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

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“I go after what I want, and work hard to make it happen.” Aurora Culver plays Viola in TWELFTH NIGHT opening Friday

Tags

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

Shakespeare in the Hills 2016

Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT will play July 29, 30, 31, and August 7. In rep will be Shakespeare’s MACBETH performing August 5, 6, 12, and 13.

 

Aurora Culver (founder/producer of OTE) plays Viola in TWELFTH NIGHT 

Describe the character you play in 3 sentences or less.
Viola is a young lady in a land where she knows no one, fears for her safety, and decides to disguise herself as a man to survive on her own. She struggles with the recent loss of her brother, her feelings for the man she works for, and the unwanted feelings of a female suitor. Poor girl can not catch a break!

What similarities do you share with your character?
Like Viola, I’m determined to survive and succeed in situations, even if I’m out of my depth. I go after what I want, and work hard to make it happen.

How are you different from your character?
Viola is definitely more in touch with her feminine side than I am!

Why do you feel Shakespeare’s plays are still relevant today?
The situations in Shakespeare’s plays may be larger than life, the characters may have more poetic ways to describe their emotions and actions, but the heart of who they are and what they struggle against is so human. Even hundreds of years ago, people dealt with heartbreak, social situations, family drama, careers… just as we do today.

Why do you enjoy performing Shakespeare?
I love getting to use such beautiful words and bring a trueness of humanity to life.

What professional actor do you admire and why?
Hugh Jackman- put him on stage, put him in a film, he is wonderful to watch.

If acting is not your day job, what is?
Directing and producing plays!

Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon.
Relaxing at home with my husband!

Call out someone who MUST see your show!
All the actors that have been in my past Shakespeare in the Hills shows. They finally get to watch me build a set, perform, and then take it down! Finally I get to know what I’ve asked all of you to do firsthand!

Bio for Aurora Culver:
Aurora Culver is excited to take the stage for Shakespeare in the Hills! Her latest endeavors include directing for Unbound Productions, Costa Mesa Playhouse, and acting with the Crescent Troupe for the Fringe Festival. With her company On the Edge Theatre Productions (www.otetheatre.com) she has directed shows such as INTO THE WOODS, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, and THE 39 STEPS. Aurora would like to thank her husband Kenneth and her family for their support. Thanks be to God. Matthew 19:26

Shakespeare in the Hills 2016

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

Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT will play July 29, 30, 31, and August 7. In rep will be Shakespeare’s MACBETH performing August 5, 6, 12, and 13.

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

“Anyone and everyone can understand Shakespeare, and my goal is to help people become less afraid of the diverse language. ” Kaitlyn Smith aka Ross in MACBETH and Maria in TWELFTH NIGHT

Tags

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

Shakespeare in the Hills 2016

Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT will play July 29, 30, 31, and August 7. In rep will be Shakespeare’s MACBETH performing August 5, 6, 12, and 13.

KAITLYN SMITH plays Maria in Twelfth Night and Ross in Macbeth

Why do you enjoy performing Shakespeare?
I love the language! I enjoy how different it is to our normal vocabulary, and I see performing his plays as an opportunity to make the language accessible for everyone watching. Anyone and everyone can understand Shakespeare, and my goal is to help people become less afraid of the diverse language.

Describe the characters you play in 3 sentences or less.
Maria is Olivia’s sassy and fun loving servant! She always knows what to say and how to have a good time, whether it’s pranking her rival Malvolio or having a party with her man Toby & his friends.

Ross is a Thane (noble) and a female warrior within the armies of the play. She often brings news of events happening offstage, sometimes changing the course of a character’s life in a very impactful way. She has a very strong and loyal personality, following Macduff to the army opposing Macbeth despite the danger.

What similarities do you share with your characters?
Like Maria, I love to have fun!! I try to bring the party wherever I go!

I am deeply loyal to my friends and family as Ross is.

How are you different from your characters?
Maria is a little more vengeful than I am. She takes her prank with Malvolio further than I would go, and even though she doesn’t feel pity for him, as an objective reader I certainly do!

Ross is a bit more careful around others than I am, and she doesn’t have as many people she can trust in her life as I do. Being a woman in a man’s world has made her more wary of people, and while she enjoys her position she is always watching for hidden threats.

Why do you feel Shakespeare’s plays are still relevant today?
Though the language may sound different, the themes presented in Shakespeare’s plays still have those basic thoughts and ideas that all people resonate with. It’s applicable to any person and any time period. Presenting both classic and innovative Shakespeare performances exemplifies how dynamic and meaningful the basic ideas are.

What professional actor do you admire and why?
I admire the versatility and talent of Robin Williams very much. He was an amazingly talented voice actor, which is a field I have always been interested in. He was also able to perform in both incredibly hilarious and very dramatic roles effortlessly.

If acting is not your day job, what is?
I work for the Attractions Department of Disney California Adventure!

Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon.
I would enjoy reading around the house with some snacks and my cat purring on my lap.

Call out someone who MUST see your show!
My family & friends! You know who you are! …You’d better…

Performance Biography for Kaitlyn Smith:
Kaitlyn is pleased to be making her debut with this season of OTE’s Shakespeare in the Hills! She is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine (Theater & Education). This is her third time performing in Twelfth Night and her first time in Macbeth. Some favorite roles include Ursula & Hugh Oatcake (Much Ado About Nothing), Delightful (Dearly Departed), Lady Brackell (the Importance of Being Earnest), and Honey the Beggar (Threepenny Opera). She is literally a clown! Thanks to my family & friends for their support, and thanks to the wonderful directors for this opportunity! Much love, and enjoy the shows!

Shakespeare in the Hills 2016

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

Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT will play July 29, 30, 31, and August 7. In rep will be Shakespeare’s MACBETH performing August 5, 6, 12, and 13.

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

“I want to bring that vibrancy to the audience, who might not have necessarily seen it when they first read Shakespeare in English class.” Ashley Woods aka Antonia in OTE’s TWELFTH NIGHT

Tags

kids free, laguna hills, laguna hills community center, outdoor theatre, picnic, Shakespeare, theater

Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT will play July 29, 30, 31, and August 7. In rep will be Shakespeare’s MACBETH performing August 5, 6, 12, and 13.

Photo by Jonathan Vandiveer

ASHLEY WOODS plays Antonia in Twelfth Night

Describe the character you play in 3 sentences or less.
A pirate who is in love with the wrong person. (That sounds like the logline for some indie romcom starring Scarlet Johansen, but it’s legit, I promise.)

What similarities do you share with your characters?
Everyone is getting married except for me.

How are you different from your characters?
I’m too poor to own a boat.

Why do you feel Shakespeare’s plays are still relevant today?
Shakespeare was the sensation of his day, often capturing audiences for hours and hours at a time. He had a keen sense of plot and story. With the right director and actors, an audience can be just as engaged today.

Why do you enjoy performing Shakespeare?
The words leap off the page for me. They are so vibrant and colorful. I want to bring that vibrancy to the audience, who might not have necessarily seen it when they first read Shakespeare in English class.

What professional actor do you admire and why?
Steve Carrell. I think he’s a perfect Everyman.

If acting is not your day job, what is?
Starving…just kidding. I deliver groceries.

Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon.
Going to LAX with only a carry-on and boarding a plane to who knows where.

Call out someone who MUST see your show!
Mark Rylance.

Performance Bio for Ashley Woods:
This is Ashley’s second production with Shakespeare in the Hills, having previously played Hero in Much Ado About Nothing. Other credits include Belle in A Christmas Carol (Long Beach Playhouse), Cece in Earbud Theatre Live! (On the Edge Theatre), and Alais in The Lion in Winter (Cabrillo Playhouse). In her spare time, she makes YouTube videos on youtube.com/c/ashleyjwoods.

Shakespeare in the Hills 2016

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

Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT will play July 29, 30, 31, and August 7. In rep will be Shakespeare’s MACBETH performing August 5, 6, 12, and 13.

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

“Shakespeare delves deeply into the human experience.” Cast Interviews with Veronica Holley and Anthony Baratta

Tags

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

Anthony Baratta (left); Veronica Holley (right)

ANTHONY BARATTA performs in both Macbeth and Twelfth Night

Describe your character(s):
Banquo is a man who’s always on the lookout for his friends and above all else
his son Fleance. He enjoys Macbeth’s company, and considers him a dear friend.
However I get the feeling Banquo is also very wary around Macbeth, and doesn’t trust
him as far as he could throw him.

My other Character, Valentine, is more than happy to be in the service of General
Orsino. He is 100% loyal and always at the ready with a detailed report for the
general on the goings on around Virginia.

What similarities do you share with your character(s)?
like Banquo and Valentine, I’m very protective and loyal to all my friends, and
also make friends very easily. Though I don’t have a son, I consider all my friends
almost like family because they all have an important place in my heart.

How are you different from your character(s)?
Unlike Banquo I don’t hold a lot of suspicions about my friends. I never get
the feeling that any of them would hurt me intentionally. Unlike Valentine I’ve
always got an answer for something and Valentine always does as he’s told without
question.

Why do you feel Shakespeare’s plays are still relevant today?
Well look at the facts. Over 400 years later people are still trying to put
their own “spin” on his stories. People are always pulling elements from his plays
and putting it into their own works. SHAKESPERARE IN LOVE is a great example, as its
pretty much Romeo and Juliet without the death at the end, THE LION KING is another
as that’s pretty much Hamlet.

Why do you enjoy performing Shakespeare?
These were my bedtime stories as a kid. My father would read me these plays,
and then breakdown scene by scene what was going on in the story. I’ve always had
an affinity to Shakespeare and really love reciting such famous lines, and
portraying his incredible characters.

What professional actor do you admire and why?
I admire quite a few. If I had to pick them it’d probably be Michael Fassbender,
Tom Hardy, and Tom Hanks. You can see in all their performances, they’re putting
everything they have into them and always come through with something magical on the
screen or stage.

If acting is not your day job, what is?
One day it will be my full time job. Until then I spend my days, and sometimes
overnights checking people in, preparing bills and invoices and interacting with the
public at the Reisdence inn in Costa Mesa as a Front Desk Associate and Night
auditor.

Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon.
Onstage, at the Ballpark, or at Disneyland. Give me a combination of any of
those and I’ve got the perfect Sunday afternoon. Honestly waking up with air in my
lungs, and a song in my heart makes the perfect any day for me.

Call out someone who MUST see your show!
If I had to pick my Looseleaf Theatre Co. Family Specifically Gianni Barrales,
Barnaby James, Vahan Oknayan, Jeremy Schlitt and wife, Sowmya Sivam, Marcos and
Sarah Cabrera all need to see this.

Performance Bio for Anthony Baratta:
Anthony is having a blast returning to OTE this Summer. He was seen in their
productions of A Midsummer Nights Dream last summer as Bottom. He’s been very
active in the southern CA, theatre community and 2016’s been especially good to him
where his credits already include A Few good Men, Romeo and Juliet, and the Sound Of
Music. Anthony would like to thank the awesome casts of both shows for their
tireless work and dedication. He would also like to send a super thank you to
directors Dawn Doherty and Josefine Damgaard for these awesome opportunities!!!

VERONICA HOLLEY debuts with OTE this year in Macbeth

Describe your character:
I play Lennox, a naive and flip-floppy Scottish Lord.

What similarities do you share with your character?
I can be naive of what bad things people can do, and I to try to see the good in them all the time.

How are you different from your character?
Lennox completely trusts authority. I… well, I don’t always trust authority.

Why do you feel Shakespeare’s plays are still relevant today?
Shakespeare delves deeply into the human experience. In comedies, people’s foils are exposed and turned upside down. In tragedies, people’s foils are a fault of their own. Shakespeare is timeless because his themes are pervasive throughout history.

Why do you enjoy performing Shakespeare?
I love performing Shakespeare because his work is a challenge. Anything from the emotional depth to the way to read the verse, Shakespeare’s works are so challenging and fun!

What professional actor do you admire and why?
I admire Jennifer Lawrence because she can take any role and make it believable, truthful, and her own. I also admire Leonardo DiCaprio because he is so dedicated to telling a good story!

If acting is not your day job, what is?
Currently I’m a stage manager for the American Coast Theater Company in Costa Mesa. I am a full time student as well, studying theatre performance and production at Vanguard University.

Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon.
My perfect Sunday afternoon? Going to the beach with my family!

Call out someone who MUST see your show!
I’m going to call out all my friends who say they will come to my shows but never do, to come to this show! (You know who you are).

Performance Bio for Veronica Holley:
Veronica Holley is very happy to be making her Shakespeare in the Hills debut! Recent Shakespearean credits include Mopsa/Dion in The Winter’s Tale (Vanguard Lyceum Theater). Veronica is also a stage manager for the American Coast Theater Company in Costa Mesa. She would like to thank Josefine, the cast and crew for this awesome experience! Veronica thanks her family and friends for being so supportive. Visit Veronica’s website at http://veronicaelenaholley.tumblr.com/
Follow Veronica on Instagram!: @veronicaelenaholley

Shakespeare in the Hills 2016

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

Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT will play July 29, 30, 31, and August 7. In rep will be Shakespeare’s MACBETH performing August 5, 6, 12, and 13.

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

Cast interviews continue with Kerry Hedley and Shannon Dodson!

Tags

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

SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS is a collaborative project between On the Edge Theatre Productions and the Laguna Hills Community Center. This year we are presenting two shows in rep – TWELFTH NIGHT and MACBETH. (Performance info can be found at the bottom of this post)

Kerry Hedley (left); Shannon Dodson (right)

INTERVIEW WITH KERRY HEDLEY. Kerry plays Feste in TWELFTH NIGHT

Describe the character you play in 3 sentences or less.
Feste the Fool is an autonomous sort, a bit of a gypsy who moves between households with ease and confidence. She is not beholden to anyone, so she is free to speak her mind, though she uses songs and stories to do so. A studied observer of human character, she is actually the wisest person in the play!

What similarities do you share with your character?
As a single woman, I am fairly autonomous in some ways as well, with no husband to answer to, and grown children who no longer need me on a daily basis. I also enjoy music greatly, and had the privilege of setting Shakespeare’s lyrics to music for this show. And though I do enjoy “people watching”, I will leave it to others to determine whether or not I am wise!

How are you different from your character?
Feste is a woman of total confidence who cares little about other’s people opinions – I am not built this way at all! She also travels in circles of power – both socially (Lords and Ladies) and politically (Rebel Generals), which is certainly not true for me.

Why do you feel Shakespeare’s plays are still relevant today?
Because he writes stories that reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the human character – the truths he shares are timeless and still have value for us today. Though his extremely large and inventive vocabulary sometimes makes it a little challenging to decipher what he is saying – it is well worth the effort!

Why do you enjoy performing Shakespeare?
My usual wheelhouse is musical theatre, but it is fun to take on the mental gymnastics necessary to understand and memorize a substantial role in a Shakespearean play. Of course, I get the perk of getting to sing in my role in this show, which is also fun.

What professional actor do you admire and why?
I always have a hard time with this one. Unlike so many of my theatre friends – I am not well versed in this subject (really knowing a lot about an actor’s body of work). I did have the great privilege of seeing Victoria Clark play Margaret Johnson in her Tony award winning performance in Light in the Piazza in New York City a few years ago and it was extremely inspiring. She truly inhabited the character, and I could see and feel all the emotions Margaret went through in that wonderful show. I also have to give a shout out to the magnificent Linda Eder, since I went twice in one week to see her in Jekyll and Hyde here in the OC before it went to Broadway. I would have gone to more shows had time permitted – she was transcendent in that role (which was written for her).

If acting is not your day job, what is?
I serve as the volunteer music director at a small community theatre in Irvine, in addition to a substantial leadership position at Compass Bible Church in Aliso Viejo.

Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon.
After an early wake up call for church – my perfect Sunday afternoon would include lunch out with family or friends after the service and then a nap! As a true theatre nerd and biological night owl – Sunday morning is usually the day my alarm clock goes off the earliest!

Call out someone who MUST see your show!
Clare Kiklowicz – my patron liaison at the Segerstrom Center. We have had too many near misses for her to come see me perform!

Performance Bio for Kerry Hedley
Though she grew up singing and dancing, Kerry never had the courage to audition for a show until her senior year in college. Kerry rediscovered musical theatre in 2000, and has been performing in five or six shows a year since then. The roles nearest to her heart are Marmee in Little Women; Anna in The King and I; Vi Moore in Footloose; and Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! Kerry feels it is a great privilege to work with Dawn Doherty once again, having shared roles with her; played opposite her; and been under her direction many times in the past!

INTERVIEW WITH SHANNON DODSON. Shannon plays Olivia in TWELFTH NIGHT and one of the Witches in MACBETH.

Describe the character(s) you play in 3 sentences or less.
Olivia has been through a lot – she’s lost her brother and her father and her world is turning upside down – but she’s got a good heart, and she’s trying to make it work. The witches are just…creepy. It’s cool.

What similarities do you share with your character(s)?
I’m just about as awkward around boys as Olivia is. Let’s be real.

How are you different from your character(s)?
WELL I’VE NEVER MURDERED ANYONE. (That’s the witches. Not Olivia. What a weird show that would be.)

Why do you feel Shakespeare’s plays are still relevant today?
As someone close to me likes to say, “it’s about the human condition!” People always have been and always will be struggling with the things Shakespeare is writing about – love, and power, and frustration, and self-doubt. Shakespeare’s relevant because Shakespeare’s real.

Why do you enjoy performing Shakespeare?
It makes me look smart, TBH. But also for all the reasons I said above! The language is beautiful, but you’re still talking about really relevant things.

What professional actor do you admire and why?
I’ve adored Audra McDonald since I was teeny and singing Annie every Christmas.

If acting is not your day job, what is?
I’m a legal secretary, which is just as exciting as it sounds.

Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon.
The beach, tacos, iced coffee, good company. I don’t get sunburned. All is well.

Call out someone who MUST see your show!
Chris Evans, if you’re out there…

Performance Bio for Shannon Dodson
Shannon Dodson has a BA in theater from Biola University and is really loving her first show with OTE. Previous favorite roles include Tom Jones (Honour),The Diviners (Jennie Mae), The Importance of Being Earnest (Lane), Little Women (Jo), and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (Gertrude).

Shakespeare in the Hills 2016

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

Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT will play July 29, 30, 31, and August 7. In rep will be Shakespeare’s MACBETH performing August 5, 6, 12, and 13.

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

Our talented cast interviews continue with our Lady Macbeth of MACBETH, Elizabeth Suzanne and TWELFTH NIGHT’S Sea Captain, Phil Seifert

Tags

comedy, creepy, laguna hills, laguna hills community center, outdoor theatre, picnic, Shakespeare, special offer, theater

Our first interview is with Elizabeth Suzanne who plays Lady Macbeth in OTE’s MACBETH

Describe the character you play in 3 sentences or less.
She’s an absolute charmer, a hard worker and loyal femme fatale all in one. She takes any stereotype and adds three sides to it. Lady M is someone driven by passion and inspired by ambition, but is still an accurate representation of humanity.

What similarities do you share with your character?
A deep ambition in life, but not AS extreme

How are you different from your character?
I probably wouldn’t jump to murder to get what I want.
*probably

Why do you feel Shakespeare’s plays are still relevant today?
Shakespeare’s plays are made relevant by the situations and the characters and their relationships. There’s never not been a time when people have wanted something greater out of life and had the fantastic daydream of “what if”.

Why do you enjoy performing Shakespeare?
Any chance to do a classic is a dream come true! As well as the thrill of getting those classics out into the community and in an accessible form.

What professional actor do you admire and why?
Marion Cotillard who played Lady M in the 2015 version is one of my inspirations. I find her terrifically versatile and admire her use of extremes and her dedication to solid choices in her style of storytelling.

If acting is not your day job, what is?
Puppeteering at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach!

Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon.
Reading to my hearts content!

Call out someone who MUST see your show!
Anyone who is a fan of blood, supernatural and good ole’ vengeance!

Performance Bio:
Elizabeth Suzanne is thrilled to return to OTE Shakespeare in the Hills for a second time since her debut as Katharina in “Taming of the Shrew”! Elizabeth is a Vanguard University graduate (Theatre Arts & English) who spent last summer studying Shakespeare and His Contemporaries at the London Academy of Musica and Dramatic Art where she had the opportunity to showcase such roles as Don John (Much Ado About Nothing), Gloucester (King Lear) and Mme. Maquerelle (The Malcontent). Other favourite roles have been Blanche Barrow (Bonnie & Clyde), Vivienne (Legally Blonde), Kaa (The Jungle Book), Craven the Raven (Snow White) and Mayella Ewel (To Kill a Mockingbird). Thanks to Josefine for the opportunity to play Lady M, a supportive and wonderful cast, and my family and friends.

Phil Seifert – the dashing Sea Captain in TWELFTH NIGHT

Describe The Character you play in 3 sentences or less:
I am an English ship’s captain who has lost his ship but has saved the young woman whose adventures and adventuresome spirit are one of the linchpins of this story. Once I have introduced her to Orsino (and the audience) I am released to go back to sea, or to become stage-dressing and eye-candy for some of the scenes that follow.

What similarities do you share with your character?
While not a captain, I have spent considerable time at sea in both merchant and naval ships, and have faced severe storms such as that which may have caused the shipwreck that casts Viola and Sebastian ashore. I also have the commitment to the well-being of people in my charge that the Captain exhibited.

How are you different from your character?
I have never lost a ship at sea, nor had to rescue a pretty female passenger, although I do have a souvenir bent propeller tip froma Captain’s gig as a reminder of the dangers of shoal water and I had the “arduous” duty of escorting two attractive teenage girls who were passengers on the cruise ship to which I was assigned during my Sea Year.

Why do you feel Shakespeare’s plays are still relevant today?
Although cultures and societies change over time, the issues people face in those societies are the same – they just have different expressions. Shakespeare’s themes speak to those issues and form a solid foundation upon which each generation can build it’s own expression. The motif remains constant, the chord structure varies.

Why do you enjoy performing Shakespeare?
Since this is my first essay into the world of performing Shakespeare instead of just reading him, I can only say why I decided to try. Having only recently gotten involved in the world of community theatre, I wanted to take on the challenge of contributing to the presentation of this type of theatre and to being able to work with, and learn from, such a talented and experienced cast and production team.

What professional actor do you admire and why?
Max Mclean – the founder and director of the Fellowship of Performing Arts. The work he has done in bringing “The Screwtape Letters” and “The Great Divorce” to the stage, and in performing in them, is truly impressive and demonstrates how a dedicated and accomplished actor can breathe life into the printed word.

If acting is not your day job, what is it?
I am retired from a 46-year career in national defense and national security activities and now have the opportunity to volunteer my time serving in my local church and as Administrative Coordinator for my pastor’s growing radio ministry that’s heard on radio stations in 48 of the “57” states and on 6 international outlets and world-wide via the internet.

Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon?
If I am not in the company of family or friends, I like to put my feet up at home with a good book and some good music on the music system – not my 8-track. Later in the day I will watch two of three of the British detective series’ that I enjoy such as Foyle’s War, Shetland, Vera, Endeavour, or Inspector Lewis.

Call out someone who MUST see your show?
I would not presume to think that anyone MUST see this show just because I am in it. I can think of several people I will invite, including my brothers and sisters who all have much more theatrical experience than I.

Performance Bio for Phil Seifert:
In the brief two years since I became affiliated with the Musical Theatre Village family in Irvine, I have had the opportunity to be on-stage in supporting roles in Music Man, Christmas With Scrooge; Promised Land, Alice, One Cat’s Tale, Bye, Bye Birdie, Annie, Hello Dolly, as “Mr. Brownlow” in Oliver, and most recently as “General Genghis Khan Schmits” in Seussical, The Musical. Whether on stage, or working backstage to help very talented actors of all ages, I am seeing first-hand the truth of the adage that to keep young at heart, it is best to keep the young at hand.

“Many of them were only exposed to Shakespeare in high school where they were forced to READ Shakespeare…. which is rather funny considering Shakespeare wrote his plays to be performed and seen… not read,”…Director, Dawn Doherty

Tags

AMC'S TURN, comedy, HAMILTON, History, laguna hills, laguna hills community center, outdoor theatre, picnic, Revolutionary War, Shakespeare, SLEEPY HOLLOW, theater

Discussion with Dawn Doherty, director of TWELFTH NIGHT.

Why TWELFTH NIGHT?
TWELFTH NIGHT is quite possibly my favorite comedy of the Bard’s. I used to teach/direct theater at a La Paz Intermediate School. Every year we performed Shakespeare. I was lucky enough to direct TWELFTH NIGHT twice with my students.

This is my first time directing adults in Shakespeare. When producer/founder of OTE, Aurora Culver, began SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS, she asked me what we should produce and I said TWELFTH NIGHT. She didn’t feel the community was quite ready for that though. So we began with MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING… a show she’d already directed with her company at another venue. The following year she produced TAMING OF THE SHREW although she’d initially wanted to produce MIDSUMMER.. but there were too many productions of MIDSUMMER in the area that year. Last year OTE produced A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM and THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE ABRIDGED… our first year in rep.

I begged Aurora to do TWELFTH NIGHT the following year… with myself as director and Aurora playing the lead VIOLA. She’s fantastic with the language and expression. Aurora GETS Viola at a very deep level. I was thrilled when she said yes!

Continuing with producing shows in rep, Josefine Damgaard is directing MACBETH with OTE.

What is your vision for the show?
Well if you can call “setting” vision, than it is Virginia in 1777 – the American Revolutionary War. I feel that the intensity of a war background works well for TWELFTH NIGHT and I’m completely enamored with this time period right now.

I’ve truly enjoyed the television show, “Sleepy Hollow”, which brings Ichabod Crane, a soldier from the Revolutionary War, into the present. His costumes and the flashback’s to his past inspire me.

Then I fell in love with AMC’S TURN. Wow! This is a show based on Alexander Rose’s book WASHINGTON’S SPIES. It’s been on for three seasons now and it is PERFECTION. From dialogue, to sets, to acting, to costumes…. it is breathtaking.

And last, but not least, I’m completely obsessed with the musical HAMILTON. I just returned from a trip to NYC where we were privileged to see the original Broadway cast perform the show. I also spent those days researching historical sites that provide the setting for my production of TWELFTH NIGHT.

What can you tell us about the costumes?
I usually act as costumer for OTE and this year I get to costume my own production. I have a strong philosophy about SITH. Because it is performed outside, it needs to be BIGGER than life. The voices have to project, the physical actions have to be over-exxagerated, and the costumes need to be bright and glorious. I really try to appeal to the kids in the audience when it comes to costumes. For example, I want OLIVIA to look like a princess in her dark rose taffeta dress embellished with gold thread.

Aurora and I took a trip to the Paley Center in Hollywood to view the costume display from OUTLANDER. It was wonderful to get up close to the costumes and photograph the details. OUTLANDER is currently about 20+ years previous to my setting, but the styles didn’t change as drastically back then as they do now.

What is the mission of SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS?
This is our fourth year at the community center. Our goal is to nurture appreciation for Shakespeare in Orange County. We felt that too many of our adult friends don’t care for Shakespeare. Many of them were only exposed to Shakespeare in high school where they were forced to READ Shakespeare…. which is rather funny considering Shakespeare wrote his plays to be performed and seen… not read. The language became a barrier for our friends and still is today. It makes me so sad! IF they attend a Shakespeare production, they get so caught up in trying to understand every word and defining it that they miss out on the performances that could have told the story. I tell them to WATCH. The meaning will come later.

It’s funny because when children watch Shakespeare, they laugh, they understand, they are enthralled. It’s because they haven’t been forced to read it first.

A few years ago, I performed with Shakespeare by the Sea which has been around for quite some time now. What was inspiring was to see adults bringing their children to the performances…. adults who had once attending SBTS when they were kids. Their early exposure to the Bard made him accessible.
THIS is what we want to accomplish with SITH. We hope to entertain our adult friends and inspire our young friends in Orange County.

Parting words?
I strongly encourage you to come out and have some fun with us. The shows are outside. Bring a picnic dinner a blanket or chair and your kids. Kids 12 and under are free. And I challenge you to leave your preconceived ideas of Shakespeare at home and allow yourself and your children to just enjoy the performance.

Who knows? Maybe next year you’ll join us at auditions for our 5th annual SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS.

Shakespeare in the Hills 2016

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

Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT will play July 29, 30, 31, and August 7. In rep will be Shakespeare’s MACBETH performing August 5, 6, 12, and 13.

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

Cast Interviews with Jarrod Davis of TWELFTH NIGHT and Marge Packman of MACBETH

Tags

free tickets, laguna hills, laguna hills community center, outdoor theatre, picnic, Shakespeare, special offer, theater

SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS 2016 opens July 29  with TWELFTH NIGHT followed by the opening of MACBETH on August 5.

Today we have interviews from Jarrod Davis who plays Malvolio in TWELFTH NIGHT and Marge Packman who plays a variety of roles in MACBETH.

We begin with Jarrod Davis. 

Describe the character(s) you play in 3 sentences or less.
I’ll do it in three words: Entitled, Delusional, Pretentious.

What similarities do you share with your character(s)?
I’ll do it in three words: Entitled, Delusional, Pretentious.

Why do you enjoy performing Shakespeare?
I enjoy performing Shakespeare for the same reason that I feel Shakespeare’s plays are relevant today. I enjoy the education that arises from studying and rehearsing and performing Shakespeare. I enjoy the exercise of trying to decipher his message and the amusement at discovering his word play and cleverness. It is definitely a stimulating experience.

If acting is not your day job, what is?
Acting is definitely my night job. For my day job, I currently work as an assistant brewer and bartender at a small craft brewery in San Diego. I’m going to school at UCSD to be a brewer and hope to open my own brewery in the nearish future.

Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon.
Perfect Sunday afternoon = me, my wife, and my daughter and whatever we decide to do.

Performance Bio for Jarrod Davis

Jarrod Davis has had the honor to have performed in several past OTE shows, such as The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged (as himself), The Complete History of America: Abridged (as himself), and Little Women (Professor Bhaer, Mr. Laurence). He has also been a part of several other productions outside of OTE, including Jesus Christ Superstar (King Herod) and Oliver! (Bill Sykes). He enjoys furthering his brewing career and spending time with his wife and daughter whenever possible. Enjoy the show!

Our next interview is of Marge Packman making her stage debut with MACBETH

Describe the character(s) you play in 3 sentences or less.
I play a messenger, a banquet guest, the apparition of a bloody child, and a Captain
in the English army. They are small but, I think, important parts.

What similarities do you share with your character(s)?
I’m constantly out of breath, so the messenger and I have that in common. I do like
to eat and drink, so I have that in common with the banquet guest. And I took
fencing classes in college, so I have that in common with the Captain. I sincerely
hope I have nothing in common with the bloody ghost of a child.

How are you different from your character(s)?
I am older than all of them, still alive, and have never fought in an actual battle.

Why do you feel Shakespeare’s plays are still relevant today?
Human nature has changed very little since Shakespeare’s day–people are still
greedy, jealous, lustful, ambitious, and arrogant, and they still crave power,
riches, and sex. You only have to look at this year’s presidential candidates for
proof.

Why do you enjoy performing Shakespeare?
Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I was an English major, so I love the
characters, language, and stories. I’m also a ham and I like dressing in costumes
and pretending to be other people, especially in front of an audience.

What professional actor do you admire and why?
I love Maggie Smith, Meryl Streep, and Lily Tomlin. They are all equally brilliant
whether they are doing comedy, drama, or tragedy.

If acting is not your day job, what is?
I am substitute teacher and substitute food service worker for one of the local
school districts. Back in the day I was a technical writer, and I still write
monthly online articles and blog post. In my spare time I coach middle-school
cheerleaders.

Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon.
Just chilling, watching football, baseball, or any other sport on TV with a giant
bowl of chips and some homemade guacamole.

Call out someone who MUST see your show!
This is my stage debut, so I want ALL of my family and friends to come check it out!

Performance Bio for Marge Packman
This is my stage debut, so I have no previous stage credits, but I did play the
bored teacher in my nephew Simon’s award-winning student film, “Squeaky Feet”, and
the bored housewife in the Heinz ketchup commercial contest entry, “It Eats”, both
of which are still available on Vimeo.

Shakespeare in the Hills 2016

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

Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT will play July 29, 30, 31, and August 7. In rep will be Shakespeare’s MACBETH performing August 5, 6, 12, and 13.

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

4th of July at the Community Center

Tags

comedy, Fourth of July, free tickets, holidays, kids free, laguna hills, laguna hills community center, outdoor theatre, Shakespeare, special offer, theater

OTE is proud of our collaboration with the Laguna Hills Community Center. Cast members from the upcoming productions of MACBETH and TWELFTH NIGHT will be passing out flyers in costume and singing the National Anthem for the July 4th celebration at the Community Center! 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Bring your family and friends to enjoy the fun, food and festivities! Carnival rides and games, live music, patriotic crafts and face painting will all be part of the celebration along with a fabulous fireworks show to conclude the evening. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Seating is not provided so don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and umbrellas.
Schedule of Events:
4:00 PM: Carnival rides, Activities, Music and Food Booths
4:00-8:00 PM: Patriotic Crafts and Face Painting
9:00 PM: Mayors Welcome
9:10 PM: National Anthem & Fireworks

For more information, please call (949) 707-2680.

On The Edge Theatre Productions presents

Shakespeare in the Hills 2016

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

Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT will play July 29, 30, 31, and August 7. In rep will be Shakespeare’s MACBETH performing August 5, 6, 12, and 13.

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