Hancock County Middle School Students to Perform Shakespeare through Community Collaboration

For Immediate Release Please

Date: June 9, 2025

Program Contact: Andrew Simon, Healthy Acadia, andrew.simon@healthyacadia.org, (207) 667-7171

Media Contact: Tracey Carlson, Healthy Acadia, tracey@healthyacadia.org, (207) 667-7171                                 

Hancock County Middle School Students to Perform Shakespeare through Community Collaboration

BAR HARBOR, ME - The Middle School Shakespeare Project will present ‘Romeo and Juliet’ at the Jesup Memorial Library, 34 Mt Desert St, Bar Harbor, on Friday, June 13, at 6:30 p.m. The project, now in its third year, supports teamwork and community engagement for young people. The program, facilitated by Healthy Acadia in collaboration with the Conners Emerson School, the Jesup, and Barn Arts, based in Tremont, features fifteen students from four local schools in grades 4-8. 

Andrew Simon, who works with Healthy Acadia on a variety of youth engagement programs in Hancock and Washington counties, has been leading the project since its inception in 2022. “This is a really exciting way to build relationships and support resilience in our community”, said Simon. “The project connects students with a shared interest so that they can create something new together - and the collaboration between local organizations shows these young people that they matter to this community.”

The team of students has been meeting after school for short rehearsal periods to get to know the play and one another. They’re working on a cut version of the script that will run about 35 minutes. “The Jesup is an ideal venue for this production - and not just because of the balcony,” said Simon. “A performance that features a mixed group of local children in a shared community space sends an important message. It lets these students know that their voices and their ideas have value and they deserve to be featured and celebrated.” 

About Healthy Acadia:

Healthy Acadia is a community health organization dedicated to building vibrant communities and making it easier for all people to lead healthier lives. Through partnerships, education, and initiatives, Healthy Acadia addresses a wide range of health priorities across Hancock and Washington counties in Maine. To learn more visit https://healthyacadia.org. 

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