#summertheatre

[greatpacificbooks]

Just arrived ~~ BOOK FOR SALE: R Beckhard + J Effrat 1948 Blueprint for Summer Theatre * ANTA Management Guide ~~

It's here -> https://www.ebay.com/itm/265359833405

We believe in reading! Read More! ~~~ > Great Pacific Books !! ~ Buy books, read, your personal library, book shop, reader, book buyers, bookseller, rare books, ephemeral, collectible, collector, book finders, shopping, hunting, have a great day to all our fellow book lovers ! ,

Support independent booksellers today!!

#theatre #theater #plays #summertheatre #acting #crew #setdesign #newyork #ANTA #production #producers #management #guide #staging #DIY #thespians #entertainment #books

[doug-peabody]

The Barnstormers Theatre - Tamworth, New Hampshire - The oldest ongoing professional summer theatre in United States - Founded 1931 . . . #theatre #theatres #theatresofinstagram #theatresoftheworld #summertheatre #inspiration #instagood #photooftheday #nikonphotography #photograph #picoftheday #instagram #instadaily #thebarnstormerstheatre #tamworth #tamworthnh #newhampshire #nh #newengland #processed (at The Barnstormers Theatre) https://www.instagram.com/p/CS93B96Hi4f/?utm_medium=tumblr

[thezoeshow]

ok so i'm gonna need you to caption this publicity photo because i... simply... cannot... . . . #theatre #publicityshots #accordion #fullcast #bassclarinet #violin #indecent #indecentcast #summertheatre #vintagefashion #costumedesign #20sfashion #jews #hats #hatshatshats #wheredowelook #groupphoto #fakejews <--this is a hashtag with over 12k posts and i cannot wait to look it up (at St. Louis) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByowXfrJvhE/?igshid=mkq06ouebenx

[hollywoodumc-harmonytolucalake]

We had a great time this summer hosting ON! Theater LA with several great shows. From WiCKED to OZ and Into the Woods. . . . #summertheatre #ontheater #HarmonyTL #TolucaLake #NoHo #StudioCity #Burbank #Inclusivechurch #affirmingchurch #churchfamily #AllAreWelcome (at Harmony Toluca Lake) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChUrF-MLhB0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[blogomjansley]

Only one week left of this stage. #KewGardens #theatreonkew #thejunglebook #stage #outdoortheatre #theatre #summertheatre (at Kew Gardens) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChPVpwdo5OC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[k12academics]

🎭 American Conservatory Theater @actsanfrancisco is an essential gathering place that brings artists and communities together to inspire and provoke. 🎞 Under the leadership of Tony Award-winning Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon and Executive Director Jennifer Bielstein, A.C.T.’s mission is to engage the spirit of the San Francisco Bay Area, activate stories that resonate, promote a diversity of voices and points of view, and empower theater makers and audiences to celebrate liveness. A.C.T. values inclusion, transformational learning, participation and rigorous fun. A.C.T. is a Tony Award-winning nonprofit theater serving almost 200,000 people in the San Francisco Bay Area annually through theater, training, education and community programs. Head over to @actsanfrancisco page and give them a follow 🎬 . . . . . . #act #sanfrancisco #california #theatre #acting #summertheatre #musical #musicaltheatre #actingclass #actinglife #actingaudition #actor #actorslife #actorlife #americanconservatorytheater #drama #dramaticarts #play #dramaschool #actorsofinstagram #actorsaccess #education #educacion #educational #k12academics (at American Conservatory Theater) https://www.instagram.com/p/CavUlGHvI5N/?utm_medium=tumblr

[ktothestein]

Elizabeth Land Ward’s show at the Mac tonight.. it’s really great! Two more performances in September, everyone should go!! Kudos @elizabethwardland @mstratt @jgbel terrific! #machaydntheatre #lindaronstadt #summertheatre #upstateny (at Mac-Haydn Theatre) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSvNn4mDjXL/?utm_medium=tumblr

[trascapades]

🎭#ArtIsAWeapon Only a few more chances to see @classicalharlem's production of "Seize The King" at Marcus Garvey Park-Richard Rodgers Ampitheater; the free performances end this Thursday, July 29. Showtimes - 8:30PM www.cthnyc.org Reposted from @classicalharlem: Carl Cofield directs this explosive and timely modern reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s Richard III. With his country’s throne empty, Richard knocks down threats to his ascension, fueling his insatiable ambition and paranoia. Featuring Ro Boddie, Carson Elrod, Alisha Espinosa, RJ Foster, Andrea Patterson and the EMERGE125 ensemble led by Tiffany Rea-Fisher. Performances run July 6th until July 29th, Tuesday through Sunday at 8:30 pm. Jazzmobile pre-show each Friday at 7 pm. Attendance is free; show info available at the link in bio! @urgefoster @nycde @roboddieart @andrealavonne @la.espi @carlcofield @willpower7 @treafisher @daniela_maria @trcyanthny @jennyhegs @hannahxgross @alisagregoryy @brynlie_ #seizetheking #shakespeareinthepark #marcusgarveypark #classicaltheatre #classicaltheatreofharlem #summertheatre #summernyc #freeevents #richardiii #uptowntheatre #nyctheatre #harlem #freetheatre #theatre #summer2021 #representation #blackart #nonprofit #thingstodo #BlackGirlTheaterGeeks (at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater) https://www.instagram.com/p/CR1SlJ7BNgm/?utm_medium=tumblr

[tarahaightactor]

#throwbackthursday that time when the whole family was in Camelot together 🤣 @lazer_pantz08 @pattyhaight @alanna_171989 #tbt #theatre #family #summertheatre #actor #actress #singer #actorlife #talentedfamily #supportthearts #handmadecostumes @junefino I still have, fit into and wear that dress! https://www.instagram.com/p/CALqVt8jKG5/?igshid=14k878c7ip2g3

[frontmezzjunkies]

#frontmezzjunkies shares this sad news: Ontario's #StratfordFestival Places entire 2020 Season on Hold @stratfest #CanadianTheatre announced today by Artistic Director #AntoniCimolino #TomPattersonTheatre Stratford,Ontario; Canada. #Stratford #Ontario #SummerTheatre #TomPatterson #StratfordFestivaOnFilm #Shakespeare #ShakespeeareOnFilm http://frontmezzjunkies.com/2020/04/27/ontarios-stratford-festival-places-entire-2020-season-on-hold/ (at Stratford Festival) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_gDkofBQ0G/?igshid=1kaygcgi2499d

[thezoeshow]

things are sure to be a whole lot brighter! especially in this wig! . . . #sallybrown #schroder #youreagoodmancharliebrown #actorslife #nicecostume #toocute #fivefeettall #mynewphilosophy #heritagetheatrefestival #summertheatre #livetheatre #lovemusicals #broadwaystar #blondewig #unnaturalblonde #notblonde #4nonblondes https://www.instagram.com/p/BpTdwFPAw67/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1gp3197cfglzr

[dtez]

Chloe, Devan, and Dante in their first musical TOGETHER! So excited for all of them! Thank you to SAAE Grant who gave 1 of 5 grants to the theatre Program! #fullertonschooldistrict #visualandperformingarts @fullertonschooldistrict #dadspeaceofmind #parenting #family #love #iamawealthbuilder #livingthedream #greatness #gratitude #kids #aladdin #summertheatrearts #summertheatre #summertheatrecamp #grants https://www.instagram.com/p/BzQonfKjGOI/?igshid=1uxry9m1wkt81

[kelseythemelody]

Just realized that I never said "goodbye, Dolly" with everyone else. Well, I have never been the cool kid, so better late than never! Presenting: An Ode to Hello, Dolly. Hello, Dolly! Wow, you came at a tumultous point in my life. Losing weight, being the youngest director in the New Jersey Fringe Festival and directing my own show...how did I do it? I admit, you were one of the more stressful shows I've worked on at the camp, but probably one of the most rewarding. Getting to choreograph more numbers, having more authority, and getting to see more of my talented teens perform was incredible. I wouldn't have traded working on this show for anything else. Thank you to the cast, crew, audience and my fellow directors of the show for making this summer special. I love you all with every fiber of my being. ❤ #hellodolly #goodbyedolly #monologue #summertheatre

[idefynormal]

Out with the old, in with the new. Romeo y Julieta opened to a full audience and resounding applause! Im so stoked to see this one. It's a modern interpretation translated into Spanish and featuring a wide variety of music! #theateronthelake #summer #summertheatre #aguijon #spanishtheater #shakespeareinspanish

[allthingsrad]

Coming to the MU Quad August 3 at 7:30! Get your tickets online now at bardinthequad.org and join us for a rootin' tootin' good time! #theatrelife #bardinthequad2017 #summertheatre #osutheatre @oregonstate.theatre (at OSU Theatre)

[projectshakespearia]

Two Gentlemen of Verona: The World of the Play Part I

Sedona Garcia, Forest Gilpin, Kyle Stockdall, and Stuart Ashenbrenner rehearsing in the Quad.

Introduction And just like THAT another year has passed and we’re diving in head-long for Bard in the Quad 2017. We face a new set of challenges, and as always, an energetic cast is at the ready to bring to life a story of lovers, clowns, and many misunderstandings.

The selection process for this summer’s title began with one of our first faculty meetings in the Fall of 2016. There were several new faces around the table including our new Technical Director, Chad Rodgers, acting instructor, Nate Bush, and Don Naggiar, now in the role of Scenic/Lighting Designer and instructor. While Bard is not a part of our regular season, it is consistently one of OSU Theatre’s most popular productions. Chalk it up to the unique atmosphere or the a general “Shakespeare obsession” among Corvallis audiences, but Bard remains a beloved fixture on campus twelve years on.

As what has perhaps become part of our tradition, I seem to kick off the selection process by floating the idea of staging a tragedy. The last one we did was Julius Caesar in 2012, and while I have a vision of some day presenting a lush and sexy version of Antony and Cleopatra on the steps of the Memorial Union, I ultimately decided that 2017 wasn’t yet the right time. The other tempting title was The Tempest. I have a grand and magical vision for that production, but didn’t feel I had the right available actor to take on the meaty role of Prospero, and therefore, went back to the drawing board of a crowd-pleasing romantic comedy. Our production history includes Much Ado About Nothing, Taming of the Shrew, As You Like It, Twelfth Night, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Comedy of Errors, and two productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. There are only so many comedies in Shakespeare’s canon, and even fewer “great” comedies. Quite frankly, we’re running out of viable titles. Although titles such as The Merchant of Venice or Measure for Measure are technically “comedies,” they are problematic in our venue due to a lack of overt physical action and other thematic issues that are difficult to work out while maintaining the breezy and fun experience we want to offer our audiences.

Ultimately it came down to wanting to do a show that hadn’t yet been staged in the Quad and one that offered a variety of comic possibilities. Two Gentlemen of Verona is by no means a “perfect” play, but while out on one of my runs in the middle of winter, it clicked: Two Gents = Wild West Melodrama. The play and characters are ridiculous and the broadly physical style is well-suited to the cartoonish personalities that populate Verona and Milan. It didn’t all come in one moment, but over the weeks/months between devising Upward-Beating Heart and casting Two Gents my concept solidified into a cohesive vision.

In this first post about The World of the Play, I’m going to discuss the concept and some of the reasoning behind the choices. In next week’s blog, I will delve into the text and the play a little more deeply and write about some of the choices I made in adapting the script for the concept.

Shakespeare’s “Worst” Play When I began my dramaturgical research for Two Gents I ran into a frequent statement from high-minded Shakespeare critics that this was one of the Bard’s earliest plays (likely his first) and, therefore, one of his “worst” plays. Keep in mind, we’re talking about the greatest English language dramatist . . . so “worst” is a relative term. This is the work of a developing writer and while the plot lines and characters are not all entirely developed, there are moments of charm and hints of comic genius to come in the boldness of cross-dressing Julia, the clownish antics of Launce, or the besotted foolishness of the scheming and inept Proteus.

Thematically, Two Gents gets at one of Shakespeare’s most enduing themes: love makes fools of us all. From Romeo to Orlando to Benedict to Orsino, Shakespeare frequently pokes fun at the conventions of courtship, the inconstancy of men, and the power of love. While the love stories between the pairs of lovers in Two Gents are problematic, they are inherently funny and do dig into deeper truths about the lengths to which some go in the name of romantic pursuits.

Proteus (Kyle Stockdall) meets his best friend’s love interest, Sylvia (Sedona Garcia) for the first time.

The plot of Two Gents begins with the relationship between Proteus and Valentine. While Valentine is ready to leave small-town Verona to seek his fortune in Milan, serving in the court of the Duke, Proteus is resolved to stay behind for the sake of his relationship with Julia. Valentine chides Proteus for his foolishness:

Love is your master, for he masters you: And he that is so yoked by a fool, Methinks should not be chronicled for wise.

Proteus admits that Julia has “metamorphosed” him into one that will leave his friends, neglect his studies, and mope around “heart sick in thought.” And thus, Valentine leaves his friend behind to better opportunities.

The tables quickly turn, however, when several scenes later we see Valentine, now consumed with his own love for Sylvia, the witty and sophisticated daughter of the Duke. Valentine, too, has been transformed, as is pointed out by his servant Speed, into one frequently exhibiting the behaviors he so chided Proteus for having. The relationship between Valentine and Sylvia is complicated by the fact that her father wishes her to marry a foolish fop named Thurio. This is even further complicated when Proteus arrives in Milan and finds himself immediately drawn to Sylvia. (Got that?)

Even in our early rehearsals, it’s hard not to completely write Proteus off as a cad, more than that later. But implausibly brash behavior is one of the key factors that led me to this conceptual approach in the first place.

Melodrama in the Theatre There are two major classifications of theatre. It is either presentational or representational. Representational theatre attempts to represent “real life” in some way. This requires a naturalistic acting style and characters that are somehow psychologically motivated to grow or change. Consider plays such as Death of a Salesmen or A Doll’s House. These chestnuts of the modern stage want audiences to feel as if they are peeking into the living room windows of ordinary families simply behaving.

Presentational plays, on the other hand, have a more distinct style and are in no way attempting to show “real life” on stage. Consider the conventions of musical theatre or Japanese Noh theatre which embrace the theatrical, the symbolic, and the suggestive. Melodrama falls into this presentational category and is well-suited to our outdoor venue.

Melodrama lives in a world of comic archetypes or stock characters. Villains wear black hats and twist their mustaches while reveling in their wicked plots that are unmotivated by any internal psychological impulse. Villains do evil things because that’s what they do. Heroes are similarly reactive and jump from one emotional high point to the next. In many ways, this is the world that Shakespeare presents in Two Gentlemen of Verona, one where Proteus can be deeply in love with Julia one moment and Sylvia the next. A world where he can be completely dedicated to his dearest friend until the very moment he hatches an overly-complicated plot to have Valentine banished so that he can steal away his girlfriend. For the most part, when directing Shakespeare, I try to embrace the madness rather than attempt to “fix” it. Melodrama in this case is an appropriate playground to poke fun at love and lovers.

In addition, I found a lot of inspiration in imagery of the Wild West, in particular, cartoons from my childhood depicting comic exaggerations of Western icons. I grew up on a steady diet of Disney and Loony Tunes and probably my first introduction to the “Wild West” was the image of Yosemite Sam,

I mean . . . right?

The hot-tempered, tiny-footed gunslinger is all bark and no bite, terrorizing the Wild West in his attempt to . . . defeat Bugs Bunny? I’m not entirely sure of his motivations, but he does parody the swaggering cowboy character in a way that seemed fitting for this production. Other iconic characters such as Pecos Bill and Slue-Foot Sue come quickly to mind when I think of the Wild West.

I don’t think cartoons can get away with characters smoking anymore.

I remember these characters as bright, optimistic, and easily identifiable - all in line with the tone I wanted to take in developing this show. I see this production as casual and family-friendly. Perhaps a little reminiscent of the madcap melodramas we would see at the Golden Horse Shoe Revue at Disneyland.

Another reason we chose this concept with this production was a necessity of one of our physical limitations this year. The Memorial Union is getting a face-lift this summer and the facades of the plinths are being repaired making them inaccessible for our performers. Rather that have elements of the architecture that we couldn’t use, I decided to stage the production at the center of the Quad with the MU as a grand back-drop. The center is a little smaller and much closer to the audience. I wouldn’t exactly call the center an “intimate space,” but without the steps to use for dramatic entrances, the world is a little closer and more casual. Melodrama lends itself to direct audience address (maybe even interaction) and stylistically will help us tell a fast-paced and physical story in a way that makes sense in the space.

The statement I made to the designers in approaching the concept was, “Imagine that this is a group of actors putting on a place in a barn.” This way we can get away with goofy low-budget special effects, rustic music, and a lighthearted atmosphere.

We are beginning our fourth week of rehearsal today (hard to believe) and things are coming along. I’ll give a rehearsal update and some background about the script itself in my next entry.

For now . . . it’s time to head to the Quad!