A Midsummer Celebration of Theater: CWC and Equality Stage Bring Free Shakespeare to Riverton

RIVERTON, Wyo. — Central Wyoming College’s Robert A. Peck Arts Center will become a hub of theatrical creativity and community engagement on Saturday, June 27, as Equality Stage Theatre Company partners with CWC to present a full day of free public programming centered around William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy Twelfth Night.

The special collaboration includes a free afternoon Shakespeare workshop followed by an evening performance of Twelfth Night. Both events are open to the public at no cost, reflecting a shared commitment to making the performing arts accessible to all.
Free Afternoon Shakespeare Workshop (1–3 p.m.)

The day begins with an interactive workshop on the main stage of the Robert A. Peck Arts Center from 1 to 3 p.m. Designed for students, community members and aspiring performers of all experience levels, the workshop offers participants a unique opportunity to work directly with Equality Stage founders and cast members.

Attendees will explore Shakespeare’s language and storytelling techniques while gaining hands-on experience with acting exercises and performance methods used in the production.
“This workshop creates an exciting opportunity for our community to engage directly with professional theater artists and experience Shakespeare in a way that is active, accessible and inspiring,” said Annette Benn Thornton, CWC’s theater instructor and director. “One of our goals at Central Wyoming College is to build meaningful artistic experiences that connect education, creativity and community. This partnership embodies all three.”

Evening Performance of Twelfth Night
At 7 p.m., Equality Stage Theatre Company will present its inaugural production, Twelfth Night, on the Peck Arts Center stage.

Co-directed by company founders Andrew “Drew” Thornton and Jeremy Swanton, the production reimagines Shakespeare’s classic tale of mistaken identity, romance and revelry through a vibrant theatrical approach driven by live music. Stage management is led by Whitney Lester.

The ensemble cast includes Parker Appleby, Patrick Bergin, Qwanell Davis, Lily Draper, Matt Hartman, Suzie Herrington, Jeremy Swanton, Carolyn Thornton and Joseph Thornton.
The Riverton performance is part of Equality Stage’s inaugural premiere weekend tour, which also includes outdoor performances at Lander City Park on Friday, June 26, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 28, at 2 p.m.

“The opportunity to welcome a new theater company to our region while opening our doors to free educational programming and live performance aligns perfectly with the vision we have for the future of theater at CWC,” Thornton said. “We want our students and audiences to experience a wide range of artistic voices and discover the power of storytelling to bring people together.”

Creative Leadership Backed by National Experience
Equality Stage Theatre Company is led by two accomplished theater professionals who have recently brought their talents to the Wind River Valley.

Jeremy Swanton, co-founder and co-director, is a producer, writer and performer whose work spans regional theater and Off-Broadway productions. His original musical, Contact High, premiered at Ars Nova, and his original series, Act of Faith, is currently streaming on Prime Video and Tubi.

Andrew “Drew” Thornton, co-founder and co-director, is an educator, actor and theater maker whose professional experience includes work with the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. An Irene Ryan Acting Award recipient, Thornton’s original play, Brothers of Tiber, premiered at the University of Wyoming. This fall, he will assume the role of theater director at Riverton High School.

“We are incredibly excited to collaborate with Central Wyoming College for our inaugural weekend,” Swanton said. “The Peck Arts Center is a phenomenal asset to the community, and we can’t wait to share our passion for high-quality, engaging theater with Riverton audiences right on the CWC stage.”

The June 27 events are free and open to the public. No registration is required.
For more information about the workshop or performance, contact the Robert A. Peck Arts Center at Central Wyoming College.