A word with director Nicholas Thurkettle

Rehearsals have begun for EARBUD THEATER: ESCAPE!

We caught a quick moment with the director, Nicholas Thurkettle, to talk about Earbud Theater.

“Earbud Theater is a creative outlet with no comparison in my life. Casey Wolfe created it as a space where imagination reigns, and over the past few years we’ve created shows that are funny, strange, poignant, terrifying, sometimes all of those feelings in a single episode! Vocally, I’ve had the chance to play a disembodied alien hyper-intelligence, a cop getting murdered by monsters, and a Chaos God with daddy issues; and as a writer, Earbud gives me the chance to tell the kind of stories that really excite me; that use the unexpected and out-of-this-world to aim at some very real truths about human nature. “Escape” should be a terrific show – it pairs one of our most emotional and thought-provoking episodes with one of our newest and out-and-out funniest. It’s a great time to pay a visit to the Earbud Lab!”

Nicholas Thurkettle is an actor, writer, and filmmaker who loves every chance he gets to collaborate with Aurora and On the Edge. He has been writing and performing with Earbud Theater since 2014 and won an Audio Verse Award for his performance as “Cthulhu Jr.” in their episode “This Monstrous Life”. He is also writer of the upcoming animated show Children of Ether on the Crunchyroll network, and author of the acclaimed short story collection Stages of Sleep. He was a fixture for five seasons at Shakespeare Orange County, playing roles like Peter Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and King Duncan in Macbeth; other favorite stage roles include Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing and Renfield in Dracula. In 2016 he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Love International Film Festival for his role in Reclaiming Friendship Park, and also appears in the upcoming indie features Cloudy with a Chance of Sunshine, Aventura!, Isla Vista: The Rock Opera, and The Revelator.

Show Information
EARBUD THEATER: ESCAPE is a double feature of original science fiction radio plays performed at the Heritage Theater at Laguna Hills Community Center.
Performances February 24th at 7pm, February 25th at 7pm, March 3rd at 7pm, and March 4th at 2pm & 7pm.

Laguna Hills Community Center
25555 Alicia Parkway
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

General Admission – $15
Children 12 and under are free.
To reserve your seats, email us at ajculver@otetheatre.com or call (949)689-3922.

EARBUD THEATER: ESCAPE is a joint presentation of Earbud Theater and On The Edge Theatre Productions; produced by Aurora J. Culver, directed by Nicholas Thurkettle, with sound design and direction by Darren Lodwick. Earbud Theater was created by Casey Wolfe.

Featuring the voice talents of:
Patrick Peterson
Stephanie Thomas
Paul Jasser
Chris Hunter
Alyssa Elder
and
Ashley Woods

And the audio talents of:
Elliot Clark
and
Kaitlyn Smith

For more info: email ajculver@otetheatre.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
earbudtheater.com
lodwicksound.com

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM opens Friday, July 24 where Kerry Hedley will be playing “Mrs. Snug”.

Tags

1926, Christian, comedy, downton abbey, laguna hills, midsummer, outdoor theatre, picnic, Shakespeare

Our lovely “Mrs. Snug” fashioned after the delightful Mrs. Patmore on Downton Abbey played by Kerry Hedley.

What sort of person is going to love this show?
Anyone who enjoys being outdoors on a summer’s evening, with a picnic, good company and worthy entertainment. This will be fun and accessible Shakespeare!!

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?
For me, it will be creating a character with a minimum number of lines to speak.

Why did you want to be involved in SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS?
I have always wanted to do Shakespeare, having seen it on stage and screen, and because working with director, Aurora Culver is always a pleasure!

How is this production bringing something new to this story?
I love that we are setting the show in the mid-twenties, with a nod to the characters portrayed in Downton Abbey. What fun!!

What’s going to surprise people about this show?
How funny and clever Shakespeare was! So often we identify him with his great tragedies – which Midsummer clearly is not!

Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?
I hope my kids and granddaughter come – it is Kim’s favorite Shakespeare play, and the park is right there for little Holly if she become restless in the hands of the Bard!

How is this character like you?
“Mrs. Snug” is not a big, brash woman. She feels confident about the work she is trained to do. She isn’t too sure about “acting” in a play, but when she finds out she gets to live out her fantasy and be the lion, she starts to get excited about the proposition.

Different?
In my mind, she is an excellent cook and knows how to run a big kitchen and put on a fancy menu for the upper class family she works for. Me – not so much!

What do you love about this character?
Her Irish-Scottish heritage, and charming brogue!

What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
Trying not to let her become the “Widow Paroo” from The Music Man!!

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
“When lion rough in wildest rage doth roar.” (followed by the roar of a slightly unsure Irish lion)

If you could play any other character in this show, who would it be?
It might be fun to play “Mrs. Quince” . . . . if I had a year to learn the lines!

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A fine artist (watercolor paintings and pencil renderings are my two favorite media)

When did you first perform?
My earliest memories of being on stage were for the annual ballet recital at age four or five, for the Parks and Rec program I was in. I loved wearing the pretty costumes my mother would sew for my sister and I and getting to wear lipstick for that one day of the year. I particularly remember one year, when I was maybe six years old, when one other girl and I got to sing a song and lead the dance, while the rest of the class just danced. Probably my first time on a microphone. It was pretty thrilling!!

Besides this one, what’s your favorite stage show?
To be in: that would be Little Women. “Marmee” is a very special role – she is strong and tender, winsome and wise, but also accessible and imperfect. I also am a huge fan of Light in the Piazza – and would love to play the role of “Margaret Johnson” for the very same reasons.
To watch: Jekyll and Hyde, in its original incarnation, with Linda Eder in the role of “Lucy”, which her then husband, Frank Wildhorn, wrote for her. I saw it twice in one week, before it went to Broadway – and nothing has topped it since.

Who do you look up to (as an actor/director/etc.)?
First of all, to my dear friend Dawn Doherty. I am so looking forward (albeit a little daunted by the prospect) of being her assistant director for Oliver! next month. And I also love working with her daughter, Aurora Culver. They are both extremely talented, supportive and visionary directors.

What’s your perfect Sunday afternoon look like?
After a great Sunday morning of fellowship and teaching at my church – a nap is always a blessing on a Sunday afternoon. And it would be a great bonus to get to go to a movie with friends on that rare occasion when I have the time to do so!

When you have a five-minute break during rehearsal, what do you spend that time doing?
Running to the lady’s room!

What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?
Since I work as a music director at another theatre, do all the graphic design work for them, and serve as artistic director for six months a year when the director/owner is out of the country – I “do theatre” most all the time. The rest of my time is spent in leadership activities for women’s Bible study and writing for my church.

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage / the curtain goes up?
Smile and encourage my fellow actors – theatre is a team sport!!

SHOW INFORMATION: 

Bring a blanket or your lawn chair to the Laguna Hills Community Center for this summer’s Shakespeare in the Hills, which is featuring two productions for your enjoyment.

 Director Aurora J. Culver brings one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”,  to the Laguna Hills Community Center resulting in a marvelous mix-up of desire, whimsy, heartache, and farce, all touched by Shakespeare’s inimitable vision of life, love and the tantalizing reality of our most fantastical dreams. Performances are held at 6:30PM on July 24^th, 25^th, 26^th, 31^st, and August 7^th. 

For an irreverent, fast-paced 90 minute romp through all of the Bard’s 37 plays, Shakespeare in the Hills presents The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged, featuring three madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter.  Performances of the Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged begin at 6:30PM on August 1^st, 2^nd & 8^th.

For both productions being offered at this year’s Shakespeare in the Hills, we are accepting online registration athttps://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).

The shows will start at 6:30 p.m. The shows will be held on the lawn near the gazebo at the Laguna Hills Community Center, located at 25555 Alicia Parkway in Laguna Hills, CA.  Tickets are just $10 for adults. Kids 12 and under are free

For more information write aurorajculver@gmail.com or call 949-707-2680.

So much to enjoy at Shakespeare in the Hills’ A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM opening this Friday, July 24.

Tags

1926, comedy, downton abbey, gospel singing, laguna hills, midsummer, outdoor theatre, picnic, set build, set design, Shakespeare, special offer, stage crew

We open this Friday night, July 24 at 6:30 p.m! Come early to watch the set build by the actors! Definitely part of the entertainment.

We also have planned a weekend FULL of fun!

Friday, July 24: Attend the opening show of MIDSUMMER for a chance at winning a ticket to see THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: ABRIDGED on Saturday, August 1st at 6:30pm. All who attend the opening show are eligible, no additional purchase necessary.

Saturday, July 25: Downton Abbey night! Come dressed to impress… Or as a servant! The 1920s is an era of wonderful outfits, and those who lived and worked in Downton Abbey were full proof of that.

Sunday, July 26: Fairy night! MIDSUMMER is a magical show, made especially so by the fairies who flit through the show causing mischief for the mortals. Bring your wings, wands, glitter- whatever lets you create a fantastical sprite!

SHOW INFORMATION:
On the Edge Theatre Productions in cooperation with the Laguna Hills Community Center presents SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS 2015. This year we will be running two shows over a period of 3 weeks. Both shows are directed by Aurora J. Culver

Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM will play July 24, 25, 26, 31 and August 7. On opposite nights, Reduced Shakespeare’s THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE ABRIDGED – a comedy where 3 actors perform all of Shakespeare’s plays in just 90 minutes! This show will run on August 1, 2, and 8.

The shows will start at 6:30 p.m. The shows will be held on the lawn near the gazebo at the 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 athttps://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 information write aurorajculver@gmail.com

Photography by Sean Netherlain

SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS- making Shakespeare accessible to young and old!

Tags

1926, comedy, downton abbey, free tickets, laguna hills, midsummer, outdoor theatre, picnic, Shakespeare, special offer

Shakespeare in the Hills is the creation of On The Edge Theatre Productions at the Laguna Hills Community Center. We are thrilled to be in our third year, with plans to continue and grow for many years to come. Our purpose is to build a love of Shakespeare in the Laguna Hills community and beyond, creating a fun environment for people of all ages to enjoy outdoor theater. We believe Shakespeare should be accessible and entertaining, and we work to bring his words and characters to life.

This year we are thrilled to perform two wonderful shows in repertory. A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, one of Shakespeare’s most loved comedies, will be opening first on Friday, July 24th. Inspired by the popularity of Downton Abbey, we are placing this production in the year 1926, when the old ideals of society were beginning to clash with the youthful desires of the jazz age. The members of “Theseus’” house are shown as the upper class, with full decorum. “Hippolyta”, his wife-to-be, is a strong American woman of the era. “Hermia”, wishing to choose who she marries, represents the rebels of the jazz age with her short hair and skirts. The Mechanicals have been transformed in to the servants of “Theseus”, with their performance of Pyramus and Thisbe, a rare moment with those from “upstairs.” Even the fairies, with their interest in the human world, have found ways to adapt the music of the era to their own uses. The costumes, music, and the performances of this stellar cast will whisk you away to another time for an evening of love and comedy.

Our second show, opening Saturday, August 1st, is THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: ABRIDGED. This fast-paced comedy is all of Shakespeare’s plays, condensed into 90 minutes, performed by three actors. Jarrod Davis, Jeff Haut, and Charles Long return to conquer this feat of a performance. If you love Shakespeare, don’t understand Shakespeare, or aren’t sure if you get who this Shakespeare guy is- this play is for you. It’s a madcap ride from beginning to end!

CONTEST FOR FREE TICKETS GOING ON NOW!

TRIVIA CONTEST RULES: answer a trivia question on the Facebook page for On the Edge Theatre Productions correctly and your name gets put in a drawing for 2 free tickets to the opening performance of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM on Friday, July 24!

Each day that you answer a question correctly is another opportunity to win. Contestant must have clicked “like” on the facebook page for On the Edge Theatre Productions in order for entry to count. Drawing will be held Wednesday night, July 22. 

Here is the link to our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/otetheatre?fref=ts

SHOW INFORMATION:
On the Edge Theatre Productions in cooperation with the Laguna Hills Community Center presents SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS 2015. This year we will be running two shows over a period of 3 weeks. Both shows are directed by Aurora J. Culver

Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM will play July 24, 25, 26, 31 and August 7. On opposite nights, Reduced Shakespeare’s THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE ABRIDGED – a comedy where 3 actors perform all of Shakespeare’s plays in just 90 minutes! This show will run on August 1, 2, and 8.

The shows will start at 6:30 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.

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 information write aurorajculver@gmail.com

Welcome back, Anthony Barrata! “Bottom” in Shakespeare in the Hills’ A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Tags

1926, Bottom, Christian, comedy, downton abbey, free tickets, laguna hills, outdoor theatre, picnic, Shakespeare, Thank You

We are excited to have Anthony back this year! He first appeared in Shakespeare in the Hills in 2013 as “Dogberry” in Much Ado About Nothing. And now he is playing “Bottom” in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

What sort of person is going to love this show?
I think that fans of the show Downton Abbey will absolutely love what Aurora has done with this production. I also think that, any casual Shakespeare fan will love the fact we’ve stayed true to the language and spirit of the show. Other than that, I see it reaching out to a big audience because it’s such a well-known production. Not to mention anyone who’s seen, read, or heard of the Great Gatsby.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?
The hardest part for me has been, finding out the points of the script where I need to pull myself back. Usually Bottom is so over the top crazy, that when there are parts he needs to be played down, it’s a difficult transition for me. However, I think I’ve found a good balance for him that will make everyone happy.

Why did you want to be involved in SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS?
I was a part of Shakespeare in the Hills in 2013, as Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing. After working with Aurora, and seeing her passion for Shakespeare, it was a no-brainer for me to comeback for this production. I also, have just finished a production of The Merchant of Venice and wanted to do something a little bit (ok a whole lot more) light-hearted for the summer. The space is amazing, Aurora is amazing, the cast is amazing, and it was an easy decision for me.

How is this production bringing something new to this story?
This production brings a new spin on a classic story, by combining the opulence, and decadence of the 20’s. To me it’s perfect timing, since we all know the 20’s to be a time of big parties and celebrations, and this production brings that all to life.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?
I think the amount of detail put into creating our world will surprise people.

Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?
Sarah McGuire, Taylor Magee, and Sierra Swift all simply must come by to see it.

What do you love about this character?
He’s just so fun to play. It’s great, when you get to make people laugh, joke around with the cast, and just overall have a great time getting to know your character as if he were real. I love how Bottom is so outspoken, which I could never be.

What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
Finding the moments where I have to be, for lack of a better term, a jackass. Like I said before, Bottom is eager to do right by everyone. However, sometimes he takes it too far, and those are the moments that are really so very funny, so finding those are important and challenging for me.

Besides yourself, what celebrity would you like to see tackle this character?
I would like to see Josh Gad, or Jason Segel take it on. They’re both really funny, and seem like they’d be awesome doing it.

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
“Lord what fools these mortals be…”

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Initially I wanted to be a Major League Baseball player. When I got injured in 11th grade, amongst other things, that went out the window.

When did you first perform?
My first performance was in Anything Goes in the Spring of 2004, my Junior Year in High School, as Moonface Martin.

Besides this one, what’s your favorite stage show?
This is tough since I have so many, but I would say my absolute favorite musical is Les Miserables. My favorite play is Glenngarry Glenn Ross by David Mamet.

Who do you look up to (as an actor/director/etc.)?
As an actor I look up to the Late Robin Williams. Very few people put as much energy, and work into every performance, and I hope that I can do that as well.

What’s your perfect Sunday afternoon look like?
Being in the stands for a game where the Yankees win. That’s enough for me.

Who’s the funniest person in the cast in real life?
Edmund and Doug are easily the funniest two in the cast.

What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?
I can either be found working full-time at the Marriott Residence Inn Costa Mesa at the Front Desk, or looking for more acting work and going to auditions.

If you had a magic wand, what show would you do next?
Thenardier in Les Miserables

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage / the curtain goes up?
Quote my bible verse, Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.

CONTEST FOR FREE TICKETS GOING ON NOW!

TRIVIA CONTEST RULES: answer a trivia question on the Facebook page for On the Edge Theatre Productions correctly and your name gets put in a drawing for 2 free tickets to the opening performance of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM on Friday, July 24!

Each day that you answer a question correctly is another opportunity to win. Contestant must have clicked “like” on the facebook page for On the Edge Theatre Productions in order for entry to count. Drawing will be held Wednesday night, July 22. 

Here is the link to our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/otetheatre?fref=ts

SHOW INFORMATION:
On the Edge Theatre Productions in cooperation with the Laguna Hills Community Center presents SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS 2015. This year we will be running two shows over a period of 3 weeks. Both shows are directed by Aurora J. Culver

Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM will play July 24, 25, 26, 31 and August 7. On opposite nights, Reduced Shakespeare’s THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE ABRIDGED – a comedy where 3 actors perform all of Shakespeare’s plays in just 90 minutes! This show will run on August 1, 2, and 8.

The shows will start at 6:30 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.

For more information write aurorajculver@gmail.com