Shakespeare in the Rough

Episode 199: Shakespeare in the rough Have you ever thought about performing outside with your students? What’s it like to rehearse and perform Shakespeare outside?  In this episode we talk to Hilo Community Players about their Kids Shakes production.  Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Show Notes * Mmmbeth * Theatrefolk Shakespeare category   Episode Transcript Welcome to the Drama Teacher Podcast brought to you by Theatrefolk – the Drama Teacher Resource Company. I’m Lindsay Price. Hello! I hope you're well. Thanks for listening! This is Episode 199 and you can find any links to this episode in the show notes which are at Theatrefolk.com/episode199. So, we are talking about a couple of things today. First, Shakespeare. Two, environment. Oh, you like how I messed that up? First, two? Ah, I know some of you were probably paying attention. “Why did you say ‘first, two’?” Okay, okay, okay. First, Shakespeare. Second, environment. You got it. I know you got it. We’re all in this together, right? Right. When I’m talking about environment, I’m talking about, where is it that Shakespeare is performed? Have you ever thought of performing outside with your students? Your first reaction would be, could be, “No!” But hang on. What happens when you take away four walls and you have to deal with the elements and people who might just wander through? You might say, “Lindsay, you’re not selling it!” However, we’re going to talk today to some folks who love the experience. They love working with students and performing outside. We’re talking to some folks from a community theatre in Hawaii who put a Kids’ Shakespeare production every summer – outside. Just a note here before we continue on. There is a gaggle of us today – three in Hawaii and me. Things might get a little crowded. But, again, we’re going to deal with it, right? Ah, I knew you would. I knew you would. So, see you all on the other side. LINDSAY: Hello everyone! I am here, and I’ve got a bunch of people we’re talking to on this podcast today which is awesome. So, I want to say hello to Mimi and Cathy and Yvette. Hello, ladies! GUESTS: Aloha! LINDSAY: I always like for you guys to say where you’re from and you guys are in a very special place. Where are you? GUEST: We’re in Hilo, Hawaii. LINDSAY: Aloha! GUEST: On a big Hawaiian island in the beautiful coast of Hawaii. LINDSAY: Awesome. Are you guys locals? Or are you transplants? GUEST: I’m a transplant. GUEST: I’m a transplant. GUEST: I’m local. GUEST: I’ve been living in Hawaii for over twenty years. GUEST: And I’ve been here sixteen years, so I’m kind of local. LINDSAY: Kind of local. I think that anybody in a place over ten years, I know sometimes locals don’t feel that way, but I think any time over ten years, you get to claim status, I think. You’re residents. You guys sent some lovely pictures of a production of Mmmbeth – Allison Williams’ Mmmbeth. I just wanted to get you on a podcast to talk about it – talk about your process. You guys performed outside which I think is a unique experience and I’d like to hear about your successes and your struggles with dealing with some Shakespeare but outside.