WINTHROP, Maine (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- A group of unconventional students in the Augusta area are rehearsing to perform the Shakespeare play, Much Ado About Nothing.
The students don't have the opportunity to take part in theater at their own schools, because they are all homeschooled. The Southern Maine Association of Shakespearean Homeschoolers (SMASH) started 25 years ago by Pastor Sam Richards. Richards pastors at the East Winthrop Baptist Church where rehearsals are held starting in January.
"Gaining this confidence in themselves and the ability to walk right and talk right," said Pastor Richards. "It's been beautiful to watch them grow up. We've grown up a lot"
This years performance of Much Ado About Nothing hasn't been easy. Seven students have had to drop out since rehearsals started. Much of the remaining cast have had to take on second roles to make the play work, but they don't mind. Homeschoolers, like 15-year-old Rachel Fullmer, would do anything to make sure they was a way for them to enjoy the stage together.
"You make really good friendships through this," said Fullmer. "You become like a big strange family because you spend quite a few hours together."
SMASH will be performing Much Ado About Nothing on March 22nd, 23rd, and 24th at Cumston Hall in Monmouth.