Airmid Theatre to Keep Annual Summer Theatre Festival FREE! This Year's Plays include the World Premier of A LITTLE BETRAYAL AMONG FRIENDS along with the family play JACK AND THE PRINCESS WHO NEVER LAUGHED July 5 - August 14, 2011 In the strain of the slow economic recovery locally and nationally, Airmid Theatre is committed to keeping its annual Summer Theatre Festival as a free event for all Long Islanders. While support from corporate, government, foundation, and individuals has slowed Airmid had taken steps to ensure that, for at least this year, the festival will again not charge for tickets for either of its two shows. To offset rising costs, Airmid continues to accept tax-deductible sponsorships and donations to underwrite this six-week long 3rd annual festival. Following the success of previous festival, the Airmid Theatre Company is preparing for its third FREE Summer Theatre Festival with the family series interactive comedy JACK AND THE PRINCESS WHO NEVER LAUGHED, and the world premier translation of the 17th century comic romp A LITTLE BETRAYAL AMONG FRIENDS. The two productions run fro 3 weeks each for a total of 30 performances starting on Tuesday, July 5 through Sunday, August 14, 2011, outdoors at Nissequogue River State Park (NRSP), 799 Saint Johnland Road in Kings Park, NY. The first production in this two play festival is once again geared specifically to children and families. In her first outing as director for Airmid ELLEN DISTASI, who played "Mrs. Rimplegar" in last summer's festival, brings to life JACK AND THE PRINCESS WHO NEVER LAUGHED by Kate Freiligrath-Kroeker. Lincoln Center Institute trained, Distasi provides a new energy to a team that now includes Hofstra graduate, set designer JENNA LYONS and composer . In the play based on a familiar Russian fairy tale, Freiligrath-Kroeker takes cues from more traditional versions of the story of Jack and his hilarious escapades as he leaves home to seek his fortune. While exploring some of the big questions in life, the production's interactive nature and the play's humorous view of the world, we encounter talking swans, sad princesses, and a host of locals all colliding in an hilarious story where we learn the world is not always as it seems. The play is staged outdoors on the green to the right just beyond the NRSP gate house entrance. Parking is in the small gravel lot next to the performance area. Running time is approximately 55 minutes with audience participation; for ages 5 and up. 14 Performances will be presented and can be seen Mondays - Fridays at 1:00 pm, opening Tuesday, July 5 - July 22, 2011. (New York State Parks Parking fees apply prior to 4 pm) Additionally, Airmid premiers its own commissioned translation of the Spanish Golden Age play A LITTLE BETRAYAL AMONG FRIENDS, a free adaptation by Caridad Svich of Maria de Zayas y Sotomayor's comedy "La Traicion en la amistad." Love & deception abound in the second offering of the summer, a wild romp where SHAKESPEARE meets "SEX IN THE CITY." Mature themes; Strong language. A LITTLE BETRAYAL will be presented for 16 performances; starting with a public preview on Tuesday, July 26 at 7pm; Opening Wednesday, July 27, 2006 at 7pm through Sunday, August, 14th at 3 pm. Performances run for three weeks; Wednesdays through Saturday evenings at 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm. The play is performed outdoors behind the Bird Pond at NRSP. Parking is next to the administration building. Summer Theatre Festival audiences are encouraged to arrive early and picnic in the park prior to both the afternoon and evening the performances. ABOUT THE AIRMID SUMMER THEATRE FESTIVAL 2011 marks the third year for Airmid's free Summer Theatre Festival, which includes both A LITTLE BETRAYAL AMONG FRIENDS and the family series play JACK AND THE PRINCESS WHO NEVER LAUGHED. Audiences should provide their own seating, blankets on the grass, or chairs, and are encouraged to come to the park early to enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner in the park (not provided). Cancellation due to inclement weather will be announced 1 hour prior to performances. Call 631-704-2888 or check on Airmid's Upcoming Events page for details. Parking fees maybe required based on time of arrival in the park. Airmid's Summer Theatre Festival has been funded in part, by Suffolk County under the auspices of the Office of Cultural Affairs, Steve Levy County Executive and administered by the Smithtown Arts Council and by the Town of Smithtown. Festival Sponsorships and Advertising opportunities still available. Contact Airmid at support@airmidtheatre.org for details on donor/sponsor levels and ad sizes and pricing. About Airmid Theatre Company The Airmid Theatre Company, founded in 2000, is the only theatre in the world whose mission is to recover, collect, and produce classic works by women. With these plays at the heart of its mission, the company creates a safe home for women theatre artists, and ignites broad public recognition of the essential contribution women have made to the worlds of theatre, dramatic literature, and society. By establishing the history of playwriting by women and professionally producing their work, we open the door to broader discussion on women's roles today, and in the future. For more information about Airmid Theatre Company, please visit www.airmidtheatre.org. Airmid Summer Theatre Festival presents JACK AND THE PRINCESS WHO NEVER LAUGHED by Kate Freiligrath-Kroeker Directed by Ellen Distasi Set Design by Jenna Lyons Ages: 5- up; Running time 55 minutes. Opens Tuesday, July 5 through Friday, July 22, 2011 14 performances. Mondays - Fridays at 1 pm Free admission. (NYSParks Parking fees apply.) For Information Call: 631-704-2888 or info@airmidtheatre.org A LITTLE BETRAYAL AMONG FRIENDS A free adaptation by Caridad Svich of Maria de Zayas y Sotomayor's comedy "La Traicion en la amistad" Directed by Tricia McDermott Set Design Tymberley Whitesel Preview, Tuesday, July 25, 2011 Opens Wednesday, July 26 through August 14, 2011 16 performances. Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:00pm, Sundays at 3:00pm Free admission. (NYSParks Parking fees may apply.) For Information Call: 631-704-2888 or info@airmidtheatre.org ### For additional information call Airmid Theatre at 631-704-2888 ### Airmid Theatre Company, West Islip, NY 11795 Phone: 631-704-2888; email: info@airmidtheatre.org, Go to www.airmidtheatre.org for full details on the Airmid Theatre Company.