Shakespeare LIVE! at Drew on Friday and Saturday

Even when the audience talks during the entire performance, Tim Nicolai believes that at least one student is being affected by the show put on by the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's touring troupe.

That's because his life was changed by a similar event.

When Nicolai was about 11 years old, his father "dragged" him to a Shakespeare production and workshop by a traveling educational group in his hometown of Cape Girardeau, Mo., He didn't understand it, but by the end, he was hooked.

He joined the drama club in high school and majored in theater at Southeast Missouri State University.

He later became a directing intern at the Shakespeare Theatre and has appeared with its Next Stage ensemble and on the main stage in "The Tempest" and "Grapes of Wrath."

Nicolai, 27, is the only one of the 10 troupe members returning this year.

The grueling schedule–eight to 10 performances a week from February through early June–usually means there is an entirely new Shakespeare LIVE! cast each year, said Jamie Brink, associate director of education at the Madison-based theater.

But Nicolai said he enjoyed the experience, especially conducting workshops with students, so much last year that he wanted to do it again.

"There are days when you think, I could not possibly be more mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted," he said. "And there are days when you think, I have the coolest job in the world."

For example, the troupe performed for Morristown fifth-graders this week, then had lunch with the students. "They were genuinely excited about Shakespeare," Nicolai said.

Shakespeare LIVE!, started in 1997, this year is performing hour-long versions of "Romeo and Juliet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" for school audiences in every county in New Jersey. And it will travel as far as North Carolina.

"Midsummer" is recommended for grades three and up and "Romeo and Juliet" for grades five and up.

The general public may see the shows this weekend at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the Drew University campus. "Romeo and Juliet" will be at 7 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Saturday. "Midsummer" will be at noon Saturday. Tickets are $12 for adults and include free admission for one child younger than 18. For information, call (973) 408-5600 or go online to www.shakespearenj.org.

The two shows will be presented at the Kirby theater again April 17.

The plays change every year, though "Midsummer" is one of the most popular, Brink said.

Schools pay $875 plus travel costs for each performance.

The troupe travels in a van pulling a trailer that carries sets, costumes, props and a sound system.