“Macbeth is a strong, decent, and loyal man, but his ambition and his idealistic heart clash fiercely.” Paul Jasser plays Macbeth.

Tags

creepy, kids free, laguna hills, laguna hills community center, macbeth, orange county california, outdoor theatre, picnic, Shakespeare, special offer, theater

SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS continues this Friday with Macbeth. 

Paul Jasser plays the lead in MACBETH.

Describe the character you play in 3 sentences or less.
Macbeth is a strong, decent, and loyal man, but his ambition and his idealistic heart clash fiercely.

What similarities do you share with your character?
I’m similarly torn between my ambitions and my ideals.

How are you different from your character?
I wouldn’t even begin to consider going this far in the name of ambition.

Why do you feel Shakespeare’s plays are still relevant today?
The themes are timeless. They focus on the meat of human experience, which apparently has not changed for hundreds of years ( and probably longer! ).

Why do you enjoy performing Shakespeare?
It’s a wonderful challenge to perform lots of articulate and often beautiful language, without getting lost in the simple point of what the story is trying to say.

What professional actor do you admire and why?
I have more actor crushes than I can keep track of!

If acting is not your day job, what is?
I am an IT Manager for small businesses

Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon.
A scuba dive, an adrenaline rush, a warm ocean and a hot day……a nice breeze, some shade and a hammock to nap in, and some pleasant company.
And nothing pressing to do on Monday.

Call out someone who MUST see your show!
Al Pacino!

PERRFORMANCE BIO FOR PAUL JASSER:
Paul is pleased to take on the role of Macbeth after many a year of idealizing the show and the character. Theater has been a passion for him since his high school days, and he’s grateful to continue to have the opportunity to indulge this habit in such fine company.

SHOW INFORMATION:

SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS 2016 presents Macbeth and Twelfth Night.SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS is a production produced by On the Edge Theatre Production in cooperation with the Laguna Hills Community Center.

Shakespeare’s Macbeth continues Friday and Saturday, August 12, and 13.

The performances will start at 7 p.m. and will be held on the lawn near the gazebo at the Laguna Hills Community Center 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. Bring a beach chair, blanket, and a picnic dinner. Tickets are just $10 for adults. Kids 12 and under are free.

For both productions being offered at this year’s Shakespeare in the Hills, we are accepting online registration at https://apm.activecommunities.com/lagunahillscs or follow “register a class” links at http://www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/ (follow “register a class” links).
On the day of each show, we are accepting cash only at the door (no checks, or debit/credit cards).

For more info: email aurorajculver@gmail.com
Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/otetheatre/
Follow us on Twitter @OnTheEdgeThtr
More info on OTE can be found at http://www.otetheatre.com

“Human emotion and conflict is something that everyone can identify with.” Jenn Ortiz plays Caithness in Shakespeare in the Hills’ MACBETH

Tags

creepy, kids free, laguna hills, laguna hills community center, macbeth, orange county california, outdoor theatre, picnic, Shakespeare, theater

SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS continues this Friday with Macbeth. 

Jenn Ortiz plays Caithness in Macbeth.

Why do you enjoy performing Shakespeare?
I’ve always loved and have been fascinated by Shakespeare and the Elizabethan time period. My birthday was the day of his death (and his assumed day of birth as well). It’s interesting to be able to step into the echo of the past through his work, and it’s an honor to step onto the stage and into the work of one of the greatest writers of all time.

Describe the characters you play in 3 sentences or less.
I have speaking roles as Caithness and a ghostly apparition, and I’m a servant in a few scenes. Caithness is a Scottish Thane who fights for Malcolm, and the ghostly apparition is the third of three called by the witches to inform Macbeth of his fate.

What similarities do you share with your characters?
I feel like I have the same sense of duty and honor as Caithness. I like to follow the rules and if I believe something is right, I’ll stick to it. I respect people who do the right thing. Despite my own circumstances, I’ll do my best to help people however I can.

How are you different from your characters?
I’m reasonably sure I’m not a ghost. I’ve also never fought in a war, or been wounded in battle. I’m a pretty passive person, so I don’t like to fight. I don’t really think I feel strongly enough about any type of cause to go out and hurt people over it.

Why do you feel Shakespeare’s plays are still relevant today?
Shakespeare is timeless. He wrote pages and pages of stories about people, their personalities, and the situations they find themselves involved in. The way his characters speak might be slightly different than modern readers are used to, but people from all walks of life can step into his characters’ shoes and experiences, and find something they relate to, even 400 years later. Human emotion and conflict is something that everyone can identify with. I think if he was alive now, he’d write about similar themes using modern people and experiences.

What professional actor do you admire and why?
I had to think about this for quite some time. I really admire Emma Thompson. She’s so versatile, not only with acting, as she plays both serious and comedic roles on stage and in film, but she’s also a successful writer, and has Academy Awards for both of those things. I really respect what she has to say about herself and her art form, and I appreciate the way she puts herself 100% into what she does. She’s a great role model, extremely down to earth and genuine, and isn’t afraid to speak her mind.

If acting is not your day job, what is?
I’m a student first and foremost. I’m studying towards getting my Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media Arts (which collectively includes graphic arts, illustration, visual development, design, computer modeling and animation)
I work part-time for the City of Lake Forest as a Senior Recreation Leader, mainly in special events and programs for teens.

Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon.
My perfect Sunday afternoon is one of total relaxation with my husband. We might play video games or watch a movie, but just a day we can spend together without having to worry about the hustle and bustle of the week.

Call out someone who MUST see your show!
I’d love it if my in-laws came to see the show. Also, my co-workers! I know some family and friends are already planning on coming, so I hope they do! Honestly, I think anyone who likes theater should come. I’m so excited!

Performance Bio for Jenn Ortiz:
Jenn is thrilled to be making her OTE and Shakespeare in the Hills debut in Macbeth. She is a Media Arts student of The Art Institute of California and has worked in set and prop building, painting, design, makeup and costumes for The City of Lake Forest’s special events. This is her first theater role, although she has performed at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire with The Court of Misrule as a fool, as a scareactor at Knott’s Scary farm and as a tableau vivant performer in the Pageant of the Masters. Jenn is grateful to the cast, crew, awesome director and fantastic producer for a wonderful first experience on the theater stage, for all the collective hard work, and for the acceptance and friendship of this amazing group of people. To my friends, loved ones, and fellow performers: Thanks for the support, words of encouragement, and willingness to come out and see the show! I’m so grateful for the experience and knowledge I’ve gained in learning the ropes. I’ve definitely caught the theater bug. This has been such a rewarding adventure!

SHOW INFORMATION:

SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS 2016 presents Macbeth and Twelfth Night. SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS is a production produced by On the Edge Theatre Production in cooperation with the Laguna Hills Community Center.

Shakespeare’s Macbeth continues Friday and Saturday, August 12, and 13.

The performances will start at 7 p.m. and will be held on the lawn near the gazebo at the Laguna Hills Community Center 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. Bring a beach chair, blanket, and a picnic dinner. Tickets are just $10 for adults. Kids 12 and under are free.

For both productions being offered at this year’s Shakespeare in the Hills, we are accepting online registration at https://apm.activecommunities.com/lagunahillscs or follow “register a class” links at http://www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/ (follow “register a class” links).
On the day of each show, we are accepting cash only at the door (no checks, or debit/credit cards).

For more info: email aurorajculver@gmail.com
Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/otetheatre/
Follow us on Twitter @OnTheEdgeThtr
More info on OTE can be found at http://www.otetheatre.com

Great openings for both shows! MACBETH performs Aug. 6 and final performance of TWELFTH NIGHT is Aug. 7

Tags

kids free, laguna hills, laguna hills community center, macbeth, outdoor theatre, picnic, Shakespeare, twelfth night

Shakespeare in the Hills 2016

Great openings for both Macbeth and Twelfth Night! Tonight we continue with Macbeth and tomorrow, Sunday, is our final performance of Twelfth Night.

Here’s what folks had to say about Twelfth Night directed by Dawn Doherty:

Photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

Photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

Photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

Photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

Photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

Photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

Photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

Photo credits: Edmund Cleofe

“I just watched the production of Twelfth Night, and I don’t think I could be more impressed! The entire cast did an absolutely amazing job of bringing this play to life, of making the language accessible to the audience, of engaging the audience throughout the play, and of reducing us all nearly to tears through laughter at this brilliant comedy. The show was witty, clever, and sexy. The acting and directing, phenomenal. All in all, it was Most Wonderful. 😉

“This was the first play I’ve seen performed by this theater company, and I will most certainly be following them closely from now on given what a fantastic job they did on Twelfth Night. You should do the same.

“If you see this review in time, try to make it to the last show of Twelfth Night, which will be on Sunday, 8/7/16 at the Laguna Hills community center. You’ll have an uproariously good time.” – Scot

“Excellent production, great acting, lots of fun!” – William

“Bring your kids. My 11 year old laughed the whole time.” – Gina

“This was an absolutely delightful play; very well cast, funny as hell, and easy to understand!” – Shelly

“The show was beautiful. The costumes. The sets. The concept. The blocking. Your casting. All perfect. Brava!” – Rebecca

“What an entertaining evening! The acting and directing were superb! I highly recommend this show! Thank you so much!!!” – Rhona

“We had a great time. Thank you for the perfect entertainment.” – Ann

And our audience had this to say about Macbeth directed by Josefine Damgaard:

Photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

Photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

Photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

“Another glowing 5-star review. This group once again put on a stunning performance, and brought this tragedy vividly to life. The show was exciting, suspenseful, and emotionally moving. The directing was top-notch, I especially liked the parallel between the setting sun (due to the time the play was performed) and Lady Macbeth’s descent into guilt-induced madness, and the progressively more and more chilling interludes with the three witches.

“Particularly impressive to me are the several cast members who are performing in Twelfth Night and Macbeth concurrently, and doing a phenomenal job in both. Great job on both despite what I can only imagine is an immense work load!

“My wife and I are quite glad to have been introduced to this theatre company and can’t wait to see what you all perform next!!!” – Scot

“Great theatre group! Recommend attending.” – Laurel

“The three witches in Macbeth, good weather, good food, good production” – Chuck

 

Shakespeare’s Macbeth continues Saturday and plays August 12, and 13. There will be one more performance of Twelfth Night, which opened this past weekend, on Sunday, August 7.

The shows will start at 7 p.m. The shows will be held on the lawn near the gazebo at the community center. Bring a beach chair, blanket, and a picnic dinner. Tickets are just $10 for adults. Kids 12 and under are free.

The show will be held at the Laguna Hills Community Center on the lawn by the gazebo, 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.

For both productions being offered at this year’s Shakespeare in the Hills, we are accepting online registration at https://apm.activecommunities.com/lagunahillscs or follow “register a class” links at http://www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/ (follow “register a class” links).
On the day of each show, we are accepting cash only at the door (no checks, or debit/credit cards).

For more info: email aurorajculver@gmail.com
Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/otetheatre/
Follow us on Twitter @OnTheEdgeThtr
More info on OTE can be found at http://www.otetheatre.com

Opening Night for MACBETH at the Laguna Hills Community Center!

Tags

creepy, kids free, laguna hills, laguna hills community center, macbeth, orange county california, outdoor theatre, picnic, Shakespeare

Shakespeare in the Hills 2016

MACBETH directed by Josefine Damgaard and TWELFTH NIGHT directed by Dawn Doherty

Shakespeare’s MACBETH opens this Friday and plays August 5, 6, 12, and 13. There will be one more performance of TWELFTH NIGHT, which opened this past weekend, on Sunday, August 7.

Here are some photos from Wednesday’s Invited Dress Rehearsal:

 photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

Every night of SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS, the actors build the set and at the end of the performance, they take the set down.

 photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

The actors have been learning how to put a kilt on. Actors: Paul Jasser, Anthony Barrata, and Chris Diem

Photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

Lennox and Ross played by Veronica Holley and Kaitlyn Smith

Photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

Steven Teats as King Duncan

Photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

The Witches: Tiffany McQuay, Shakiba Shadman, and Shannon Dodson

Photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

Malcolm and Donalbain played by real life brother and sister, Christopher and Katie Diem

Photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth played by Paul Jasser and Elza Suzanne

Photo credit: Edmund Cleofe

Lady Macbeth, Macduff, and Banquo played by Elza Suzanne, Cameron Moore, and Anthony Barrata

The shows will start at 7 p.m. The shows will be held on the lawn near the gazebo at the community center. Bring a beach chair, blanket, and a picnic dinner. Tickets are just $10 for adults. Kids 12 and under are free.

The show will be held at the Laguna Hills Community Center on the lawn by the gazebo, 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.

For both productions being offered at this year’s Shakespeare in the Hills, we are accepting online registration at https://apm.activecommunities.com/lagunahillscs or follow “register a class” links at http://www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us/ (follow “register a class” links).
On the day of each show, we are accepting cash only at the door (no checks, or debit/credit cards).

For more info: email aurorajculver@gmail.com
Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/otetheatre/
Follow us on Twitter @OnTheEdgeThtr
More info on OTE can be found at http://www.otetheatre.com