Today I will be sharing some of my favorite Shakespeare related items and favorite companies. Join me in celebrating Shakespeare's birthday!
10 Favorite Shakespeare Items
Here is a look at my collection of Shakespeare objects.
1. A Midsummer Night's Dream Mug
I bought this mug when I was studying abroad in 2016. I had just seen Emma Rice's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream and purchased this at the Globe's gift shop. And the quote is a good reminder of how foolish humans can be sometimes.
2. Shakespeare Playbills
I have more than two playbills, but I wanted to highlight one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. The top playbill is from Simon Godwin's production of Hamlet (2016), it was the first RSC production I got to see. The bottom playbill is from Chicago Shakespeare's Hamlet (2019), directed by Barbara Gaines.
3. Twelfth Night Director's Gift
I directed Twelfth Night at Central High School in 2017. I received a copy of the complete works from my cast and they all signed it. It was the first show I ever directed and I can't thank Jeff Nesseth and Jim Struyk enough for the opportunity. I had a wonderful, dedicated cast, and I still consider this one of my favorite shows of all time.
4. Vinyl Recording of A Midsummer Night's Dream
This is a recording of a 1960's production of Benjamin Britten's Opera of A Midsummer Night's Dream. It was written for the opening of the rebuilt Jubilee Hall, at the Aldeburgh Festival, on June 11th, 1960. I picked the record up at my favorite record store in Chicago, Reckless Records.
5. Shakespeare Insult Generator
This was a gift from my mom. It was created by Barry Kraft who indicates, "The quill symbol means that the word first appears in print in Shakespeare's writings - hence the likelihood that the word was invented by Shakespeare; the 'N' symbol means that Shakespeare used that word only once in all of his writings." So the book is both fun and educational.
6. Twelfth Night 2007 Memorabilia
Not only was Twelfth Night the first show I directed, but it was also the first Shakespeare show I was in. I was 12 at the time and because the summer camp was short on boys, I got to play the part of Sebastian.
7&8 Children's Shakespeare
I received both of these books from my Uncle Steve, who I credit for sparking my love of Shakespeare. The book on the left I received during my Sophomore year of university when I was going through a tough time. The book I the right I received when I was around 9 or 10. It was a Christmas gift and my first introduction to Shakespeare's magic.
9. Twelfth Night Poster
This poster has a pretty funny history. It used to belong to one of my mom's friend's son's roommate. Long story short the roommate left the poster behind, the son had it, didn't want it and so my mom's friend, who knows I love Shakespeare, gave it to me. The best part is that the poster is signed by the director, who just happens to be THE David Mamet!
10. My First Cue Script
This past summer I got to take part in my first unrehearsed Shakespeare production. I got cast as Mustardseed in A Midsummer Night's Dream. It was one of the most thrilling and nerve-racking things I've ever done and I loved every minute of it! If you're interested in cue scripts/unrehearsed Shakespeare/Original Practice check out Performing Shakespeare Unrehearsed: A Practical Guide to Acting and Producing Spontaneous Shakespeare by Bill Kincaid.
5 Favorite Shakespeare Companies
Now on to some of my favorite Shakespeare companies. This is a list of both community theaters and professional theaters, underneath their names I will also be providing a donation link (no pressure just want to do my part to help keep these wonderful companies going)!
1. Shakespeare on Clark at the Center
This theatre company has special meaning to me because it was the first company I performed Shakespeare with as an adult. I was cast as Hero in their production of Much Ado About Nothing. I've since worked with them three times in as Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Rosaline in Love's Labour's Lost, and Antonia in The Tempest.
Their founder Julane Sullivan also runs the costume shop All Dressed Up, which I also encourage you to donate to.
2. Door Shakespeare
Door Shakespeare is celebrating its 25th Anniversary season this summer. They produce wonderful Shakespeare in the garden of Björklunden in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. They also provide programs such as Youth Theatre Productions, Camp Will, Will-In-The-Woods Education Series, and so much more!
3. Elgin Shakespeare Project
The Elgin Shakespeare Project is part of Janus Theatre. They are a local theatre company in Elgin, Illinois. The Elgin Shakespeare Project performs unrehearsed Shakespeare plays.
They are also encouraging locals to:
"We encourage you to spend your dollars at one of our local organizations. This include Al’s Café,Blue Box Café, Elgin Public House, Rediscover Records, Soulful Sparrow, all in downtown Elgin – and Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles. They have been part of our success over the years and we want them to stay around for a long time well into the future".
4. Shakespeare Theatre Company
This company is located in Washington, DC. They are now providing fantastic online classes and lectures in lieu of their season.
5. Paramount Theatre
I know this last one isn't a Shakespeare company, but I used to be part of the Paramount family and this organization is working hard to make theatre and art accessible in Downtown Aurora.