Shakespeare at the Lake prepares for July performances
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
LAKEPORT, Calif. – “Keep the squeeze going,” urged John Tomlinson, director of Shakespeare at the Lake’s upcoming production of “As You Like It,” a joint endeavor by Mendocino College and the Lake County Theatre Co. in cooperation with the Lake County Friends of Mendocino College and the city of Lakeport.
The play's cast is gathered together for rehearsal, starting the evening off with some team building exercises.
In “Pass the Squeeze,” participants join hands in a circle and squeeze the hand of the person on their left as soon as they feel their own right hand get a squeeze.
The game really gets going when a group member starts another squeeze going the opposite direction.
Nervous energy and giggles aplenty, the team building has officially begun.
The cast, many of whom are meeting for the first time, is an eclectic mix of about 20 actors. Some are very green actors with little experience. Others bring decades of training and have performed in dozens of shows. For at least one, As You Like It will be her very first time setting foot on a stage.
Regardless of their theatrical backgrounds, the cast and crew of the play all have a common goal: to bring quality live theater to Lake County. Hopefully they'll also have some fun along the way.
As rehearsal continues, this proves to be true. Tomlinson, Mendocino College theater instructor and founder of the Shakespeare at the Lake project, moves on to blocking the wedding scene, effortlessly moving actors around the space in a way that makes sense to them and to the audience.
Cast members follow direction, all the while getting to know the script, their characters, and each other. It is great fun to watch their friendships, some existing and some brand new, developing in real time.
Heads tossed back in laughter, joking elbows to the ribs, and silly sideways glances all weave their way through a very productive rehearsal. Having positive relationships with fellow cast members is crucial; a cast is a team like no other. Truly, it's more like a family.
In just a few short weeks, these students-turned actors-turned family will take the stage together in Lakeport's Library Park. They will don tie dye and flowing skirts and proudly present As You Like It, set in the 1960s.
Come be part of the extended hippie family on July 28 and 29 at 6:30 p.m.
The show is completely free of charge, made possible through sponsorships and donations. Concessions, including local beer and wine, will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting student scholarships.
If you are interested in sponsoring the production and supporting the availability of free live theater in your community, please contact Laura Barnes, Lake County Theatre Co., 707-533-3406, or Wilda Shock, Lake County Friends of Mendocino College, 707-263-7576.
For more information, check www.lctc.us.