the Wisconsin Shakespeare Festival, which was held every summer on the UW-Platteville campus," said Van Hallgren. "He was passionate about Shakespeare and about bringing high quality, professional theatre to audiences in Platteville. I vividly remember his portrayal of Snug the Joiner in a production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in the CFA Theatre in 1988. Using the Bert Glanz Fund for Classical Theatre this fall honors his legacy as both an English professor, a theatre lover and a performer himself."

In addition to playing a role alongside the 22 students in the cast, Gittings will also be conducting a master class on working with the language and verse of Shakespeare.

"Working on theatre with students is one of my favorite things to do," said Gittings. "I've worked in various education programs, both with APT and around Chicago, and I've also directed a fair bit at the high school level. There's something special about that age, when you are striking out on your own path, following your unique inspiration. The adults that I was lucky enough to know who gave me a place to do the work with professionalism and rigor made a huge impact on my life, and that's something I try to pass on," said Gittings.

"Tim is an accomplished classical performer and an admired collaborator," said Van Hallgren. "Tim's work on stage with our students will allow them to grow in confidence with Shakespeare's text, with comedy, and with the tools of classical performance-an opportunity that would have delighted Bert."

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" runs Nov.19-22 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. There will also be a special matinee for local students on Nov. 19 at 11 a.m.

"I cannot wait to see the fruits of this collaboration when we begin rehearsals in a couple of weeks," said Farrelly. "I'm sure it will be an experience our students will never forget, and I hope it will open the door to future partnerships with the talented artists at APT."

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $5 for students/under 18. For tickets, visit tickets.uwplatt.edu or call the University Box Office at 608-342-1298.