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Thomas More College’s “Summer Shakes” outdoor summer theatre presents Shakespeare’s The Tempest


By Vicki Prichard
NKyTribune reporter

Greg Procaccino knows more than a thing or two about theatre. The professional actor – a graduate of both Northern Kentucky University and Thomas More College – has appeared in more than 40 separate stage productions and has directed more than 30 shows. His performance in The Christmas Carol – which he’s performed in more than 800 times at Cincinnati’s Playhouse in the Park — earned him an Emmy nomination.

Now, Procaccino returns to his alma mater – Thomas More College – where he is breathing new life into the college’s theatre program as the director of theater and the college’s Villa Players. This summer he’s shaking things up with Summer Shakes, and the outdoor theatre’s inaugural production opens this weekend with William Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

The performance will take place in Thomas More College’s outdoor amphitheater, located next to the college’s chapel, on Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10 at 7 p.m., and the following weekend, June 16 and 17 also at 7 pm. Admission and parking are free.

“Bring a picnic!” says Procaccino.

Bob Allen, an actor/director who has extensive background in stage, film, and television, and who teaches in the Prepatory Department at UC-CCM and the theater department of SOTA at Northern Kentucky University, will play the role of Prospero in The Tempest, and Elizabeth Harris, co-founder and co-artistic director of Cincinnati LAB Theatre, will direct.

Procaccino says the cast of The Tempest is comprised of a mix of Thomas More College students and Cincinnati-based actors.

Procaccino, who has taught theatre for 13 years, says Thomas More College is seeing an increase theatre majors and the educational theatre degree is growing.

“Students are directing shows, writing plays, we’re creating outreach programs,” says Procaccino.


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