StarBulletin.com

Bringing the bard to the board room


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POSTED: Friday, March 06, 2009

Actors usually come to Honolulu to perform, but Actors From the London Stage also will be leading a presentation skills workshop for Hawaii businessfolk.

The group is one of the oldest touring Shakespeare theater companies and is Hawaii-bound to stage “;Much Ado About Nothing”; on March 14 at Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College.

However, because relationships and contacts are important and one thing has a way of leading to another, Honolulu public relations company Loomis-ISC and the University of Hawaii Outreach College found out about the group's workshops and persuaded them to do one here.

It will be from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on March 18 at ING DIRECT Cafe on Kalakaua Ave.

Surely your columnist is not the only one with visions of how the “;Saturday Night Live”; “;Master Thespian”; bits with John Lithgow and Jon Lovitz might spice up an otherwise death-by-Power-Point presentation.

Acting! Brilliant! Thank you!

But, back to reality.

Not to take anything away from Lithgow or Lovitz, the Actors from the London Stage are actual Shakespearean performers who share presenting skills and techniques, including tips on how to feel more comfortable in front of groups.

The 35 seats are more than halfway sold out, said Christina Peaslee, editorial assistant at Loomis.

RSVPs are being snapped up by professionals from various industries, “;people in the legal profession,”; and educators, she said.

Tickets are $30, or $20 for those in the nonprofit field.

Reservations are first-come, first-served by contacting .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) via e-mail or by calling her at 853-3039.

Hawaii a bargain deal

Hawaii is the No. 3 bargain destination for budget-conscious travelers, according to Boston-based SmarterTraveler.

Europe and the U.K. are No. 1 and Las Vegas ranks second.

SmarterTravel encourages consumers to “;capitalize on promotions intended to boost tourism,”; sharing news of deals for an “;affordable tropical vacation.”;