Category: Before the Show

Welcome to Shakespeare Youth Festival LA  2026

We are delighted to present to you Comedy of Errors! Our cast of young performers, ages 10–13, has jumped wholeheartedly into Shakespeare’s tale of mistaken identity, mishaps and mayhem. For many of our young actors, this is their first time performing on our stage, and it’s been a joy to watch them grow into a true ensemble. We’re so proud of their creativity and teamwork, and we’re thrilled to share their hard work and fun with you tonight!
Our Players are taking on the challenge of bringing this story to life. What can you do to support them? As you might have guessed by the title, this is a comedy – and our Players love laughter! And, of course, while you’re in the performance space, please silence your phones and give our young artists your full attention.
Enjoy the show!!

Dramatis Personae (in order of appearance)

Duke Solinus of Ephesus … Charlie Casriel, 13

Ægeon of Syracuse … Maribelle M. Martin, 12

The Gaoler … Friar Lawrence, ageless

Merchant Antonio … Ela Horvitz, 10 

Antipholus of Syracus … Liam Risinger, 12

Dromio of Syracuse … Max Havlena Barr, 11

Dromio of Ephesus … Hero Havlena Barr, 11 

Adriana, wife to Antipholus Ephesus … Fiona Cimini-Cleary, 13

Luciana, her sister … Keziah Hunja, 11

Antipholus of Ephesus … Harrison Washburn, 12

Merchant Balthazar … Paul Henry Magaña, 12

Merchant Angelo, a Goldsmith … Isley Lehman, 11 

Merchant Cornelius Princess … Haizel Magaña, 13

The Courtesan … Ela Horvitz, 11

Doctor Pinch … Paul Henry Magaña, 12

The Pinchettes … Isley Lehman, 11 & Princess Haizel Magaña, 13

The Officer … Maribelle M. Martin, 12

Æmelia, an Abbess … Gloria Jade Ramirez, 13

The Servant … Paul Henry Magaña, 12

Synopsis

We open on the trial of Egeon of Syracuse. Duke Solinus decreed that Syracusians are banned from Ephesus, so Egeon has been detained. Egeon explains how he is searching for his lost twin sons and their twin servants. Twenty three years before, After losing his wife and one of their sons (along with the boy’s servant) in a storm at sea, Egeon had brought up the other boy and his servant. At eighteen, they had gone in search of their lost brothers. After no word from them, Egeon is seeking them. Solinus gives Egeon until sunset to try to raise 1,000 marks as a ransom or else he must die.

In a nearby marketplace, a merchant befriended two tourists: Antipholus of Syracuse (Egeon’s son) and his servant, Dromio. Unknown to them, their twin brothers (with identical names) have been living there after being saved from the storm by fishermen. 

Antipholus of Syracuse is surprised to be accosted by Dromio of Ephesus, who scolds him for not returning home to his wife, Adriana, for dinner. The likeness of the two sets of twins leads to a series of confusions. Antipholus of Syracuse dines with his sister-in-law and falls in love with her sister, Luciana. His servant, Dromio of Syracuse, refuses to open the door to anyone, even Antipholus of Ephesus and his merchant friends. This enrages Antipholus of Ephesus and leads him to dine with his friend, the courtesan.

Angelo, the Goldsmith, delivers a chain that Antipholus of Ephesus had ordered … to Antipholus of Syracuse. This leads to the arrest of the Ephesian twins, who refused to pay for a chain that they did not receive. Adriana, fearing for her husband’s sanity, hires Dr Pinch to exorcise him and Dromio. While they are under restraint, their Syracusian brothers cause panic when the people think that the Ephesian brothers have sescaped. The Syracusian brothers, also frightened, take refuge in an abbey. Adriana insists that the Abbess hand over her husband, but the Abbess is having none of it!

The Duke returns to execute Ægeon, but Adriana interrupts to appeals for aid for her husband. The Ephesian twins escape their bonds and arrive to claim justice. Ægeon recognises them, or so he thinks, as the boys he brought up. Solinus, the Duke, sends for the Abbess, who appears with the Syracusian twins. She further amazes everyone by recognising Ægeon and revealing herself as Æmilia, his long-lost wife. She had entered a religious order after surviving the storm and fearing that all her family had died. The Duke pardons Ægeon, everyone goes to celebrate with Æmilia, and the two Dromios joyfully leave the stage hand in hand.

Our Production Team

Director … Julia Walker Wyson

Assistant Director … Alessandra Mañon
Assistant Director … Anja Racić

Fight Consultant … Kila Packett 

Artistic Associate … Julia Eschenasy
Mentor … Hirshl Hickman
Mentor … Arrow Hudson
Mentor … Katya Pontell

Technical Director … Pastiche Queen

Special Thanks to

Our incredible parents for all of their support during this odyssey – driving, donating meals and snacks, running lines, and so much more.

Kirsten Hudson, for all the many ways you have supported SYF throughout the season, and over the years.

Zeke and the staff of the Hudson Theatres – we feel so welcome in this space, and we deeply appreciate all your generous support!

Welcome to Shakespeare Youth Festival LA  2026

This season, we took on an exciting challenge. Our company of sixteen actors became a mini-repertory ensemble, tackling two plays – Romeo & Juliet and Cymbeline. Each actor appears in both productions, taking a more substantial role in one and a supporting role in the other. By doing so, we not only gave all of our actors the challenge they crave, but also enhanced the stories we’re telling through their shared experiences across the Dramatis Personae.

The common themes between these two plays are numerous! In both, young lovers are torn apart by disapproving parents and mismatched social status or family feuds. In both, their separation is deepened by false reports (what we now might call “fake news.”) In both, our heroine faces the prospect of being married off to someone she doesn’t love. And, improbably enough, in both, she takes a potion that makes her appear dead for a time! Was that really a thing back in the Renaissance?!?

If you haven’t already, we hope you’ll consider seeing both shows! If this were an English class, we might assign a compare-and-contrast essay—but we’ll let you off the hook.

Our players are taking on the challenge of bringing these stories to life. What can you do to support them? One of the things we love most about Cymbeline is its blend of comedy and tragedy, so please feel free to laugh if you’re moved to do so! And, of course, while you’re in the performance space, please silence your phones and give our young artists your full attention.

Enjoy the show!

Dramatis Personae (in order of appearance)

The Gossips Veronica Sefrioui
Hannah Gumpert

The Queen Ondine Taylor

Posthumus, Alexander Gumpert

Imogen, daughter to the King Talula Worth

Cymbeline, the King Dash Kirkley

Pisania Pia inchaurregui

Cloten Atlas Taylor

His Lords Hannah Gumpert
Katya Pontell

Iachimo Kairo Pontell

Helen, a lady-in-waiting Arrow Hudson

Philario David Landaverde-Chavez

Frenchman Veronica Sefrioui

Cornelius, a doctor Hirshl Hickman

Lucius, envoy from Rome Patrick Magaña

Belarius Magnolia Hart Wallace

Guiderius Veronica Sefrioui

Arviragus Katya Pontell

The Gaolers Kairo Pontell
Hirshl Hickman

Synopsis

King Cymbeline of Britain rules under Rome’s protection. When he learns that his daughter, Imogen, has secretly married his low-born ward, Posthumus Leonatus, he banishes him in fury. Before parting, the couple exchange a bracelet and ring as pledges of love.

In Italy, Posthumus boasts of Imogen’s faithfulness. Scheming Iachimo wagers he can seduce her to prove otherwise. Visiting Britain, he gains Imogen’s trust, persuades her to guard his chest overnight, and hides inside. Emerging while she sleeps, he steals her bracelet and notes intimate details to convince Posthumus of her betrayal. Enraged, Posthumus orders his servant Pisania to kill Imogen.

Pisania, loyal to her mistress, helps Imogen flee disguised as a boy named Fidele. Meanwhile, her foolish stepbrother Cloten, rejected by Imogen, pursues her to Wales wearing Posthumus’s clothes. There, two young hunters—Polydore and Cadwal—live with their father, Morgan. They befriend Fidele, but when Cloten arrogantly challenges them, they kill and behead him. Imogen, having taken what she believes is medicine (a sleeping draught prepared by the Queen’s wary doctor), collapses. The hunters, mourning Fidele, place Cloten’s body beside her.

Awakening beside the headless corpse, Imogen believes Posthumus is dead. Roman general Caius Lucius arrives, and disguised Imogen serves him as his page. War erupts after Cymbeline refuses Rome’s tribute. Posthumus, remorseful, fights bravely for Britain, then disguises himself again to be captured with the defeated Romans.

In prison, Posthumus longs for death, while back at court, the Queen dies confessing her plots. When Cymbeline sentences the Romans, “Fidele” pleads for mercy. Iachimo’s confession about Imogen’s ring triggers a cascade of revelations: Posthumus and Imogen recognize each other, and the hunters are revealed as Cymbeline’s lost sons, stolen years before by Morgan—actually Belarius, a banished noble. Reunited with his children & reconciled with Rome, Cymbeline forgives his enemies and restores peace.

Would you like me to make the shortened version sound more formal and academic, or keep it in this clear narrative tone?

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Our Production Team

Director … Julia Walker Wyson

Assistant Directors
Alessandra Mañon
Kila Packett
Anja Racić
Esdras Touissaint

Fight Choreography … Kila Packett & Esdras Toussaint

Dramaturg … Margot Waldman

Artistic Associate … Julia Eschenasy

Technical Director … Pastiche Queen

Special Thanks to

Our incredible parents for all of their support during this odyssey – driving, donating meals and snacks, running lines, and so much more.  

Julie Gumpert for coordinating cast meals during our busy Tech schedule.

Zeke and the staff of the Hudson Theatres – we feel so welcome in this space, and we deeply appreciate all your generous support!

Our seniors, Talula Worth, Hirshl Hickman, and Magnolia Hart Wallace! Talula and Hirshl, we thank you for sharing your gifts with us over the years, and Magnolia, we are delighted that you joined our troupe this year! We wish you all the very best in your next act!

Welcome to Shakespeare Youth Festival LA  2026

This season, we took on an exciting challenge. Our company of sixteen actors became a mini-repertory ensemble, tackling two plays – Romeo & Juliet and Cymbeline. Each actor appears in both productions, taking a more substantial role in one and a supporting role in the other. By doing so, we not only gave all of our actors the challenge they crave, but also enhanced the stories we’re telling through their shared experiences across the Dramatis Personae.

The common themes between these two plays are numerous! In both, young lovers are torn apart by disapproving parents and mismatched social status or family feuds. In both, their separation is deepened by false reports (what we now might call “fake news.”) In both, our heroine faces the prospect of being married off to someone she doesn’t love. And, improbably enough, in both, she takes a potion that makes her appear dead for a time! Was that really a thing back in the Renaissance?!?

If you haven’t already, we hope you’ll consider seeing both shows! If this were an English class, we might assign a compare-and-contrast essay—but we’ll let you off the hook.

Our players are taking on the challenge of bringing these stories to life. What can you do to support them? They say that Romeo and Juliet is a comedy … until it’s not, so please feel free to laugh if you’re moved to do so! And, of course, while you’re in the performance space, please silence your phones and give our young artists your full attention.

Enjoy the show!

Dramatis Personae (in order of appearance)

Sampson, a Capulet supporter … Kairo Pontell

Gregory, his sidekick … Veronica Sefrioui

Abraham, a Montague supporter … Talula Worth

Benvolio, friend of Romeo … Katya Pontell

Tybalt, nephew of Lady Capulet … Patrick Magaña

Lord Capulet, Juliet’s father … Hannah Gumpert

Lady Capulet, Juliet’s mother … Zoe O’Brien

Montague, Romeo’s father … Ondine Taylor

Lady Montague, Romeo’s mother … Pia Inchaurregui

Escalus, ruler of Verona … Magnolia Hart Wallace

Romeo, a Montague … David Landaverde-Chavez

Paris, suitor of Juliet … Alexander Gumpert

Juliet, a Capulet … Arrow Hudson

Nurse, Juliet’s confidante … Ondine Taylor

Peter, a Capulet servant … Atlas Taylor

Servingmen … Magnolia Hart Wallace & Hirshl Hickman

Mercutio, friend to Romeo … Dash Kirkley

Friar Laurence, a priest … Hirshl Hickman

Apothecary, a druggist … Magnolia Hart Wallace

Friar John, another priest … Atlas Taylor

Synopsis

Our story opens with the Chorus introducing the feuding Capulet and Montague families of Verona, locked in bitter political conflict. A street brawl between their supporters ends when Escalus intervenes and warns that further violence will lead to banishment. Soon after, Lord Capulet plans a feast to introduce his daughter, Juliet, to Paris, a young nobleman who wishes to marry her. Romeo, a Montague, attends the feast in disguise with his friends Benvolio and Mercutio, hoping to see his former love, Rosaline. Instead, he meets Juliet, and the two fall in love, though they belong to rival families. Juliet’s fiery cousin Tybalt recognizes them, forcing the Montague boys to flee.

That night, Romeo secretly returns to the Capulet garden, where he and Juliet confess their love and vow to marry. With the help of Friar Laurence and Juliet’s Nurse, they secretly wed the next day in the Friar’s cell. Soon after, Tybalt challenges Romeo for intruding at the feast. Romeo refuses to fight, but Mercutio takes up the duel and is fatally wounded. Enraged, Romeo kills Tybalt and is banished.

Heartbroken, Juliet learns of Tybalt’s death and Romeo’s exile, but love overcomes her grief. The Nurse arranges for Romeo to spend one last night with her before he departs for Mantua. Meanwhile, Lord Capulet, believing Juliet still mourns Tybalt, hastens her marriage to Paris. Desperate, Juliet turns to Friar Laurence, who gives her a potion that makes her appear dead for 42 hours. The Friar plans to inform Romeo so he can rescue her when she wakes.

The message never reaches Romeo due to a quarantine. Hearing only that Juliet is dead, Romeo buys poison in Mantua and returns to Verona. At the Capulet tomb, he kills mourning Paris, drinks the poison, and dies beside Juliet. When she awakens and finds him dead, she stabs herself. The grieving families arrive with Escalus and the Friar, who reveals the truth. Capulet and Montague finally reconcile, and vow to honor their children with a memorial.

Our Production Team

Director … Julia Walker Wyson

Assistant Directors
Alessandra Mañon
Kila Packett
Anja Racić
Esdras Touissaint

Fight Choreography … Kila Packett & Esdras Toussaint

Dramaturg … Margot Waldman

Artistic Associate … Julia Eschenasy

Technical Director … Pastiche Queen

Special Thanks to

Our incredible parents for all of their support during this odyssey – driving, donating meals and snacks, running lines, and so much more.  

Julie Gumpert for coordinating cast meals during our busy Tech schedule.

Zeke and the staff of the Hudson Theatres – we feel so welcome in this space, and we deeply appreciate all your generous support!

Our seniors, Talula Worth, Hirshl Hickman, and Magnolia Hart Wallace! Talula and Hirshl, we thank you for sharing your gifts with us over the years, and Magnolia, we are delighted that you joined our troupe this year! We wish you all the very best in your next act!

As You Like It is one of Shakespeare’s most produced plays. Written circa 1599, it was one of the first plays performed at the original Globe Theater in London. As the introspective Jacques quotes, “All the world’s a stage,” Elizabethan audiences would have imagined the floor boards as a playground with the power to transport actors to any land or time. Our production has a bit of old world eloquence and contemporary nuance. Shakespeare was well versed in gender-bending characters, and this is one of the main plot devices.  As the head strong heroine, Rosalind, captures our attention with intelligent speeches (the most lines of any female role in Shakepeare’s canon), courageous wit, and sarcastic humor, it becomes clear that she invites us into a world where shape shifting is key to survival. She may not seem like someone who falls in love at first sight, but we are delighted to accompany her journey in order to get what she wants and on her own terms.  With a cast of motley players, As You Like It remains a favorite of Shakepeare’s pastoral comedies. Equipped with clever disguises, budding romances, and dramatic twists, there is no doubt current day sitcoms have been influenced by this entertaining literary gem. 

Thank you for supporting live theater and our young players. 

Kila Packett and Esdras Toussaint

Our Players are taking on the challenge of telling this story. What can you do to support them? While you are in the performance space, please keep your phone off and give them your full attention. But before you turn your phone off, we encourage you click here to read a synopsis of the story.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE (in order of appearance)

Orlando … Celeste Berzer, 12
Adam, his old servant … Cassia Dillard, 10
Oliver, Orlando’s brother … Teddy Lukas, 13
Charles the Wrestler … Anchor Dillard, 8
Celia … Maribelle Martin, 11
Rosalind, her cousin … LydiaJane Dillard, 12
Touchstone, the court clown … Cassia Dillard, 10
Le Beau, the court gossip … Ela Horvitz, 10 
Duke Frederick, Celia’s father … Harrison Washburn, 11
Duke Senior, banished … Ace Rosenthal
Corin, a shepherd … Teddy Lukas, 13
Silvius, his son … Anchor Dillard, 8
Amiens, a musician … Arrow Hudson, 13
Jaques, a melancholy lord … Harrison Washburn, 11
Audrey, a goatherd … Ela Horvitz, 10
Phebe, a shepherdess … Arrow Hudson, 13
William, in love with Audrey … Teddy Lukas, 13

As You Like It Production Team

Kila Pickett … Director

Esdras Toussaint … Director

Sasha Santa Cruz … Stage Manager/Technical Director

Zoë O’Brien … Artistic Associate

Julia Walker Wyson … Artistic Director

Special Thanks to

Our parents, for their invaluable support to our Players

Marisa Miller, Valerie Washburn & Christina Dillard for keeping our cast fed during Tech rehearsals

Zeke and the staff of the Hudson Theatres – we feel so welcome in this space, and we deeply appreciate all your generous support!

Shakespeare Youth Festival

Julia Walker Wyson, Artistic Director
J. Bailey Burcham, Executive Director

Orlando, the youngest son of the recently-deceased Sir Roland de Boys, is treated harshly by his eldest brother, Oliver. Bitter and angry, Orlando challenges the court wrestler, Charles, to a fight. When Oliver learns of the fight, Oliver tells Charles to injure Orlando if possible.

Duke Frederick has recently deposed his brother, Duke Senior, as head of the court. But he allowed Senior’s daughter, Rosalind, to remain, and she and Celia, the new Duke’s daughter, watch the wrestling competition. During the match, Rosalind falls in love with Orlando, who beats Charles. Rosalind gives Orlando a chain to wear; in turn, he is overcome with love.  

Shortly after, Orlando is warned of his brother’s plot against him and seeks refuge in the Forest of Arden. At the same time, and seemingly without cause, Duke Frederick banishes Rosalind. She decides to seek shelter in the Forest of Arden with Celia. They both disguise themselves: Rosalind as the young man Ganymede and Celia as his shepherdess sister Aliena. Touchstone, the court fool, also goes with them. 

In the Forest of Arden, the weary cousins happen upon Silvius, a lovesick shepherd. Silvius was in the act of declaring his feelings for Phoebe, a scornful shepherdess. Ganymede buys the lease to the property of an old shepherd who needs someone to manage his estate. Ganymede and Aliena set up home in the forest. Not far away, and unaware of the newcomers, Duke Senior is living a simple outdoor life with his fellow exiled courtiers and huntsmen. Their merriment is interrupted by the arrival of Orlando, who seeks nourishment for himself and his servant. The two men are welcomed by the outlaw courtiers.

Ganymede and Aliena find verses addressed to Rosalind hung on the forest branches by Orlando. Ganymede finds Orlando and proposes to cure Orlando of his love. To do this, Orlando will woo Ganymede as if he were Rosalind (even though “he” really is . . . Rosalind). Orlando consents and visits Ganymede/Rosalind every day for his lessons. In the meantime, the shepherdess Phoebe has fallen for Ganymede while the shepherd Silvius still pursues her.  Furthermore, Touchstone, the court fool, has dazzled a country girl, Audrey, with his courtly manners. Audrey deserts her young suitor, William, for him.

When Duke Frederick hears Orlando disappeared at the same time as Rosalind and Celia, he orders Oliver to the forest to seek his brother. In the forest, Orlando saves Oliver’s life, injuring his arm in the process. Oliver runs into Ganymede and Aliena in the forest and relates this news. Rosalind (disguised as Ganymede) is overcome with her feelings for Orlando. Celia (disguised as Aliena) and Oliver quickly fall in love with one another. Rosalind decides that it is time to end her game with Orlando and devises a plan in which everyone will get married. 

As Ganymede, Rosalind promises Phoebe that they will marry, Celia will marry Oliver, Touchstone will marry Audrey, and Orlando will marry Rosalind. She makes Phoebe promise that if they, for some reason, don’t get married, Phoebe will marry Silvius instead. 

On the day of the wedding, and with the help of the god Hymen, Rosalind reappears in her female clothes. Duke Senior gives her away to Orlando, while Phoebe accepts Silvius. Orlando’s other older brother returns from college with the news that Celia’s father, Duke Frederick, has left court to become a hermit. Thus, everyone is happy (except maybe Phoebe, who marries someone she doesn’t love and Silvius, who marries someone who doesn’t love him). The play ends with a joyful dance to celebrate the four marriages.

…

DRAMATIS PERSONAE (in order of appearance)

Proteus … Zoe O’Brien
Speed … Talula Worth
Valentine … Ace Rosenthal
Julia … Apollo Manfredi
Lucetta … Cyrus Rose
Panthino … Jaya Rogers
Antonio … Cyrus Rose
Silvia … Dylan Macer
Launce … Arrow Hudson
Crab, the dog … Rufus Fluffy Arrow
Thurio … Cyrus Rose
The Duke … Hirshl Hickman
The Outlaws … Cyrus Rose, Hirshl Hickman, Jaya Rogers
The Host … Jaya Rogers
Glamour … Jaya Rogers

Upon our first reading of “Two Gentlemen of Verona” as a cast, two things became evident: 1) none of these people have a particularly mature, selfless, or generous view of love, and 2) Wow, does this ever feel like it could be written today!! As they say, Shakespeare wrote into the future. The relationship between Proteus and Valentine is right out of a modern day bro-mance, and Shakespeare even manages to work in his own take on the viral Man vs. Bear debate (though he substitutes a lion).

So our cast started exploring the story as a contemporary tale, set in the pre-social media days (as cellphones ruin many of Shakespeare’s plots), and worked on embracing their characters, warts and all. It’s interesting to note that, once the Duke enters and ties up all the loose ends, neither Julia nor Silvia speak again. We take that as Shakespeare giving us license to decide for ourselves how they respond to the behavior they just witnessed – do they make the right decision?

Our Players are taking on the challenge of telling this story. What can you do to support them? While you are in the performance space, please keep your phone off and give them your full attention.

But before you turn your phone off, we encourage you to click here to read a synopsis of the story.

Please note: a real live dog appears in three scenes. If you are severely allergic, we recommend that you select a seat away from the stage.

Two Gents Production Team

Julia Walker Wyson … Director
Anja Racić … Assistant Director
Jesse Waldman … Dramaturg
Sasha Santa Cruz … Stage Manager/Technical Director
Nadya Rozen-Nowac … Costumer
J. Bailey Burcham … Technical Consultant

Special Thanks to 

Our seniors, Dylan Macer, Apollo Manfredi, Cyrus Rose, and Ace Rosenthal – it has been a joy to work with you for these many years, and we wish you all the very best in your next act!

Zeke and the staff of the Hudson Theatres – we feel so welcome in this space, and we deeply appreciate all your generous support!

This production is supported in part by grants from

Shakespeare Youth Festival

Julia Walker Wyson, Artistic Director
J. Bailey Burcham, Executive Director

The Tempest – a fitting show for this whirling dervish of a cast! Although this is the official stage debut for some of our performers, they have proven themselves worthy of one of The Bard’s most enduring and meaningful plays. 

Using the key word: IMAGINATION – this charismatic crew cooperated and collaborated to conjure the concept for our creative carnival. They’ve chosen to tell the tale from their own perspective, as children playing pretend on a playground coming together to act out a forbidden fable. 

Thank you so much for supporting our ensemble in this epic adventure. Now sit back, relax, and let yourself become a kid again as you enjoy William Shakespeare’s THE TEMPEST.

But before you turn your phone off, we encourage you to click here to read a synopsis of the story.

Dramatis Personae

(In order of appearance)

Alonso … Ondine Taylor, 13 

Boatswain … Anchor Dillard, 7 

Gonzalo … David E. Landaverde-Chávez 13

Ferdinand … Cassia Dillard, 9 

Sebastian … Cooper Vidal, 10 

Antonia … Lauren Villegas, 9

Miranda … Maribelle Martin, 10

Prospero … Cyril (Vi) Rodriguez, 13

Ariel … Zoë Zerkel, 14

Trinculo … LydiaJane Dillard, 11

Stephano … Elsie Cannon, 14

Caliban … Anchor Dillard, 7

Iris … LydiaJane Dillard

Ceres … Ondine Taylor

Juno … Elsie Cannon

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The Tempest Production Team

J. Bailey Burcham, director
Alessandra Mañon, director
Ace Rosenthal, artistic associate

Shakespeare Youth Festival

Julia Walker Wyson, Artistic Director
J. Bailey Burcham, Executive Director

The Tempest opens with a storm … a “tempest,” you might say! The King of Naples and several of his attendants are on a boat, and that things are going so badly there’s not much to do but pray. Cut to dry land and to Prospero, chatting with her daughter Miranda. Prospero was the source of the magic that caused the storm that sank this boat, but she had good reason, and nobody was hurt in spite of all the mayhem.

She tells Miranda that she used to be Duke of Milan until her sister, Antonio, betrayed her and deposed her (with the consent of King Alonso) while Prospero was busy learning magic in her library. After all the usurping, Prospero and three-year-old Miranda were shuttled out to the ocean in a wreck of a boat. They ended up on this island, where they’ve lived for twelve years. Prospero thinks the time is right for action and revenge.

Prospero has two servants: Ariel, a delicate and airy spirit who was imprisoned in a tree by Sycorax, a witch, for not being nasty enough, and Caliban, son of Sycorax (Backstory: When Prospero landed on the island, she got rid of Sycorax, freed Ariel from the tree, and made Caliban her servant.)

After the shipwreck, Alonso, Antonio, Sebastian, and Gonzalo, an honest Lord who aided Prospero and Miranda, are scattered about the island. Alonso fears he lost his son, Prince Ferdinand, in the storm. Gonzalo is doing his best to cheer up the King, but to no avail, so the shipwrecked group set off to find him. Antonio and Sebastian, thinking Prince Ferdinand is dead, are plotting to murder Alonso so Sebastian can be king.

Meanwhile, the not-so-lost Prince is alive and convinced that his dad is dead. He’s distracted from his grief when he meets Miranda, and instantly falls in love. This is exactly what Prospero wants, but he uses a little reverse psychology on the couple, and accuses Ferdinand of being a traitor, putting him to the task of carrying wood. Ferdinand is happy to do this because his newfound love for Miranda makes work seem easy. Supposedly behind Prospero’s back, the couple declare their love, and promise to marry.

Back with the royal search party, everyone is exhausted and giving up hope, when a magical banquet appears. Amazed, at first, the hungry crew decides to eat, when Ariel, disguised as a harpy, appears, and says that the sea took Prince Ferdinand in exchange for the wrong Alonso committed against Prospero many years ago, and points out that there are other traitors – Antonio and Sebastian. Alonso repents. Antonio and Sebastian do not.

Meanwhile, Caliban encounters the King’s drunken butler, Stefano, and jester, Trinculo (also drunk), and they plot to murder Prospero so they can rule the island. Caliban (very drunk) pledges to be Stefano’s slave and swears allegiance, kissing Stephano’s feet. The drunken schemers are led off by Ariel playing music and set off to murder Prospero. They make their way to Prospero’s cave where they find all sorts of fine, rich clothing, and get totally distracted from their evil plot. Prospero sets hounds upon them, and the would-be-murderers run off.

At last, Prospero brings all these groups together, and joyfully reunites with Gonzalo, her true friend. Alonso apologizes to Prospero and returns her dukedom. Alonso and Ferdinand are reunited, and he is delighted to meet Miranda, his son’s new fiance. Prospero announced that she plans to retire to her dukedom in peace, and she sets Ariel free. She relinquishes his magic, and asks the audience to set her free.

Shakespeare’s Richard II is a monumental piece of theatre. Often considered one of the most eloquently written of his Histories, the play represents a momentous struggle in English history, the struggle between King Richard II and his cousin Henry Bolingbroke (Henry IV). A story of security and insecurity – of friendship, gained and lost. Who better to tell this story than this highly passionate group of teenagers? We are profoundly proud to be presenting our first ever production of THE TRAGEDY OF RICHARD II – A difficult and beautiful poem that reflects us all. 

Our Players are taking on the challenge of telling this story. What can you do to support them? While you are in the performance space, please keep your phone off and give them your full attention.

But before you turn your phone off, we encourage you to click here to read a synopsis of the story

Dramatis Personae

HOUSE OF PLANTAGENET

KING RICHARD II … Cyrus Rose

QUEEN OF ENGLAND, his wife … Zoe O’Brien

DUKE OF AUMERLE, his confidante … Ace Rosenthal

DUKE OF YORK, his uncle … Addison Templeton

DUCHESS OF YORK, his aunt … Dylan Macer

SUPPORTERS OF RICHARD II

SIR JOHN BUSHY … Pierra Rozen-Nowac

SIR WILLIAM BAGOT … Talula Worth

SIR HENRY GREEN … Ace Rosenthal

DUKE OF SURREY … Zoe O’Brien

BISHOP OF CARLISLE … Hirshl Isaiah Hickman

EARL OF SALISBURY … Dylan Macer

LORD THOMAS DE BERKELEY … Hirshl Isaiah Hickman

SIR STEPHEN SCROOP … Talula Worth

HOUSE OF LANCASTER AND SUPPORTERS

HENRY BOLINGBROKE, DUKE OF
HEREFORD, later KING HENRY IV … Apollo Manfredi 

JOHN OF GAUNT … Hirshl Isaiah Hickman

DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER … Addison Templeton

EARL OF NORTHUMBERLAND … Raphael Potruch

HENRY “HOTSPUR” PERCY … Zoe O’Brien

LORD WILLIAM ROSS … Dylan Macer

LORD WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY … Pierra Rozen-Nowac

OTHER CHARACTERS

THOMAS MOWBRAY, Duke of Norfolk … Dylan Macer

TWO HERALDS … Addison Templeton & Raphael Potruch

SERVANT TO YORK … Charlie Shagoury

QUEEN’S LADY IN WAITING … Talula Worth

TWO GARDENERS … Ace Rosenthal & Raphael Potruch

KEEPER OF POMFRET CASTLE … Pierra Rozen-Nowac

GROOM OF THE STABLE … Talula Worth

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Richard II Production Team

Julia Walker Wyson, director
J. Bailey Burcham, director
Alessandra Mañon, director

Milo Koyfman, Script Editor
J. Bailey Burcham, Technical Assistance

Special Thanks to 

Our seniors, Addison Templeton and Raphael Potruch! Addie, we thank you for sharing your gifts with us over the years, and Raph, we are delighted that you joined our troupe this year! We wish you both the very best in your next act!

Shakespeare Youth Festival

Julia Walker Wyson, Artistic Director
J. Bailey Burcham, Executive Director

We begin in King Richard’s court, as Henry Bolingbroke, son of Gaunt (the Duke of Lancaster), accuses Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk of being involved in the recent death of the King’s uncle (who is also Henry’s uncle; Henry and the King are cousins). They demand to work out their differences in one-on-one combat at Coventry, and Richard gives in.

As the tournament begins, the uncertain and impulsive Richard stops the contest, choosing instead to exile both Henry and Mowbray. He banishes Mowbray for life, but when John of Gaunt, Henry’s father, begs, he limits Henry’s exile to six years (which doesn’t do Gaunt much good, as he figures he doesn’t have six years left. 

Unfortunately, Richard allows his friends, including his bestie, Lord Aumerle (son of the Duke of York), to influence him in his governing, and let’s just say that they don’t do much to curb his worst impulses. When they receive word that John of Gaunt is dying, they race to his deathbed, where Gaunt tells Richard exactly what he thinks of him, then dies. Immediately, Richard takes possession of Gaunt’s land and money. It turns out that he has also been leasing out royal land to fund wars with Ireland. The Duke of York is not happy. He desperately wants to be loyal to the king, but Richard is making it very difficult!

Meanwhile, Richard’s Queen is experiencing some high anxiety, despite the best attempts of the King’s friends, Busy and Bagot, to cheer her up. She receives word that Bolingbroke is returning to claim his rightful inheritance. 

That’s right! When Henry hears that his father has died and that Richard took his inheritance, he returns from exile with an invading army. The commoners and nobles are already critical of Richard, so they welcome Henry in the north, led by the powerful Earl of Northumberland, Henry Percy. Henry marches through England, gathering his willing forces. 

Richard arrives back after his Irish war to find that not only have his Welsh allies dispersed, but his cousin, Duke of York, unable to prevent Henry’s triumphant return, has joined him instead. Several more of Richard’s friends have also betrayed the King’s cause. Others have been executed on Henry’s orders. Things are looking pretty hopeless, and after taking refuge at Flint castle, Richard surrenders and agrees to go to London, where the lords will decide what should happen next. 

In view of the insurrections against him, King Richard is persuaded to step down in favour of Henry Bolingbroke, now King Henry IV. Richard hands over his crown in a ceremony. Henry imprisons Richard in Pontefract Castle, and Richard’s queen is sent home to France. 

There are a few plots against Henry, including one that Aumerle is a part of, and when York discovers this, they both race to Henry, along with the Duchess of York, who begs for her son’s life. Henry spares Aumerle, but he is now aware of his tenuous position as king, and implies that he would like to be rid of his threats. Aumerle, to regain his trust, goes against his feelings, and murders Richard. He brings the body to London. Henry claims innocence, blaming Aumerle for misunderstanding his intentions. The play ends as King Henry banishes Aumerle, orders a funeral for Richard, and swears to make reparation for his cousin’s death by going on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

This handy graphic can be very helpful in navigating all the personalities!!