Acorn Productions has received two $2,000 grants to support two different programs offered by the Westbrook-based performing artist collaborative.

An award from the Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust will fund a free production of “Richard II” in May as part of the Acorn Shakespeare Ensemble’s ongoing free “Naked Shakespeare” series.

Additional backing from the Edward H. Daveis Benevolent Fund will allow Acorn to make improvements to the company’s studio space in Westbrook and expand the new Second Friday

Series of dramatic readings of new plays by Maine-based playwrights.

“Richard II” is an early Shakespeare play that unfolds the tragedy of an overly vain king undone by his adamant insistence to his divine right to rule. Company member Paul Haley will play the title role, and the rest of the cast will be filled out by company members and apprentices from the

Acorn Shakespeare Ensemble. Acorn’s producing director, Michael Levine, directs the production, which will also feature original live music composed and performed by local musician Denis Nye. Acorn is still making final arrangements for the performance space, which will be a non-traditional venue in downtown Portland.

For a number of years, Acorn Productions has supported the work of local playwrights by offering them the opportunity to see their new pieces brought to life as part of the Maine Short Play Festival. As a continuation of the expansion of opportunities for playwrights, Acorn began a series of “Second Friday” dramatic readings of new plays in September 2008.

Funds provided by the Edward H. Daveis Benevolent Fund will allow Acorn to increase compensation for actors for their participation in these readings, as well as beginning the process of turning one of the Acorn Studios into a small theater space, capable of hosting small-scale performances and

dramatic readings. Specifically, this first phase of the renovations will allow Acorn to build a small stage and add some lighting positions to the room.

Acorn Productions was founded in 1998 and currently makes its home in the Dana Warp Mill in Westbrook.