The Drama Workshop is happy to announce the casting for their summer production of “The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]” currently scheduled to run August 7 – 23 at the Glenmore Playhouse.
In a clever twist on the tradition approach for the play, Director Becky Collins has cast both an all-male and an all-female cast for the production. The male cast will consist of Chris Bishop, Eric Thomas and Joshua Van Nort. The female cast features Peggy Allen, Patricia Mullins and Lindsey Pullum. The performers were cast via online auditions and call backs and will alternate performances throughout an expanded run of the play that will feature fourteen performances rather than the normal ten performances.
Dennis Murphy, TDW’s Production Vice President, applauds director Collins’ willingness to stage and rehearse two casts for this show. “Using two completely different casts will require more rehearsal time for Becky and assistant director Betsy Bossart, but it gives audiences the choice between two fresh and interesting ways to enjoy this modern and inventive comedy classic.”
Alternating casts is just one of the many changes TDW is adopting in order to keep production staff, cast members and audiences safe. The board of TDW has developed policies for both rehearsals and performances that allow TDW to meet all current standards for sanitizing and social distancing. The expanded performance schedule was adopted because the house size will be limited in order to allow six feet of space between audience parties. Additional measures will be taken in the house, lobby and ticketing operations to reduce the risk of infectious spread, and keep everyone safe, relaxed, and able to have a great time.
Jason Cox will design the show’s sound cues as well as produce the show. Dennis Murphy serves as assistant producer and lighting designer. CJ Bossart will design the set and serve as master carpenter. Elaine Volker and David Karsner will provide props.
The Drama Workshop applauds Becky, Betsy, Jason, the production staff and the cast members for their courage to participate in TDW’s first pandemic-era production.