“We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” Studying Shakespeare at any age, but especially from a young age, is transformative for the mind and soul. William Shakespeare’s works may be close to 400 years old, but the lessons and themes in his plays are timeless. Children that study Shakespeare learn a deeper understanding of all literature they study, have greater empathy, are more appreciative of history and its impact on literature and society, and help heighten creative play and imagination. This summer, 40 students, ages 12-18 years old, at Central Texas Theatre Academy, in partnership with Blue Hole Regional Park, are rehearsing, building, and performing Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest, through a five-week intensive that includes professional acting, stage combat, improvisation and language workshops, as well as instruction in theatre design and set and costume construction. The program is led and directed by Bridget Gates, with Aleah Petmecky and Hannah Mobarak as the Costume Instructors. Carter Holland and Hallie Strange are the Set Instructors. The professional theatre artists are brought in to teach the workshops. Justin Scalise, PM the Acting workshop instructor, is a voice and acting teacher at ZACH Theatre, specializes in Rodenberg Voice, and is an actor with Austin Shakespeare and the Hidden Room. Tobie Minor, the Stage Combat workshop instructor, is an award-winning fight choreographer and actor and is the stage combat instructor and choreographer at Texas State University. Kevin Gates, the Shakespeare Scansion and Language workshop instructor, is the Theatre History Professor at Texas State University and is an award-winning actor and director, specializing in Shakespeare Studies. Logan Mallow leads the cast of students in the role of Prospero, quite an undertaking for any actor, but especially a young actor and with only five weeks of preparation. Logan is 18 years old and just graduated from Wimberley High School. This is his last year to be able to participate as a student with Bridget Gates and the Shakespeare program. He hopes to be back next summer to assist as an instructor with the set crew. The program’s senior class this year includes: Logan Mallow, Abigail Burke, Jack Garrett, Elysia Becken, Hannah Lewis, Em Richardson, Ashton Marlar, Natalie Smith, Abi Carson, Emma Baker, Emrys Galloway, Evan Palomo and Omar Valenzuela. The Tempest is one of Shakespeare’s more magical plays, centered on a wizard, Prospero, stranded on an island with his daughter, Miranda. Ariel is the primary spirit that serves Propero on the island and helps to ensure that Prospero is returned to his right place as the Duke of Milan, with so many laughs, songs, and a love story along the way.
Shakespeare on the River’s The Tempest will perform for free thanks to Blue Hole Regional Park and the Wimberley Parks & Recreation team at the beautiful Blue Hole on July 30, 31 and August 6,7- all shows at 8pm. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and join us under the stars for a night of magic.
