The University of Akron Wayne College has been approved for a grant of $10,000 to support its annual Shakespeare Festival. Wayne College is one of 1,057 not-for-profit organizations recommended for the award as part of the federal agency’s first round of fiscal year 2011 grants. In total, the endowment will distribute $26.68 million to support projects nationwide.

An independent agency of the federal government, the National Endowment for the Arts advances artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities.

The 2011 Shakespeare Festival at Wayne College is scheduled for Nov. 4-5 and will be the 13th year the college has brought the professional performing troupe American Shakespeare Center on Tour, to Orrville. The Almost Blasphemy Tour 2011 showcases the timeless classics A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Friday and A Winter’s Tale on Saturday. Both performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in the student life building at the college. The schedule includes a Friday matinee for area high school students followed by workshops that teach staging conditions and other elements that are specific to Shakespeare. Thanks to the NEA grant and support of other donors, the college is able to offer the workshops free of charge.

Kevin Engle, assistant to the dean at Wayne College said, “We are delighted to receive this grant for the third time in four years. This grant, along with funds from our generous local sponsors, helps bring the American Shakespeare Center on Tour to our campus and community. This troupe is one of the nation’s top Shakespeare performers and we are honored to have them perform at our festival every year.”

Tickets go on sale Sept. 1. Information will be available online at http://www.wayne.uakron.edu. For more information on the American Shakespeare Center visit http://www.americanshakespearecenter.com.