Southwest Shakespeare Company

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Photos: (Top) “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” Devon Christopher Adams. (Lower) “Blood Royal,” Larry Stone.

I would like to express my gratitude to Devon Christopher Adams, Stacey Walston and Christian Miller for help in developing this page.

Read more about Southwest Shakespeare Company

Jared Saken, Southwest Shakespeare Company
Jared Saken, Southwest Shakespeare Company

A CRITIC REMINISCES

I knew Jared Sakren before I knew him.

Years ago, I was in the audience for several of his performances with the famed Acting Company. He was one of its founding members, along with Kevin Kline, Patti LuPone and many others who have gone on to star in People magazine articles.

I didn’t realize that until he came to Arizona State University from the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. As his work unfolded here, most recently with his artistic leadership of Southwest Shakespeare Company, I realized I had been present at the first blossoming of a very talented artist.

He has come into full bloom with Southwest Shakespeare.  It is not purely the province of the Bard. You can see Uncle Vanya there and Arms and the Man, Our Town and Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge.

Even Will isn’t allowed to stand on his dignity. The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged), anyone? Pratfalls at 8.

But at heart, Jared Sakren is a classicist, and he has carved a niche for the great ones, The Tempest, The Taming of the Shrew, Hamlet and Macbeth, Julius Caesar and those Merry Wives of Windsor. His Othello remains one of the most vivid, intellectually challenging productions of that work that I have seen in my years of theater-going.

He has turned the done-to-death A Midsummer Night’s Dream into a magical escapade that ravished the senses with its colorful imagery and cracked the funny bone with its delicious rustics. In still another hoary entry, Romeo and Juliet, he found nuances of character and unexpected humor that caught the interest of audiences who thought they had seen it all.

In the process, he turned Southwest Shakespeare into the most successful classical troupe in the state’s history – and into one of the few such companies nationwide that can claim to be financially thriving, or at least in the neighborhood.

Jared Sakren portrays Scrooge in his company's production of "A Christmas Carol."
Jared Sakren portrays Scrooge in his company’s production of “A Christmas Carol.” (Photo by Eric Sallee)

Of course, Southwest Shakespeare Company is not Jared alone. He has hired brilliant designers and talented performers, each of whom have left their mark (Lois K. Myers’ costumes constantly astonished me). In Othello, alone, Ken Love, Maren Maclean and Andres Alcala made indelible memories as the Moor, Desdemona and Iago. In Romeo and Juliet, he took an hitherto-regarded-as-very-competent actress, Laura Durant, and, through her performance as Juliet’s nurse, revealed her as something incandescent.

When I think of Peter Good, Daniel Good, Katherine Stewart, Andi Watson, Bo Foxworth, Jason Barth, Jesse James Kamps, Sandy Elias, Eric Schoen, Carole Healey, so many others … well, thank you, Mr. Sakren.

It would be criminally amiss of me to not mention two other men whose efforts were crucial to the evolution of Southwest Shakespeare. Randy Messersmith and Kevin Dressler were theater renaissance men, actors, directors, teachers and, quite simply, classical aficionados to the core.  In the early-’90s, after a fledgling Shakespeare troupe found the odds of success elusive, they took it over, renamed it the Arizona Shakespeare Festival and laid the foundation for Southwest’s success.

Randy Messersmith
Randy Messersmith
Kevin Dressler
Kevin Dressler

2014-15 SEASON
Information courtesy Erica Connell

King John – Oct 10th – 25th , 2014
A Christmas Carol – Nov 29th – 20th , 2014
Winterfest Repertory (2015)
King Lear – Jan 15th – 31st
As You Like it – Jan 15th – 30th
Uncle Vanya – Feb 27th – March 21st 2015
Cymbeline – March 27th – April 12th 2015

2014. A CHRISTMAS CAROL

One of Devon Christopher Adams' beautiful photographs of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" at Southwest Shakespeare Company.
One of Devon Christopher Adams’ beautiful photographs of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at Southwest Shakespeare Company.

2013-2014 SEASON

From azcentral.com

Southwest Shakespeare Company is out to kick the dust off some classic literature in its milestone 20th season.

The 2013-14 lineup starts Friday, Sept. 6, with a one-man update of Homer’s Odyssey, the 2,700-year-old Greek epic.

Rendered into contemporary English, the adaptation is written and performed by Charlie Bethel, a former student of Southwest Shakespeare artistic director Jared Sakren.

The sometimes casual language of the piece is intended “to make it accessible and just plain entertaining, and take the dryness out of it,” Sakren says.

“That’s something that’s always good to do with the classics, to make them as current and immediate for the audience as if it was just written.”

In addition to “greatest hits” such as Macbeth and The Taming of the Shrew, the season features Equivocation, Bill Cain’s provocative 2009 drama that uses Shakespeare to explore the relationship between art and politics. The storyline sees the Bard of Avon commissioned by King James to write a propagandistic play about the 1605 Gunpowder Plot.

The finale will be Fairy Worlds! an adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream performed at the Desert Botanical Garden.

“The visual elements and the interaction with the audience are going to be developed in a substantial way,” Sakeren says. “The audience will feel like they’re immersed in the world of the play.”

Here’s the full lineup.

“The Odyssey,” Sept. 6-21. “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” Oct. 11-26. “A Christmas Carol,” Nov. 30-Dec. 21 at Playhouse on the Park in Phoenix. Winterfest Repertory: “The Taming of the Shrew” and “Macbeth,” Jan. 10-25. “Equivocation,” Feb. 28-March 22. “FairyWorlds!” May 15-June 1 at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.

HISTORY

Co-founded in 1994 by educators, actors and Shakespeare aficionados, Kevin Dressler and Randy Messersmith, Southwest Shakespeare (“SSC”) has always emphasized education and making Shakespeare understandable to the masses.

In May 2000, a national search brought Jared Sakren to SSC as Artistic Director. He was a member of the first graduating class of the Juilliard Drama Division and a founding member of John Houseman’s The Acting Company, with which he appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway and on national tours. His background includes teaching, performance and directing credits throughout the nation including the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Yale School of Drama, American Conservatory, Denver Center Theater Co., Arizona Theatre Company, and more. He is also founding artistic director of Shakespeare Sedona.

For the first 11 seasons, SSC performed the fall and spring shows in the outdoor Mesa Amphitheatre and the winter show indoors at either Mountain View or Westwood High School. The 2005-2006 season opened at the new Mesa Arts Center, a $94.5 million facility located in downtown Mesa. Under Jared Sakren’s leadership, SSC expanded its season and performed a total of five shows in two of its four theaters (the 550-seat Virginia G. Piper Repertory Theater and the 99-seat Anita Cox Farnsworth Studio Theater).

PHOTOGRAPHS, CLIPPINGS, REVIEWS & THE KITCHEN SINK

MAY-JUNE 2014. FairyWorlds! An Adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Directed by Jared Sakren. Performed outdoors at Desert Botanical Garden. Cast list: Theseus/Oberon is Randy Messersmith, Hippolyta and Titania is Tracy Liz Miller. Paul Michael Thomsom is Puck/Philostrate. Beau Heckman doubles as Egeus, Hermia’s father, and Peter Quince. The lovers are Allison Sell as Hermia, Andy Cahoon as Lysander, Jeremiah James as Demetrius and Portia Beacham as Helena. Mechanicals: Ted Barton as Bottom, Beau Heckman as Peter Quince, Alex Oliver as Flute/Thisby, Stephen Hochner as Snug/Lion, Bobby Shook as Starveling/Moonshine and Jeff Huffman as Snout/Wall. Titania’s fairies are Aimee Blau-Little as Dewdrop, Destiny Walsh as Cobweb, Meg Sprink as Peaseblossum, Jaquiline Monet Rushing as Mustardseed, Christina Cullers as Moth, and Ausette Anderies, Nicolle Ashley, Alejandra Castro Luna, Shelby Daeffler, Sophia Drapeau, Jennifer Harrington, Erin Vander Maten, Rebecca Lynn Palmer, Vega Rayne-Horne, Katherine Sprowls, Danielle Stout and Elia Taylor. Oberon’s fairies: Jake Bonar, Kyle Pyun, Fernando LIno, Kaivan Mayelzadeh and Marshall Vosler. The changeling child is Ramsey Lee Horne, the Fire Artist is Jennifer Garza and the Circus Artist is Elia Taylor.

Southwest Shakespeare 2014 Fairy Worlds Mark Gluckman

Southwest Shakespeare Company: A Midsummer Night's Dream Desert Botanical Garden May-June, 2014 ; Photograph by Mark Gluckman.

Southwest Shakespeare Company: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Desert Botanical Garden May-June, 2014 ; Photographs by Mark Gluckman.

Southwest Shakespeare Company: A Midsummer Night's Dream Desert Botanical Garden May-June, 2014 Designer Jeff Thomson's sketch for the production.
Southwest Shakespeare Company: FairyWorlds, A Midsummer Night’s Dream Desert Botanical Garden May-June, 2014 Designer Jeff Thomson’s sketch for the production.
Another of Devon Adam's magical shots of "Fairy Worlds" at Southwest Shakespeare Company.
One of Devon Christopher Adams’ magical shots of “FairyWorlds” at Southwest Shakespeare Company.
Randy Messersmith is Oberon. (Photo by Devon Adams)
Randy Messersmith is Oberon. (Photo by Devon Christopher Adams)
Jennifer Garza adds her own special touch of magic to "Fairy Worlds." (Photo by Devon Adams)
Jennifer Garza adds her own special touch of magic to “FairyWorlds.” (Photo by Devon Christopher Adams)
She walks in beauty like the night ... Photo by Joe Abbruscato
She walks in beauty like the night …  Titania makes her entrance. (Photo by Joe Abbruscato/Mr Anathema Photography)
Jennifer Garza. Photo by Joe Abbruscato
Jennifer Garza. (Photo by Joe Abbruscato.)
More magic. Photo by Joe Abbruscato
Still another magical moment. (Photo by Joe Abbruscato)
Jeremiah James, Andy Cahoon and Alex Oliver experience the joys of makeup backstage at Southwest Shakespeare's 2014 production of "Fairy Worlds," an adaptation of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" performed outdoors at the Desert Botanical Gardens. (Photo credit unknown)
Jeremiah James, Andy Cahoon and Alex Oliver experience the joys of makeup backstage at Southwest Shakespeare’s 2014 production of “FairyWorlds,” an adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” performed outdoors at the Desert Botanical Gardens. (Selfie by Andy Cahoon)

For Kerry Lengel’s report on this production, go HERE

For David Appleford’s review, go HERE

Here’s a magical episode created by Devon Christopher Adams for You Tube.

2014 “Equivocation.” (Remounted September, 2014, with the author in attendance.)

Joseph Cannon as Shakespeare in the Southwest Shakespeare Company production of 'Equivocation.' (Photo: Mark Gluckman)
Joseph Cannon as Shakespeare in the Southwest Shakespeare Company production of ‘Equivocation.’ (Photo by Mark Gluckman)
Randy Messersmith (left) portrays Richard Burbage and Joseph Cannon plays Shakespeare in “Equivocation."
Randy Messersmith (left) portrays Richard Burbage and Joseph Cannon plays Shakespeare in “Equivocation.” (Photo by Mark Gluckman.)
Southwest Shakespeare Company Equivocation Allison Astgen, Beau Hedkman, Andy Cahoon, Jesse James Kamps, Joseph Cannon. Photo by Devon Adams.
Southwest Shakespeare Company Equivocation Allison Astgen, Beau Heckman, Andy Cahoon, Jesse James Kamps, Joseph Cannon. (Photo by Devon Christopher Adams.)
Southwest Shakespeare Company, 2014, 'Equivacation,' Andy Cahoon, Joseph Cannon (Photo by Devon Adams)
Southwest Shakespeare Company, 2014, ‘Equivocation,’ Andy Cahoon, Joseph Cannon (Photo by Devon Christopher Adams)
Southwest Shakespeare Company, 2014, 'Equivacation,' Andy Cahoon, Joseph Cannon (Photo by Devon Adams)
Southwest Shakespeare Company, 2014, ‘Equivocation,’ Andy Cahoon, Joseph Cannon (Photo by Devon Christopher Adams)

2014 “Macbeth”

Tina Mitchell and Terence MacSweeny as the Scottish couple in Southwest Shakespeare's production of the Scottish play. (Photo, Mark Gluckman)
Tina Mitchell and Terence MacSweeny as the Scottish couple in Southwest Shakespeare’s production of the Scottish play. (Photo, Mark Gluckman)

OCTOBER 2013 “Two Gentlemen of Verona” Director: David Vining. Cast: Ian Christensen, Marshall Glass, Jack Purdy, Jonathan Furedy, Amelia Ellis, Danielle Stout, Bre Jarvis, Jason Steffen, Nigel the Dog. Choreography: Erica Connell.

Nigel (left) and Jonathan Furedy see eye to eye in The Two Gentleman of Verona. (Photo by Mark Gluckman)
Nigel (left) and Jonathan Furedy have a set-to in The Two Gentleman of Verona. (Photo by Mark Gluckman)
Ian Christensen, left, and Marshall Glass are in a fine bromance in Two Gentlemen of Verona. (Photo by Devon Adams)
Ian Christensen, left, and Marshall Glass are best friends in Two Gentlemen of Verona. (Photo by Devon Christopher Adams)
Ian Christiansen, Bre Jarvis and Marshall Glass in "Two Gentlemen of Verona" at Southwest Shakespeare Company, 2012.
Ian Christiansen, Bre Jarvis and Marshall Glass in “Two Gentlemen of Verona” at Southwest Shakespeare Company, 2013. (Photo by Mark Gluckman)

For Julie Peterson’s New Times review of “Two Gents,” go HERE

2013 “The Tempest”

Harold Dixon in Southwest Shakespeare's "The Tempest" (Photo courtesy of Southwest Shakespeare Company)
Harold Dixon in Southwest Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” (Photo by Mark Gluckman)

2013 “A Christmas Carol”

The cast of the 2013 production of "A Christmas Carol" at Southwest Shakespeare Company. (Photo by Devon C. Adams)
The cast of the 2013 production of “A Christmas Carol” at Southwest Shakespeare Company. (Photo by Devon Christopher Adams)
Marley and Scrooge face off in "A Christmas Carol."
Marley and Scrooge face off in “A Christmas Carol.” Photo by Devon Christopher Adams.

2012 “A Christmas Carol”

Ghost of Christmas Past (Erica Connell) gives Ebenezer Scrooge (David Vining) a much-needed nudge into the land of happy memories, in A Christmas Carol. (Photo, Southwest Shakespeare Company)
Ghost of Christmas Past (Erica Connell) gives Ebenezer Scrooge (David Vining) a much-needed nudge into the land of happy memories, in A Christmas Carol. (Photo by Mark Gluckman)

2012 “Romeo & Juliet”

Mike Roush, Andres Alcala and Ali Rose Dachis in Southwest Shakespeare Company's "Romeo and Juliet." (Photo, Southwest Shakespeare Company)
Mike Roush, Andres Alcala and Ali Rose Dachis in Southwest Shakespeare Company’s “Romeo and Juliet.” (Photo, Stacey Walston)

2011 “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Jim Coates is Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream. (Photo, Southwest Shakespeare Company)
Jim Coates is Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. (Photo, Larry Stone)

2011-2012 Season, “Much Ado About Nothing”

A scene from "Much Ado About Nothing," performed during the 2011-2012 Season by Southwest Shakespeare Company.
A scene from “Much Ado About Nothing,” performed during the 2011-2012 Season by Southwest Shakespeare Company. (Photo courtesy of Stacey Walston)
The tango was the inspiration for SSC's production of "Much Ado About Nothing."
The tango was the inspiration for SSC’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” (Photo courtesy of Stacey Walston)
The complicated politics of Argentina found their way into "Much Ado."
The complicated politics of Argentina found their way into “Much Ado.” (Photo courtesy of Stacey Walston)
Jesse James Kamps and Maren Maclean as the battling Benedick and Beatrice in SSC's "Much Ado About Nothing." (Photo, Southwest Shakespeare Company)
Jesse James Kamps and Maren Maclean as the battling Benedick and Beatrice in SSC’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” (Photo, Stacey Walston)

2011 “Titus Andronicus” Director: David Barker. Cast: Randy Messersmith, Richard Briggs, Michael Cortez, Spencer Dooley, Justine Hartley, Drew Ignatowski, Jeffrey Lamar, Jesse James Kamps, Connor Verhoeven, Adam Pinti, Jason Steffen, Dawn Rochelle Tucker.

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Poster created by Stacey Walston.

Randy Messersmith recreates his role of Titus Andronicus in the 2011 production at Southwest Shakespeare Company, a troupe he co-founded with friend Kevin Dressler. (Also pictured, Jesse James Kamps.)
Randy Messersmith recreates his role of Titus Andronicus in the 2011 production at Southwest Shakespeare Company, a troupe he co-founded with friend Kevin Dressler. (Also pictured, Jesse James Kamps.) (Photo by Stacey Walston)

2010 “Blood Royal”

David Barker created the fight choreography for Southwest Shakespeare Company's spectacular 2010 production of "Blood Royal." (Photo Credit Undetermined)
David Barker created the fight choreography for Southwest Shakespeare Company’s spectacular 2010 production of “Blood Royal.” (Photo by Larry Stone)

2008 “As You Like It”

Jim Coates (center) in the 2008 production of "As You Like It." (Photo Credit Unknown)
Jim Coates (center) in the 2008 production of “As You Like It.” (Photo Credit Unknown)

2008 “The Winter’s Tale”

Mary Riley and Richard Baird in The Winter's Tale. Photo by Laura Durant, graphic enhancements by Southwest Shakespeare Co.
Mary Riley and Richard Baird in The Winter’s Tale. Photo by Laura Durant, graphic enhancements by Southwest Shakespeare Co.

2007 SUMMER, “Romeo and Juliet.” Southwest Shakespeare Sedona at Tlaquepaque.

Comments from cast member Diane Nieman Senffner. “Tlaquepaque became Verona, complete with a real balcony … biggest crowds Southwest Shakespeare Sedona had ever had to that point … such amazing memories, like when Philip Herrington fell to his knees to say, ‘I defy you stars,’ and they were all there.'”

Summer 2007. Southwest Shakespeare Sedona, "Romeo & Juliet." From left, Diane Nieman Senffner, Trey Clevenger and Vanessa Kiernan. Photo courtesy of Diane Nieman Senffner.
Summer 2007. Southwest Shakespeare Sedona, “Romeo & Juliet.” From left, Diane Nieman Senffner, Trey Clevenger and Vanessa Kiernan. Photo courtesy of Diane Nieman Senffner.

2004 “Cardenio, Shakespeare’s Lost Play.” Director: Jared Sakren. Cast: Michael Sherwin, Andrea Morales, Cale Epps, Quetta Lulubelle Carpenter, Christian Miller, Jennifer Banda, Kyle Sorrell, Bruce Laks.  Scenic Design: Jeff Thomson. Lighting: Dori A. Brown. Costumes: Lois Harcourt Myers, Quetta Lulubelle Carpenter. Music: Richard Jennings.

The cast of Southwest Shakespeare Company's 2004 production of "Cardenio." (Photo credit unknown)
The cast of Southwest Shakespeare Company’s 2004 production of “Cardenio.” (Photo credit unknown)
Christian Miller in Southwest Shakespeare's 2004 production of "Cardenio". (Photo credit unknown)
Christian Miller in Southwest Shakespeare’s 2004 production of “Cardenio”. (Photo credit unknown)
Jennifer Banda and Christopher Miller in Southwest Shakespeare Company's 2004 production of "Cardenio." (Photo credit unknown)
Jennifer Banda and Christopher Miller in Southwest Shakespeare Company’s 2004 production of “Cardenio.” (Photo credit unknown)
Quetta Lulubelle Carpenter and Cale Epps in Southwest Shakespeare's 2004 production of "Cardenio." (Photo credit unknown)
Quetta Lulubelle Carpenter and Cale Epps in Southwest Shakespeare’s 2004 production of “Cardenio.” (Photo credit unknown)

1999 CELEBRATING SOUTHWEST SHAKESPEARE IN SEDONA

Article by Laura Durant

Shakespeare Sedona celebrates its fifth exciting season with another summer of classics. Under the artistic direction of Jared Sakren, the company will present The Merry Wives of Windsor and Our Town, July 12th through August 3rd.

Ever since Shakespeare Sedona burst on to the Sedona theatre scene in 1998, it has left an indelible mark in the hearts of local theatre patrons – raising the bar for all local professional theatre to follow.

This year, Shakespeare Sedona is reaching out to all of those in the community who wish to avail themselves of the remarkable Shakespeare Sedona Insitute, by offering a new $900 price for the entire three-week intensive course in professional actor training. This program is taught by some of the most celebrated and renowned teachers in their field in the country, and is open to all area residents.

Shakespeare created the prequel, too!

The lusty and portly knight, Sir John Falstaff, who appears in Merry Wives, as well as a number of other Shakespeare’s plays, was a delight to the Elizabethan audiences. Legend has it that Queen Elizabeth I wanted the ever-popular Falstaff to fall in love. So Shakespeare, bowing to his Queen’s requests and seeking her favor, wrote Merry Wives. This time, the Bard pits the blustery chap against two wily women. The shenanigans begin when Falstaff attempts to woo the women from their money.

In spite of the fact that the character of Falstaff had died in an earlier play, (Henry V), Shakespeare resurrected the comical buffoon just for this appearance. Apparently prequels existed even in Shakespeare’s time!

This is broad comedy that has a sitcom feel to it, and the many of today’s television icons can easily trace their bloodlines to this script. Gene Ganssle, always the crowd pleaser, takes his cue as Falstaff from the comic genius of Jackie Gleason. The antics of Maren Maclean, returning after her acclaimed appearance last season in Othello, and newcomer Andi Watson, are as funny as those of Lucy and Ethel, especially in the scene when they hide Falstaff into a buck basket.
Andi Watson 001

This commercially and critically acclaimed festival began five years ago as a summer program of Verde Valley High School, an independent boarding school in Sedona.

In association with the Arizona Theatre Company and the Sedona Cultural Park, Shakespeare Sedona successfully produced its first three-week season in July of 1998, featuring the hilarious A Comedy of Errors. In addition, Patrick Page’s unforgettable benefit performance of his one man tour-de-force Passion’s Slave, and the mesmerizing Macbeth Project made it clear that Shakespeare Sedona had set a standard for artistic integrity and was a force to be reckoned with.

The following year, the Bard was back with a vengeance. “The Shakespeare Sedona Festival enters its second season with a maturity that would be the envy of its older peers around the country,” proclaimed Kyle Lawson, Arizona Republic arts critic. Scottsdale arts writer Max McQueen referred to the festival as a month-long “Shakespeare lovefest.”

In its second season, the festival opened with Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Sakren, the groups founding artistic director and played for 13 sold-out performances. This production was followed by the magical Midsummer Night’s Dream. The magnificent staging by director Patrick Page reminiscent of a night at Cirque de Soliel – left audiences in awe. The haunting Hamlet Project, starring Page and directed by Greg Leaming, ran concurrently with Midsummer. All productions played to near sell-out houses.

That particular year, a new feature was added to the Shakespeare Sedona season – a free lecture series at the Sedona Public Library. It featured the talents of John Basil of the American Globe Theatre in New York, Greg Leaming of the Long Wharf Theatre Company, and Lisa Wolpe of the award-winning Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Company.

Along with its quickly earned theatrical success, Shakespeare Sedona also created the Shakespeare Sedona Institute. The institute is a three-week intensive acting program that concentrates on classical acting and, in particular, acting Shakespeare. The Institute features some of the finest acting faculty from such renown training programs as Yale School of Drama, The Julliard School, Shakespeare and Company, and NYU/Tisch Graduate Acting Program. Along with the summer festival, the Shakespeare Sedona Institute has quickly gained a national reputation as a gem among training programs. In its short history, alumni now include Broadway veterans as well as former members of The Second City Improvisational Theatre.

The festival has also proven to be fertile ground for actors to hone their craft. Shakespeare Sedona alumni Nicole Poole credits her work in last year’s Hamlet Project as being instrumental in her recent casting in Sir Peter Hall’s Tantalus, with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Other alumnae have gone on to perform on Broadway, regional theatre, and on television.

In its 2000 season, Shakespeare Sedona presented the first theatrical show at the new Sedona Cultural Park with A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, along with productions of Twelfth Night and Romeo and Juliet presented at Tlaquepaque. In 2001, Shakespeare Sedona presented two productions entirely on-site at the Cultural Park, to full houses and rave reviews, in a new configuration onstage reminiscent of Shakespeare’s Old Globe.

The only drawback was the oft-foul weather of Sedona’s mid-summer monsoons, which should be solved by the move across the street to a comfortable, indoor theatre.

Shakespeare Sedona advisory board includes such theatrical luminaries as the Oscar-nominated Annette Benning, Broadway legend Patti LuPone, and renowned movement artist Robert Shields.

AWARDS

Southwest Shakespeare Company congratulates and thanks its Actors, Designers, Directors, and Artists who, collectively, have received hundreds of award nominations over its 17-year history. Listed below are the winners.

AriZoni THEATRE AWARDS

Best Actress in a Major Role – Maren Maclean
Much Ado About Nothing
2011-12
Best Choreography – David Barker
Romeo and Juliet
2011-12
Best Choreography – Jennifer Reiner
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
2010-11
Actress in a Supporting Role – Andi Watson
The Merchant of Venice
2008-09
Best Production – Contracted Play
The Merry Wives of Windsor
2007-08
Director, Play – Jared Sakren
The Taming of the Shrew
2007-08
Actress in a Major Role – Sarah Wolter
The Merry Wives of Windsor
2007-08
Actor in a Major Role – Richard Baird
The Taming of the Shrew
2007-08
Hair & Make-up Design – Kelly Turner
The Merry Wives of Windsor
2007-08
Actress in a Supporting Role – Janae Thomas
The Merry Wives of Windsor
2007-08
Actor in a Major Role – Richard Baird
Cyrano de Bergerac
2006-07
Original Music Composition – Lincoln Wright
The Two Gentlemen of Verona
2006-07
Sound Design – Christian Miller
The Tempest
2006-07
Lighting Design – Paul Black
The Tempest
2006-07
Hair & Make-up Design – MaryBeth Ingram & Patsy Johnson
The Tempest
2006-07
Best Production – Contracted Play
Hamlet
2005-06
Best Production – Contracted Play
Much Ado About Nothing
2005-06
Actor in a Supporting Role – Sandy Elias
Arms and The Man
2005-06
Actor in a Supporting Role – Cale Epps
Much Ado About Nothing
2005-06
Actress in a Supporting Role – Andi Watson
Arms and The Man
2005-06
Costume Design – Lois Myers
Arms and The Man
2005-06
Actor in a Major Role – Bob Sorenson
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
2005-06
Actor in a Major Role – Ken Ruta
King Lear
2004-05
Best Production – Contracted Play
Richard III
2003-04
Director, Play – Jared Sakren
Richard III
2003-04
Actor in a Major Role – James Kiberd
The Taming of the Shrew
2003-04
Actor in a Supporting Role – James Ward
Love’s Labour’s Lost
2002-03
Actor in a Supporting Role – Richard Trujillo
Comedy of Errors
2002-03
Actress in a Major Role – Patti Davis Suarez
All’s Well That Ends Well
2001-02
Best Production, Play
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
1995-96
Director, Play -Leslie Brott
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
1995-96
Actor in a Major Role, Play – John King
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
1995-96
Actor in a Supporting Role, Play – Steve Muterspaugh
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
1995-96
Actor in a Supporting Role, Play – Billy Gunn
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
1995-96
Lighting Design – Lee Geller
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
1995-96
Actress in a Major Role, Musical – Katherine Stewart
West Side Story
1995-96
Music Director – Marcus Denton
West Side Story
1995-96
Sound Design – Gene Ganssle
Oedipus Rex
1995-96
Lighting Design – Michael Eddy
Oedipus Rex
1995-96
Best Fight Choreography, Play – Brent Gibbs
Henry V
1994-95

Arizona Republic: Best Actor in the Valley in 2007-08

Richard Baird – Southwest Shakespeare Company

Get Out: Applauding the Best of Valley Theater in 2005-06

Best Theater Company – Southwest Shakespeare Company

“Jared Sakren and his troupe had a banner year, both financially and artistically, in their debut at the $98 million Mesa Arts Center. The company found a darker edge in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and embraced the lighter side of the Bard with a silly “The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged),” earning new audiences all the while.”

Most Valuable Player, Director – (tie) Jared Sakren

Best Comedy – A Midsummer Night’s Dream Southwest Shakespeare Company

“Sakren left no comedy gag untapped – purple nurple, crotch hits – in this slapsticky staging, even as it took darker turns in the forest. Southwest Shakespeare’s most accessible, wonderful staging to date.”

Maxie Awards

Awarded by Max McQueen, Tribune Newspapers

Best Costume Design – Lois Myers, Much Ado About Nothing

Best Performance, Actor, in a comedy, Honorable Mention
Nicolas Glaeser, Much Ado About Nothing

Best Performance, Actor, in a drama, Honorable Mention
Randy Messersmith, Hamlet

Best Costume Design – Lois Myers, Hamlet

Best Sound Design – Robert Lafler, Hamlet

Best Scenic Design, Honorable Mention – Dennis Hassan, Hamlet

 

PRODUCTION HISTORY

  • 1994 – 1995 Season
    • The Comedy of Errors
    • Julius Caesar
    • Henry V
  • 1995 – 1996 Season
    • West Side Story
    • Oedipus Rex
    • A Midsummer Night’s Dream
  • 1996 – 1997 Season
    • Oliver!
    • Othello
    • Much Ado About Nothing
  • 1997 – 1998 Season
    • Hamlet
    • A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
    • Twelfth Night
  • 1998 – 1999 Season
    • The Merchant of Venice
    • The Taming of the Shrew
    • As You Like It
  • 1999 – 2000 Season
    • The Two Gentlemen of Verona
    • Macbeth
    • Measure for Measure
  • 2000 – 2001 Season
    • The Tempest, Romeo and Juliet
    • A Midsummer Night’s Dream
  • 2001 – 2002 Season
    • All’s Well That Ends Well
    • Julius Caesar
    • The Merry Wives of Windsor
  • 2002 – 2003 Season
    • Our Town
    • The Comedy of Errors
    • Love’s Labour’s Lost
  • 2003 – 2004 Season
    • Richard III
    • The Taming of the Shrew
    • As You Like It
    • Cardenio
  • 2004 – 2005 Season
    • Twelfth Night
    • King Lear
    • Henry V
  • 2005 – 2006 Season
    • A Midsummer Night’s Dream
    • Arms and The Man
    • Hamlet
    • The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (abridged)
    • Much Ado About Nothing
  • 2006 – 2007 Season
    • London Assurance
    • The Tempest
    • Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge
    • Romeo and Juliet
    • The Two Gentlemen of Verona
    • Cyrano de Bergerac
  • 2007 – 2008 Season
    • The Taming of the Shrew
    • A Shakespearean Christmas
    • Macbeth
    • The Merry Wives of Windsor
    • Pygmalion
  • 2008 – 2009 Season
    • As You Like It
    • The Winter’s Tale
    • Othello
    • Tartuffe
    • Merchant of Venice
  • 2009 – 2010 Season
    • The Comedy of Errors
    • The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (abridged)
    • Julius Caesar
    • Blithe Spirit
    • Richard III
  • 2010 – 2011 Season
    • Blood Royal
    • Twelfth Night
    • A Midsummer Night’s Dream
    • The Importance of Being Earnest
    • Antony and Cleopatra
  • 2011 – 2012 Season
    • Titus Andronicus
    • A Christmas Carol
    • Romeo and Juliet
    • ART
    • Much Ado About Nothing
  • 2012 – 2013 Season
    • Titus Andronicus
    • A Christmas Carol
    • Romeo and Juliet
    • Art
    • Much Ado About Nothing
  • 2013 – 2014 Season
    • Odyssey
    • The Two Gentlemen of Verona
    • A Christmas Carol
    • Macbeth
    • The Taming of The Shrew
    • Equivocation
    • FairyWorlds!