Production Photos

Day 28: Last Week!

Today was the last full week of the Shakespeare Intensive (tear), so sad but so exciting! In a few short days it will be Monday and the students will have their last day of rehearsal before that evening's performance at 8pm on the Lowell Davies Festival Stage. Today they did a run through of the show in costume for the first time. Everyone who has seen them so far is completely blown away. Everyone has been working so hard and it's going to be a wonderful show. I'll post pictures and footage on this blog so tune back in!

Break legs all my lovely students! You are all wonderful and special and amazing.

Week 3: Stage Combat

Meet the Tech Crew!

Featured Student: Jordyn Petersen

Jordyn will be playing Rosaline and a Death Citizen

Jordyn Petersen:

Wow! Has this been amazing or what?!?! I am so glad I got this once in a lifetime opportunity and took it! I feel like I have come so far during these four weeks of hard work, with an amazing outcome. This will definitely be a summer I will never forget! :)

Featured Students: Taylor Fugere and Michael Edmond

Today Taylor Fugere (Sister Jane "Friar John"/Party Guest/ Death Citizen) and Michael Edmond (Lord Montague/Party Guest) are featured.

Taylor Fugere:

I am 15 years old and I attend San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts where I am a theatre major. But I also love to sing, dance, and do martial arts. I guess you can say I'm a big nerd also because I love school. I enjoy travelling and adore seeing and learning new things from other cultures. Although I only was introduced to theatre two years ago, it was love at first sight. Our relationship changed and developed and grew and theatre altered my life. It became so much more than just a hobby, it is my passion. I can just try to move audiences watching me act, half as much as theatre moved me. I am ever so grateful for this opportunity. I don't want it to end!

Michael Edmond:

I am so honored to be part of the Old Globe family. So many people I know and like to watch perform started here. I only hope I can act as well as them. This program allows me to live my dream. I never knew of The Old Globe till this program. Sure there were stories but none of them convinced me. Well I am honored to be here living my dream. See you at the show!

The Day in Pictures 08.04.08 the 2nd Act of Romeo y Julieta on the Lowell Davies Festival Stage

Featured Students: Stephanie Ruiz and Heather Middleton

Stephanie Ruiz (Gregory/Antonia/Spanish Poet/Citizen) and Heather Middleton (Page to Paris/Party Guest) are featured today!

Stephanie Ruiz:

I am a Senior at the Preuss School, UCSD. I am very excited about being a part of this program. I think it's great what the Globe is doing and hope to learn a lot from this experience. My lifelong dream is to become an actress and I feel that this program is just the beginning. I am very lucky to be able to work with such experienced actors and I would like to thank everyone who has made this program possible. Hopefully everyone will enjoy the show as much as we did in putting it together. :)

Heather Middleton:

I am so thrilled to be acting at The Old Globe. I have been studying Shakespeare for the past two years. From the beginning I have always loved Romeo and Juliet. To be able to be in the play with such amazing actors and actresses at The Old Globe is such a great experience I will never forget. I hope I will have the opportunity to come back in the future because I am truly having the time of my life! Enjoy the show!

Featured Student: Rocio Salas and her Beautiful Artwork!

Today, Rocio Salas (Augustus/Spanish Poet) is featured. She also submitted some artwork based on the play!

Rocio Salas:

First and foremost, I have to say that this whole experience has been fantastic, and being part of such a great cast is an honor I feel privilleged to have. Nat, Vivia, Roberta, Marie, Jessica, the list goes on, along with all the gratitude I feel for the chance to be part of this production, and learning from such incredible people. And, while I'm trying to place my feelings into words, this whole intensive can't be captured so easily. Fun, AWESOME, educational . . . 3 of the many words that come to mind to describe these four short weeks.

Romeo stabs Tybalt

The Nurse Yells at PotPan

Another Round of thanks for Marie, Jensen and Jessica!

Marie Natoli (Stage Manager), Jensen Olaya (Education Intern) and Jessica Bird (Teaching Assistant) have been working with Vivia, Nat and Roberta to make this program great!

Marie directing traffic on the Lowell Davies Festival Stage (with Jessica Bird in the background)

Jensen at her post, letting students into the House of Charm for their rehearsal day!

Jessica, teaching breathing exercises to the students.

Everyone has been doing such a wonderful job! Keep up the good work!

Union Tribune Feature!

Hey Everyone!

Check out this link if you'd like to read the Union Tribune article written about the Shakespeare Intensive!

http://entertainment.signonsandiego.com/events/romeo-y-julieta/

Featured Students: Daniela Michel and Chris Ward

Daniela Michel is playing "Sampson," "Peter" and a "Spanish Poet." Chris Ward is playing "Mercutio"

Daniela Michel:

I will be playing Sampson, Peter, and a Spanish Poet in this version of Romeo y Julieta. These three weeks have been great and I can't believe our time together is almost over. Here at the Shakespeare Intensive I have met so many wonderful people. I look forward to the performance and being able to make a friendship with everyone in the cast.

Chris Ward:

I've really enjoyed this experience so far. It has really taught me so many things, not only about Shakespeare, but about several aspects of theatre. We've covered book work, breathing, projection, even yoga, and it has all been beneficial towards preparation and performance. I'm extremely excited to get my start at the Globe and look forward to taking on more shows with the experience I've gained here.

Week 2: Meet the Juliet's and the Romeo's

Update: Day 13

Yesterday was the student's first day on the Lowell Davies Festival Stage! They ran through the entire first act and did a fantastic job. Tybalt and Mercutio perished and Romeo is banished! Just another day in the life of the students in the Shakespeare Intensive.

Costume fittings have begun so scroll down the page to see some of the beautiful costumes that will be worn. Also, if you haven't already, take some time to check out the video about costume designer Michelle Hunt if you'd like to see her process!

This week, Act 2 is being worked on and blocked, and everyone is running lines and getting ready for their big day. Also, the students who will be doing tech have arrived! We'll meet them soon on the blog so stay tuned.

Costume Fittings!

Featured Students: Nefertari Hooker and Colleen McDermott

Today Nefertari Hooker (Lady Capulet) and Colleen McDermott (Phoebe) are featured!

Nefertari Hooker:

I found out about this program a day before the auditions. I’m happy I jumped at this opportunity because Words cannot even begin to articulate how much I am learning at this program let alone how much FUN I’m having! I have always wanted to be an actress and have done many plays. But never would I have guessed that I’d be doing a play at the old globe theatre! Chills, Excitement, and tears of happiness swell inside when I even begin to think of this opportunity I have been blessed with. Not only is the acting aspect exciting but Despite how different all the kids are I have gotten along with and still share laughs with the thirty odd people who attend this program. It’s ridiculous how after a long five hour day of hard play ( I say play because acting is never work), I’m sad that It’s time to go-But I jump out of bed every morning with a smile on my face knowing what the day holds. I appreciate each and every one of the people who put their all into making the program what it is (Roberta, Nat Vivia, Marie, Samantha etc.). The chemistry between characters on stage as well as between each other when out of character is amazing. I know an opportunity like this was meant for me, and I’m taking everything I learn here and running with it.When you attend Romeo y Julieta it’ll be the first, but I’ll bet your bottom dollar it won’t be the last you see of me or any of us on stage at the Old Globe theatre ( or anywhere). With only a full week left of this program, I’m happy to say that as an actress I’ve come so far, and still have a bit of a way to go, and with this program it has made me ever the more ready for the journey at hand…I now declare this summer the best ever!

Love always, and forever
Nefertari Hooker

Colleen McDermott:

This fall I'll be a sophomore at Bonita Vista. Being in the Summer Shakespeare Intensive has made me love acting even more than I already did before. The entire cast that I work with is so amazing and talented, and I can't wait until we all perform on stage together.

First Day on Lowell Davies Festival Stage, Act 1

Featured Students: Christian Baez and Tracey Quesenberry

Today's Featured Students are Christian Baez (Lord Capulet) and Tracey Quesenberry (Lady Montague)

Christian Baez: It is a privilege to be part of The Old Globe Family, and such an excitement to be doing Shakespeare for the very first time. Every since being trained by an equity actor, DeAnna Driscoll, for two consecutive summers, I knew that I had to do a full Shakespeare production, and what better place than here at the Globe? having just graduated from Montgomery High School, this is a great way for my acting career to launch! Rehearsing inside the same rooms where many Tony-Award winners have been in is such a thrill, and I know that this won't be my last summer here at the Globe. Every single cast member is filled with pure talent and a desire for theatre. Our directors, Nat and Vivia, know exactly what they are doing. I love bugging them everyday after rehearsal, asking them about my character development, especially with vocal techniques. When you see this show, you will not only see a five-star rated production, but a group of young spirits sharing a bit of their passion for theatre.



Tracey Quesenberry: Having a program such as this gives me, as well as others, the opportunity to expand our talents as aspiring actors. It is the opportunity of a lifetime that can help shape and share the wonderful aspects of theatre. I am truly grateful to be a part of it! :)

Costume Design

Featured Students: Chelsea Morgan and Walfred Rodas

Today's students are Chelsea Morgan (Benvolia) and Walfred Rodas (Tybalt/Spanish Poet)


Chelsea Morgan: The program has been the most incredible experience. A whole new world of theatre has opened up for me. Before I started at the Globe Program, acting was a way to get out of my comfort zone. Now, I have a new appreciation for acting. With each class I am more passionate and excited to learn. My relationship with my character is very close, I feel like she's my best friend! I never would have had the knowledge I do now, if it wasn't for the program. I am greatly appreciated that i was excepted.


Walfred Rodas: I currently attend the Preuss School UCSD. My dream is to act in a telenovela (soap opera) for televisa. From this experience I hope to make friends, entertain the audiences and gain an education that will help my dreams come true.

Nat McIntyre and Vivia Font

Nat McIntyre (Director) and Vivia Font (Lead Teaching Artist) have been working tirelessly to make this program a success. Let's take a little time to thank them by posting your comments here!

Featured Students: Mary Reagan and Dayne Miller

Mary Reagan (Nurse) and Dayne Miller (Princess/Party Guest)


Mary Reagan: I'm a rising sophomore at SCPA, and a recent addition to San Diego having moved her from New York only a year ago. I have been involved in acting since I was five, and taken sporadic acting classes and have been in shows since then. My life's goal is to be a Broadway actress, and I am involved in Shakespeare because I believe no one should be close-minded when it comes to theatre. I am extremely thrilled to be working with such a talented cast and can't wait to contribute to such a timeless classic. No Day But Today!


Dayne Miller: First off, I am very excited to be involved in this program. I love theatre and this is a great opportunity to work in such a professional environment with so many of The Old Globe's resources available to us. Thank you to everyone who made this program possible.

PhotoBucket Account

For anyone who'd like to look at or download photos that we've taken, go to: http://s327.photobucket.com/albums/k464/educationoldglobe

Featured Students: Laurel Burns, Dedric Evans, Jr. and Kevin Judd

Today, Laurel Burns (Friar Laurence), Dedric Evans, Jr. (First Watchman/Capulet Servant/ Citizen/ Party Guest) and Kevin Judd (Abraham) are featured


Laurel Burns: Any opportunity I'm given to study acting, I take; and I'm thrilled to be a part of the Shakespeare Intensive at The Old Globe. It's proving to be completely worthwhile, the teachers are awesome and have so much knowledge and guidance to offer. Shakespeare is my favorite thing to study, and to perform, so I'm enjoying jumping into Romeo and Juliet with an active approach, and not just from a classroom setting.


Dedric Evans, Jr.: My name is Dedric Lorenzo Evans Jr. I was born in San Diego at UCSD Hospital in Hillcrest on October 30th, 1993. I am very intelligent and outgoing and also very creative. I can be a bit optimistic at times as well. My strengths include being a good leader, being motivational and uplifting to others. My favorite things to do are play sports (lacrosse and football), play video games, talk to my sisters and family, text my friends, and go aircraft spotting (going to the airport, observing the planes, taking pictures of them, and listening to the Air Traffic Control). I want to be an Airline Pilot when I grow up. I want to go to the Air Force Academy, become a fighter pilot, then retire to the airlines. I want to fly for my favorite airline, United Airlines (if it hasn't fallen bankrupt by then). I call it You-ni-tedd. I wanted to fly 757's but by that time they will be too old so I'm thinking about the Airbus A340 or the Boeing 787 "Dreamliner." I love planes and aerodynamics a lot and I love San Diego. Especially our airport. We have a 9,402 ft long runway with a heading due east/west (270 degrees/90 degrees). You just learned something new from me. Take the number of a runway and put a zero a the end an that's the Runway's heading on a compass. I'm sure you think it's funny that I'm teaching you about our airport (SAN/KSAN), which is why I'm doing theatre, because if I end up liking this whole thing and I want to act, I would like to do comedy. Which by the way I do like, a lot. I feel like a professional actor, and all the other actors feel like family to me. Everyone is so kind. I love it, even the camera lady, always smiling and saying hi. Well that's pretty much it. Oh, and I love throwing things. I'm a launch expert (fastest throw 96 mph). And I love french fries. But the thing I love the most is my Mom and Dad.



Kevin Judd: I attend United Scholar Academy in La Mesa and will graduate in 2011. I enjoy playing many different games and game systems, such as Sven co-op (on PC) or Super Smash Brothers MElee (gamecube or Wii).

I am currently designing my own video game based on Star Trek's idea of space exploration. I am creating it to be an MMORPG.

Featured Student: Ashley Compton

Ashley will be playing an English Poet, a Citizen, a Party Guest and a Death Citizen

Ashley Compton: I've been interested in acting since I was seven and I used to make little skits that I would perform for my family. I was in my first play in the third grade. I would like to go to NYU or UCLA when I grow up and I hope to become a professional actor. The Summer Shakespeare Intensive is a great experience for me and is increasing my skill as an actor.

Day 8: Catching Up With What's Been Going On

So it's been a week and a half since the students arrived! Not only has everyone been cast but now everyone is working hard to make sense of the language, their characters, and their relationships with the other characters in the play. Their fearless leaders, Nat McIntyre and Vivia Font, are teaching them their lines and their blocking (where an actor moves on stage), as the students also take time to learn stage combat with Bryan Lee Huyhn, work on their monologues with Katie MacNichol, and work on Character Development with Jessica, a Teaching Artist.

Featured Students: Andrew Humiston and Kevin Belisario

Today's Featured Students are Andrew Humiston (Stage Crew) and Kevin Belisario (Paris/Citizen)

Andrew Humiston: I have really enjoyed this class. Acting teaches you a lot that is valuable in everyday life. It teaches you good breathing techniques, self-confidence, and improves your reading and speaking skills. I also enjoy studying Shakespeare; he was a genius. He created complex characters that we can still relate to and he draws us to his plays with interesting plots. I am excited to help out with the play.



Kevin Belisario: I am involved in the Summer Intensive at The Old Globe. It's been such a great experience and I have learned so much in such a short time and I am very lucky to be surrounded by a talented cast and directors. We are working hard and I am very excited to perform in this production.

Week 1: Casting, Monologues and Movement Exercises

Featured Students: Amanda Blanco and Kaylee Petersen

Today's featured students are Amanda Blanco (English Poet/Citizen/Party Guest/Death Citizen) and Kaylee Petersen (Balthasar)


Amanda Blanco: I'm really happy to be a part of this Summer Shakespeare Intensive. Shakespeare has always interested me in literature so it's a great experience to actually try to portray his works the way he intended - on stage! I'm grateful to have met all of the wonderful people involved in this program. YAY!


Kaylee Petersen: It's just been a week but that doesn't make it any less memorable. This Shakespeare Intensive is so amazingly fun, meeting professionals and other teens like myself who admire one of the greatest writers who ever lived. I'm learning so much and I hope I'll remember everything now, to put it to use in my life. Acting rocks!

Featured Students: Berenis Gonzalez, Jessika Willett and Michael Silberblatt

Today's Featured Students are Jessika Willett (Juliet Act 1), Berenis Gonzalez (Juliet Act 2) and Michael Silberblatt (Romeo Act 2)


Berenis Gonzalez: When I first heard about Romeo y Julieta I immeadiately jumped at the opportunity to audition. It was always been a little wish of mine to be a part of a production that involves my Hispanic culture. The combination of languages in this play is simply beautiful and I feel very fortunate to be cast with a group of very talented individuals.

Jessika Willett: I'm 17 years old and this fall I will be a senior at Hilltop High School. I will be playing Juliet in Act 1 of Romeo and Julieta. I love being on stage which is ironic because I'm pretty shy. I was involved in theater in elementary school but I didn't realize how much I loved it until I hit high school. I've only done school plays so coming outside of that was a big change, especially because it was with such a well known theater. Af first I was really afraid of getting to know so many new poeple, but then I realized that we're just a bunch of theater people. The kids are fun and the teachers are great. It's only the first week and I already feel at home.




Michael Silberblatt: Hello! I'm Michael and I am 16 years old. I go to the Coronado School of the Arts where I first became interested in Shakespeare. After I competed in the English Speaking Union Shakespeare Competition, I became really excited about this summer intensive! I am honored to be a part of Romeo and Juliet.

Featured Students: B.J. Jezbera and Norrisa Miller

Today's Featured Students are B.J. Jezbera (Romeo Act 1) and Norrisa Miller (Potpan/English Poet/Citizen)

B.J. Jezbera:

To me, this program was one more chance to learn about Shakespeare. In the theatre realm I find that people all have their own view and opinions on how to approach and interpret Shakespeare's plays. There are people who take extreme measures to understand these plays. I am not one of these people, I go in, guns blazing. But in order to be more well rounded I will use this Shakespeare Intensive to open my eyes to new approaches at acting.

Norrisa Miller:

Well, so far I belive the Summer Shakespeare Intensive is really cool. I think it is a great way for young actors to learn and experience Shakespeare. The instructors and assistants are really great and really know their stuff which makes the Intensive that much more enjoyable

Day 4: Casting, Meet and Greet with Globe Staff and Viewpoints with Bruce Turk

Today the students began their day by finding out which roles they'll be playing on August 11th! After warm ups they met the staff of The Old Globe:


After lunch they had Viewpoints with Bruce Turk, who plays "Parolles" in All's Well That Ends Well and "Mr. Ford" in The Merry Wives of Windsor on the Lowell Davies Festival Stage. Tomorrow, now that casting is complete, they will begin to delve into the text and really start figuring out their roles.

The Roles are Cast

CAST
(In Alphabetical Order)

Christian Baez Lord Capulet
Kevin Belisario Paris/Citizen
Amanda Blanco English Poet/Citizen/Party Guest/Death Citizen
Laurel Burns Friar Laurence
Ashley Compton English Poet/Citizen/Party Guest/Death Citizen
Michael Edmond Lord Montague/Party Guest
Dedric Evans Jr. First Watchman/Capulet Servant/Citizen/Party Guest
Taylor Fugere Sister Jane (Friar John)/Party Guest/Death Citizen
Berenis Gonzalez Juliet Act 1
Nefertari Hooker Lady Capulet
Andrew Humiston Crew
B.J. Jezbera Romeo Act 1
Kevin Judd Abraham
Frances Lopez Jane/English Poet/Citizen
Colleen McDermott Phoebe
Daniela Michel Peter/Spanish Poet
Heather Middleton Page to Paris/Party
Dayne Miller Princess/Party Guest
Norrisa Miller Potpan/English Poet/Citizen
Chelsea Morgan Benvolia
Matthew Noll Apothecary/Citizen/Party Guest/Death Citizen
Jordyn Petersen Rosaline/Death Citizen
Kaylee Petersen Balthasar
Tracey Quesenberry Lady Montague
Mary Reagan Nurse
Walfred Rodas Tybalt/Spanish Poet
Stephanie Ruiz Gregory/Antonia/Spanish Poet/Citizen
Rocio Salas Augustus/Spanish Poet
Michael Silberblatt Romeo Act 2/Party Guest
Christopher Ward Mercutio/Second Watchman
Jessika Willett Juliet Act 1

Casting Announced!

Casting was announced today! Above, Chris Ward, Dayne Miller, Rocio Salas, Colleen McDermott and Heather Middleton check the cast list.