Graduate Work in Staunton, Virginia
Tailgate Shakespeare
In summer of 2010 and 2011, ten students from the Shakespeare & Performance program at Mary Baldwin College set out across rural Virginia to bring two Shakespearean shows to...well, anyone who would turn up for the promise of a Shakespeare show that had the energy not of an English class but a tailgate before a homecoming game.
Shakespeare Wherever Possible
For two glorious summers, Tailgate Shakespeare took its shows around rural Virginia, performing almost entirely outdoors at vineyards, camps, soccer fields, and inexplicably beautiful amphitheaters in the middle of graveyards. They brought energy and modern music to the performances, trying to bring the fun of the Shakespearean playhouse to modern audiences..
Wearing Many Hats
This expression usually means that all of our members "had a lot of jobs," and I certainly did! I directed one of the shows, performed in both, managed the tour and travel, kept the account books, figured out how to do payroll, promoted the show, wrote the company mission statement, and liaisoned with our partner The June Bug Center.
But! We also literally wore many hats. As a "Xtreme Casting" productions, all of our cast were constantly switching out hats, vests, and other accessories to show that we had just transformed from one character into another -- sometimes right in the middle of a scene. How else can Hermia enjoy Pyramus & Thisbe in the final act of Midsummer Night's Dream while the same actor performs as Snug (the Lion)?
My roles in Winter's Tale: Director, Autolycus, Emilia, Cleomones, Second Lady
My roles in Midsummer: Hermia, Snug, Mustardseed
