A Noise Within

Founded in 1991, A Noise Within is dedicated solely to producing classical dramatic literature. Each season, A Noise Within produces a minimum of six classical playsincluding two works by Shakespeare, one American classic, and four plays from the world canon—by playwrights such as Moliere, Ibsen, Shaw, Pirandello, Ionesco, Feydeau, Garcia Lorca, and Euripedes. The company performs in rotating repertory tradition and works with a core group of professional, classically-trained, resident artists with extensive national theater credits. A Noise Within has a successful history of engaging students' imaginations and literary curiosity through the performance of classics. Their core program, ClassicsLive!, complements classroom studies, promotes literacy and cultural awareness, and gives students exposure to classical dramatic literature. The company partners with schools across 24 districts throughout southern California. In addition, A Noise Within provides intensive training, mentoring, and performance opportunities for early-career artists through their Classics Conservatory.

As part of Shakespeare for a New Generation, A Noise Within will provide Classics Live! scholarships to students from 10 middle and high schools in southern California. The schools will include low-income, Title I, those scoring below average in language-arts testing, and ones located in underserved communities. Scholarships will include tickets to Twelfth Night student matinees, free busing, a one-hour classroom workshops, study guides, post-performance discussions with cast and directors, complimentary tickets for teachers to preview the performance in advance, and professional development for teachers. Classic Live! is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of classical texts through a sequential program in accordance with California's educational content standards in English, Language Arts, Visual Arts, and Music. These matinees are the same high-quality productions, with the same cast, as the regular evening performances.