The Lancaster Academy for the Performing Arts will present "Hamlet" and "Twelfth Night," each in one-act form, on Friday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 18, at 1:30 p.m. at Lancaster First Assembly Church, 1025 Columbia Ave., Lancaster. Doors will open approximately 45 minutes prior to show time. Concessions will be available for purchase, and all proceeds will go directly to support the theater department of the Lancaster Academy.

Directed by Rachel Hughes, each play will feature approximately 15 to 20 students from the Lancaster Academy's high school theater classes, which are currently co-taught by Rachel and her husband, Caleb Hughes.

The high school theater classes have been working on the one-act versions of the plays throughout the fall semester. Both shows will be presented in a minimalistic style, with a black backdrop and simplified base costumes with accent pieces. Rachel explained that choosing a more minimalistic approach has allowed the students to focus on telling the stories, honing their acting skills and drawing the audience in. Shakespeare's original text is retained in both plays, and students have had to work hard to understand the text and bring it to life for the stage. Shortening each play to a one-act form allows both to be presented in the same event, with an intermission in between.

"Hamlet" will be a classic retelling of the tragedy in which Prince Hamlet seeks to avenge the death of his father, the king of Denmark. Themes of justice, revenge, and consequences are explored throughout. The cast will feature Coden Tortolano as Hamlet, Tommy Miller as Claudius, Josiah Werner as Laertes, Candace Mbugua as Ophelia, Mylee Tortolano as Gertrude, and Travis Winterborne as Polonius.

"Twelfth Night" will retain its classic tale but be presented with a modern twist. Graphics and sound effects will be used to aid the audience in following the fast-paced action and complex relationship triangles. The cast will include Brian Bogle as Orsino, Reese Olenik as Sebastian, Elise Baloche as Viola, and Maria Freeman as Olivia.

All seating is general admission. Both shows are pay-what-you-will, and no tickets are required.

The Lancaster Academy recently hired Jaime Hilton - who has experience at Veritas Academy, Sight & Sound Conservatory, and Piercing Word - to be its new theater program coordinator. Hilton will seek to expand the academy's theater educational program to include opportunities for plays in addition to the large spring musical, and she said she is especially excited to have the students learning classic drama repertoire such as Shakespeare.

The Lancaster Academy is a local nonprofit that has been committed to training students in the performing arts for the past 28 years. The academy offers a full slate of classes, including choirs, orchestra, and instrumental ensembles for strings, percussion, and guitar, in addition to fine arts and theater classes. The mission of the Lancaster Academy is musical excellence for the glory of God and to be a blessing to the community. For more information, visit http://www.lancasteracademy.org.