By Tom McClimon
April 28, 2003

On the occasion of William Shakespeare's 439th birthday, the National Endowment for the Arts has launched a nationwide, 100-community tour of Shakespeare by six national theatre companies.

"A great nation deserves great art," stated National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Dana Gioia. "We are proud to present to America the greatest playwright in the English language. Shakespeare in American Communities exemplifies the Arts' Endowment commitment to artistic excellence, access to all Americans and leadership in arts education."

The centerpiece of Shakespeare in American Communities is performances by six professional theatre companies that will tour the country from September 2003 through November 2004. In addition to performances, the tours will include artistic and technical workshops, symposia about the productions and educational programs in local schools.

The National Endowment for the Arts will be working through the Conference of Mayors to reach out to mayors to elicit their support when the productions come to their communities.