Shakespeare comes to the Turnage Theatre on Saturday night, courtesy of TEACH homeschool students’ program “Drama and Dessert.”

The 23 students of TEACH will put on an adaption of “Much Ado About Nothing,” a lighthearted comedy by The Bard, William Shakespeare. The show starts at 7 p.m. and intermission will feature the dessert aspect of “Drama and Dessert” as ticketholders will be treated to homebaked goods supplied by TEACH parents.

Theatrical productions aren’t new to TEACH — students, parents and many other assistants have been pitching in their talents since 2006 — but this is the first year the theatrical group will be treading the boards of the Turnage.

“In the past we’ve always done our rehearsals and productions at area churches, because they’re just gracious enough to host us for those productions,” said Brenda Davis, TEACH’s production assistant. “It’s just been a dream of ours to perform at the Turnage every since the Turnage came back into play.”

That dream was put into motion at last year’s TEACH production, when the group took up a collection specifically for the theater’s rental. They made plans for fundraisers, as well, but one TEACH parent, an employee of PotashCorp-Aurora, applied for, and received, a community investment grant from the phosphate mining company that made TEACH’s stage debut at the Turnage a reality.

“We’re all so very excited — it’s an understatement — we’re all just so giddy to be there,” Davis said.

Acting in “Much Ado About Nothing” are TEACH’s fourth- through 12^th-grade students, while all other theatrical accessories are supplied by the families, Davis said.

“Every thing we do — costumes, props, hair, makeup — the kids and their families bought or provide out of our homes,” Davis said. “Once we have the play, all the money we make on the ticket sales goes back to pay for expenses.”

Some of those expenses include plates and utensils for the dessert and hors d’oeuvres intermission. In prior years, the money has been extended in a love offering to those churches who have hosted TEACH productions. Another love offering is extended to Tania Lilley-Corey, a Pinetown resident and ECU School of Theatre graduate, who serves as director of the TEACH plays, as well as creates adaptations that make Shakespeare a bit more understandable for the contemporary audience.

Filling the lead roles are Washington’s Grace Wise, a TEACH senior, in the role of Beatrice, and Thomas Morris, of Blounts Creek, as Benedict.

According to Davis, anyone who loves Shakespeare and/or wants to support the TEACH students and the Turnage Theatre, will enjoy the family friendly event.

“It’s just been so much fun. It’s just overflowing with blessings. The kids are great kids. The parents are great parents and it’s just a lot of fun. I’m so excited for them to be at the Turnage and be onstage,” Davis said.

“Much Ado About Nothing” is open to the public. Tickets are $5, no more than $20 a family. The Turnage Theatre is located at 150 W. Main St., Washington.