A Message from Shakespeare in American Communities Honorary Chair Mrs. Laura Bush

This message from Shakespeare in American Communities honorary chair Mrs. Laura Bush was written to celebrate the first phase of the program in 2003.

As Honorary Chairman of Shakespeare in American Communities, I'm pleased that the National Endowment for the Arts will bring the works of one of the world's greatest playwrights to communities across America. From Alaska to California, from small towns to big, Shakespeare in American Communities will enrich the American landscape with theater classics.

As the curtains are drawn, Othello, Richard III and Romeo and Juliet will take to the stage and delight audiences of all ages. This public theater tour exemplifies the National Endowment for the Arts' commitment to artistic excellence, public outreach, and arts education.

I'm also pleased that this tour will bring the joy of professional theater to schools and smaller communities. As Shakespeare once said, “All the world's a stage.” With Shakespeare in American Communities the world of William Shakespeare will come to life on the American stage one standing ovation at a time.

Mrs. Laura Bush