“Shakespeare’s Stories,” a summer production by kids/for kids at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, brings the text and stories of William Shakespeare to life for young audiences. The production will run July 22-Aug. 2 at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Young actors between the ages of 8 and 17 will perform shortened adaptations of three of Shakespeare’s most popular plays: “The Tempest,” “Macbeth” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine has welcomed three guest directors to adapt and direct the abridged plays: Allison McCall, Kristen Voyvodich and Marjolaine Whittlesey. The total run time of the production is approximately one hour.

“‘Shakespeare’s Stories’ turns our Dress Up Theater into a playful literacy learning environment; offering a venue for audience members to learn and process Shakespeare’s words and stories,” Theatre Artistic Director Reba Short said. “Our directors have put together amazing, kid friendly scripts that make the material accessible and entertaining.”

In addition to the main stage performances at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, the individual plays will be performed at the Portland Public Library, Deering Oaks Park and The Federal Street Folly on July 10, 17 and 22. These singular performances will last approximately 10 minutes each.

For families who want even more Shakespeare, the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine hosts “Shakespeariments” inviting visitors to learn some lines from a Shakespeare play and act it out on the stage. Young visitors act out a shipwreck, cast witches’ spells, and fall in love with donkey puppets while speaking the text of Shakespeare’s original plays.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Macbeth” are also the focus of two of the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine’s popular summer camps.

The Children's Museum & Theater of Maine is located at 142 Free Street in Portland.

For more information, call 207-828-1234.