The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Newsletter • Summer 2006 CAPTURING THE MOMENT: How Lee A. Butz Came to Make 150,000+ Stage Pictures 7 Festival Honors Lee at The next question that was really on June 24th Gala Fr. Schubert’s mind had to do with color. “We have a professional photographer, but by Lisa Higgins he said you can’t do stage photography in Surveying the construction site that color, only black and white,” Fr. Schubert would become the Labuda Center for the told Lee. Performing Arts in 1981, Lee A. Butz “I told him I don’t know why you was doing what was couldn’t,” Lee remembers. ‘I said I’d customary for him on try, but I wondered, what if the other all the construction photographer is right?” Neither of them projects of the Alvin knew it at the time, but there was about H. Butz corporation: to be a major scene change. checking in with the field managers and Weeks later, down in the basement taking pictures of the theatre of Dooling Hall, Lee shot his first work in progress. stage show, in color, standing next to the Butz professional, who was shooting in black Wearing a hard and white. “He wasn’t so pleased,” Lee hat and with camera in hand, Lee was notes. The play was Arsenic and Old Lace. approached by Fr. Gerard J. Schubert, O.S.F.S., who, as chair of the Performing The color photography came and Fine Arts Department, was a member out just fine. And, we of the committee that had chosen Lee’s dare to suggest, a star firm to build the state-of-the art facility. photographer was born. Eye on the camera, Fr. Schubert asked: Some time ago, Lee “Have you ever done stage photography?” estimated that he’d taken The answer was no. Sports 100,000 photographs of photography, yes. continued on page 4 Photo credits on page 6 on page Photo credits Notes from the Producing Artistic Director There will always be schools. provide support and services without which Courthouses. There will always be post PSF as we know it would not be possible; offices, military bases, departments of motor vehicles. Because, beyond their Our sponsors, grantors and funders – intrinsic societal value, they have been paragons of benevolence and philanthropy, legislated to exist in perpetuity. especially the 13 individuals, corporations and foundations who have served as Not so with professional theatres. season sponsor over the years; They exist because, each year, each season, dedicated and determined individuals Public officials – our elected continue to will them representatives who have encouraged and into existence. supported us in so many ways; As we begin our Our members – whose generosity 15th Anniversary of sustains us and who collectively serve as one performances, and I of our most important annual benefactors; begin my third season Our subscribers – who, in giving in this position, I am themselves the gift of the fullest possible so mindful of all those experience of PSF, provide a foundation Mulcahy who made, and make, that allows us to fulfill our mission; it all possible. Here goes: All our patrons over the years—who, Snow Whites Enduring, heartfelt thanks to: by August, will have purchased more than and the Seven Dwarf Fr. Gerard J. Schubert, O.S.F.S.— 400,000 tickets since 1992; By Michele L. Vacca whose extraordinary vision for a Our Volunteer Guild—several Based on the professional Shakespeare festival here in hundred strong, who selflessly give their Brothers the Valley has come to glorious fruition; time, energy and creativity to make your June 3 – August 5 Our Board of Directors—who give visit comfortable, enjoyable; so much in so many ways to steward PSF The DSU Theatre students—one of Who’s the fairest of towards its full potential; the primary reasons I took the job. Each them all? This delightful The PSF company of artists— year at PSF, today’s professionals are inspired by tomorrow’s. Seasoned pros are adaptation will enchant inspired, talented, dedicated artists who, children and adults alike. year after year, prove that when terrific reminded, by the courage, tenacity, and love actors, designers and directors meet great of the art form exhibited by the interns, of Meet the cast after the texts, magic ensues; why they devote their lives to artistry. show for autographs and pictures, too! Fr. Bernard O’Connor, O.S.F.S., My wife and kids – ’nuf said; President of DSU, for his faith, support ...and finally, William Shakespeare and resolve that PSF will thrive; – who reintroduces us to ourselves, engages PSF STAFF Lee Butz - for all the magnificent us, challenges us to keep up with him. PATRICK MULCAHY Producing Artistic Director photos (see story p. 1) Thanks to the man who tapped a power still unfolding, fashioned enduring vitality DENNIS RAZZE The PSF staff – including year-round from the raw materials of language, and Associate Artistic Director and seasonal staff who tirelessly design, revealed insights that continue to penetrate. CASEY WILLIAM GALLAGHER build, and run the magnificent machine General Manager that is PSF; “Heavens thank you for it.” JEANNE L. BITLER Director of Development The DSU theatre faculty and staff SALLY REITH JANICE S. HEIN – past and present, many of whom “sweat Patrick Mulcahy Office Manager Business Manager blood” to build the festival over the years; Producing Artistic Director LISA HIGGINS PECHTER Director of Marketing & Public Relations The DSU staff – who facilitate and SOPHIE A. REGNIER Box Office Manager EDITOR Lisa Higgins The Quill is published three times a year ANDREA SOTZING DESIGN Laura Charnick Associate Box Office Manager by the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Tom McNamara ’92 at DeSales University. PHOTOGRAPHY Lee A. Butz TIMOTHY T. WALLING CONTRIBUTORS Christopher Boyer Management Associate Catherine Pressimone

2 • The Quill, Summer 2006 610.282.will A Summer Adventure: As You Like It Envision this: you sit at your desk on Or, you could pack a picnic dinner, or ‘All the world’s a stage.’ There are clowns a beautiful June afternoon. Looking out pick up take out, change into something and princesses, laughs and sighs, and that of your office window, you can almost feel comfortable—maybe even a pair of khaki wonderful feeling that anything can happen. the zephyr that dances through the trees shorts and a polo shirt—and take the and over the lawn. Summer is at hand, whole family on an adventure into the This year, celebrate summer with and you are faced with a dilemma. enchanting Forest of Arden. PSF’s production of As You Like It. It is an opportunity to embark on an enthralling At five o’clock, you could stuff your Music and laughter set the scene as escapade—without ever leaving the briefcase with paperwork, drive with you take in the Pennsylvania Shakespeare . 7 windows rolled up and air-conditioner Festival’s Green Show. blasting, and spend a diligent evening at home, doing yardwork, catching up Inside, Shakespeare’s As You Like It AS YOU LIKE IT takes you on a journey to a medieval land on chores or even sitting in front of a June 21 - July 9 Tickets: 610.282.WILL computer screen. where romance and bravery resound, and

e Pennsylvania Shakesa FestivalFestive fundraising Gala event with a special award presentation honoring LEE A. BUTZ Saturday, June 24

Cocktail hour Delightful dinner Silent auction Sumptuous desserts Performance of As You Like It

$125 per person

For information, 610-282-WILL

www.pashakespeare.org The Quill, Summer 2006 • 3 continued from page 1 “I never took photography seriously until my wife Dolly and I were going the plays produced by DeSales University on vacation to Hawaii, and I thought I theatre, Act 1, and its professional should have a better camera. So, I got outgrowth, the Pennsylvania Shakespeare a 35mm, and suddenly, I became much Festival. The number is closer to 150,000 more serious.” It was that 35mm Canon now. “You ought to get some good camera that prompted Fr. Schubert to ask photographs when you take that many,” him about stage photography. he quips. Since viewing his photographs was As anyone who has attended even just becoming part of the audience’s experience one show at the Labuda Center and seen in the theatre, “I thought to myself, if a wall full of Lee’s photos in the lobby people are going to look at these, then they can surely attest: the photographs are not better be good.” merely good: they’re spectacular. Arresting. Compelling. Magical. The job was not without pressure. A Time to Honor The lighting – a photographer’s most On June 24th, the Pennsylvania essential tool in addition to a camera Shakespeare Festival will honor Lee at its – was often low. Shooting on film in the annual Gala fundraiser. Given Lee’s many days before autofocus, he had to set his extraordinary contributions to PSF over aperture and shutter speed, and hold steady. the years, saluting him during the Festival’s Anticipate the moment. Then shoot. 15th Anniversary season is picture perfect. Since his day job as CEO and “Lee has served as president of the president of Alvin H. Butz kept him PSF board, as a board member of DeSales from attending rehearsals in advance of University and as an advisor and friend to shooting the final dress rehearsal the night Fr. Schubert and the Performing and Fine before opening, Lee became adept at Arts Department,” says Patrick Mulcahy, capturing the defining moment of a scene, of a character, of the play. PSF BOARD OF DIRECTORS PSF’s producing artistic director. “It’s time we dedicated an evening to saying, ‘thank He had arrived as a stage PAUL DOMALAKES, ESQ. you’ to Lee.” President photographer with some practice. It was his role as a father that helped prepare JAMES P. MCFADDEN The occasion has inspired a display Vice President of Lee’s photos unlike anything that’s ever him.“From the time my kids were little, they were involved in sports, baseball and TIMOTHY CHARLESWORTH, ESQ. been done in the region. Worthy of an Secretary installation at a major museum, the photos basketball. To get good shots in sports will be displayed as large as 5' x 20'. That’s photography, you need a lot of anticipation MARY BONGIORNO feet, not inches. Some of Lee’s personal because it’s so precise, even more than in ROBIN WALKER BRESLIN favorites from past PSF productions, along theatre. To try to get the ball and the bat LEE A. BUTZ with selections by PSF’s management in the shot, you have to pull the trigger at about the same time as the batter.” MARLENE “LINNY” FOWLER team, will grace the immense spaces of CASEY WILLIAM GALLAGHER the University Center. Even the giant Soliciting input from the director and GREGORY A. HONEYMAN windows of the Labuda Center and lighting designer in advance helps get the JAMES L. KELLY the cement sidewalk leading up to the exposures right. “Once Dennis (Razze) told University Center may serve as a canvas DR. THOMAS LUBBEN me: ‘someone’s going to jump through that for Lee’s photography. BEN MARCUNE window,’ so I could be ready.” JOAN MORAN The Family Photographer In the Middle of the Night PATRICK MULCAHY Like all amazing journeys, Lee’s Even after the shoot, though, until DR. STEPHEN MYERS travels as a photographer began simply, the dawn of digital, Lee couldn’t be sure if BERNARD O’CONNOR, O.S.F.S. with a classic American camera. he’d succeeded in capturing anything. President, DeSales University “I was always interested in DENNIS RAZZE “I’d be taking the film to Don photography,” Lee said during a recent Wertman’s studio to hang a bag of film GERARD J. SCHUBERT, O.S.F.S. interview. “As a kid, I had a Brownie, and Founder cartridges on his doorknob in the middle when Polaroids came out, I started taking TERRY I. SEYMOUR of the night and I had no idea if the Polaroids of my family. One of my best exposures were right. I’d be filled with ROBERT SNYDER shots, one that I have in my office, is of one doubt. ‘What about that one great shot? RUTH R. SPIRA of my sons playing with blocks.” (Building ARTHUR R. TAYLOR skills start early in the Butz family.) continued on page 8

4 • The Quill, Summer 2006 610.282.will Transcending Time: Actor Meets Othello Editor's Note: David Alan Anderson, and I recently collaborated an accomplished professional actor, is set to on Macbeth at the St. portray the demanding title role in PSF’s Louis Black Repertory and Othello. Anderson, who has performed doz- it was a very rewarding ens of Shakespearean and contemporary plays experience. We expressed during his career, was recently interviewed interest in working by Christopher Boyer, a junior DeSales together again, specifically University Communications major who on Shakespeare, and she interned with PSF this spring. thought PSF was the perfect opportunity. I have How did theater come into your life? also worked in the Lehigh David Anderson [DA]: As a kid, I Valley previously and was wanted to be either a professional baseball thrilled to have a chance to player or an actor. And I really wasn’t sure come back to it. what to do. Throughout elementary and high school, I would How do you prepare participate in a play or for a Shakespeare play? Do read one in class, or you prefer Shakespeare something related to over contemporary works? drama, but the idea of [DA]: When preparing actually being an actor for a Shakespearean seemed unrealistic. play, there is much more When a professor in text and vocal work a Black Drama class Anderson involved. I spend much suggested I consider more time in the script it, I finally had the encouragement I than with contemporary needed. Baseball was put on hold. plays. Shakespeare always provides a great challenge What inspires you to work in the and an opportunity to grow theatre? as an actor. Contemporary [DA]: The opportunity to create works don’t always do that. still desire greatness. We want higher rank something that can sustain the I’ve done so many more contemporary and more money. We still take advantage imaginations of others. There is constant plays, and I’m a bit partial, but I find of one another. Our society still waits for change that occurs in an actor and Shakespearean theatre very intriguing someone to reach the top so that it can audience through this creation. and exciting, and a real contrast to knock him down. Discrimination hasn’t contemporary theater. gone away; it has evolved. Love still can As of today, what is your favorite have tragic consequences. This is why role? Why? Othello is a very passionate audiences can identify with the play. The [DA]: In many ways, an actor’s character. Do you relate to Othello as a great works transcend time. 7 favorite role is always the next one. person? Are his passions realistic? “O! beware, my lord, of jealousy; Among my many favorite roles, Floyd [DA]: Othello stands tall and proud It is the green-ey’d monster which doth mock Barton from August Wilson’s Seven in the face of hate and discrimination. The meat it feeds on.” — III, iii, 155 Guitars directed by Lou Bellamy at Having dealt with those issues and the Penumbra Theater sticks out as one of the boundaries that they sometimes create, best. I enjoyed exploring Floyd’s journey yes, I can relate to him as a man. I think as a bluesman struggling to make his those boundaries caused by discrimination Othello mark, in spite of himself and his flaws. sometimes fuel the passion. And I had to sing a little blues, which I loved. I also had a great ensemble of I feel that Othello is one of July 12 - August 6 actors to work with. Walter Lee in A Shakespeare’s most powerful works, Raisin in the Sun and the title role in because of its timeless themes. What Arena Theatre Macbeth are other special favorites. about Othello do you feel makes it timeless and powerful? Tickets: 610 - 282 - WILL Why have you chosen to work with [DA]: The reason that Shakespeare PSF? www.pashakespeare.org is as relevant as ever is due to the fact [DA]: Fontaine Syer (Director) spoke that four hundred years later, human with me about Othello last fall. Fontaine behavior hasn’t changed much at all. We www.pashakespeare.org The Quill, Summer 2006 • 5 PHOTO CREDITS: This page: Clockwise from top left: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2001), Grace Gonglewski and Greg Wood; Othello (1996), Aaron Cabell, left, and Michael Tylo; The School for Wives (1996) Jim Helsinger and Suzanne O’Donnell; Much Ado About Nothing (1995), Elizabeth MacLellan and Mark LaMura; The Imaginary Invalid (2005) , Wayne S. Turney and Colleen Gallagher. Facing page: The Importance of Being Earnest (2003), Jane Ridley; The Comedy of Errors (1997) Carl Wallnau and Christopher Patrick Mullen; Hamlet (1995), Greg Wood; The Taming of the Shrew (1998), H. Michael Walls and Don Burroughs; Man of La Mancha (2004) Christopher Coucill. Page 1: Top: Blithe Spirit (1999), Grace Gonglewski. Middle row, from left: Around the World in 80 Days (2005), Christopher Patrick Mullen; Henry IV, Part 1(2005), Ian Merrill Peakes; All’s Well That Ends Well (1998), Jim Helsinger. Bottom row, from left: Romeo and Juliet (1992), Suzanne O’Donnell and Joe Wyka; A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1994), Robin Poley, Suzanne O’Donnell and Greg Wood. Page 4: Henry IV, Part 1 (2005), Ian Bedford and Ron Heneghan. Page 8: The Tempest (1999), Michael Tolaydo; The Glass Menagerie (1995), Megan Bellwoar. Thanks, Lee! 6 • The Quill, Summer 2006 610.282.will www.pashakespeare.org TheThe Quill, Quill, Summer Spring 2006 • 7 shoots what’s up there on he regards him as his ‘idol,’ Chuck Zvoko, stage.” a staff photographer for The Morning Call. “I like Chuck’s work because he shoots a Since that first shoot lot of photos with long lenses and short in Dooling, which was depth-of-field.” the last production there before the opening of In the Gallery the Labuda Center in Once Lee selects the photos for February 1982, Lee has display in the lobby and the images are shot every mainstage printed, the actual arrangement of the production at the Labuda photos on the wall becomes another Center, plus most of the artistic challenge. productions in the Arena Stage. That’s 25 years of Sr. Maria V. Jenkins, SSJ, has served shows for Act 1 and the as gallery manager for Lee’s photos since Pennsylvania Shakespeare PSF’s inception. With an unerring eye for Festival, more than 200 layout and design, Sr. Maria creates the productions. panorama that entrances patrons of all continued from page 4 ages. “The meticulous care she gives helps “I have the deepest gratitude for what enhance the overall experience,” Lee says. What if it doesn’t come out?’” Lee has done,” says Fr. Schubert. “It is an The audience that comes to see the The proof that the exposures worked overwhelming gift to the University, the plays represent the majority of those who and the images were real would come to department and to the Festival. appreciate the photo gallery. But there is him the next day in the form of about a “And the quality of his photos! You a smaller audience that is equally, if not dozen contact sheets – each containing 36 go to New York and see large images of more appreciative: the actors themselves. mini-images of a roll of film printed on Broadway shows on billboards and they’re an 8.5” x 11” sheet. “As I was reviewing blurred! The photos are only half-way When professional actors who have the images, I would think to myself, ‘this there. I tell Lee: In New York, the photos performed at some of the finest theatres in picture is pretty good, but if I’d done that, are not as good as what he does.” the country tell you that they have never it would’ve been better.” seen such spectacular photos, they are not Changes on Stage, Changes in over-dramatizing. This is the thinking of a true artist. Technology And like every artist, Lee finds In the years since Lee first started inspiration from other artists. “I’ve always stage photography, he has witnessed been a great admirer of the French dramatic changes on stage and through Impressionists, Monet and Renoir in the lens. “The quality of the performances particular, and I’ve tried to reflect some of has changed remarkably. First, in the that in my photography. ability to stage much larger productions, and secondly the consistent increase in “Using a short depth of field, I the quality of the performers and their put the subject in sharp focus, but their training,” he says. surroundings are somewhat obscure. I think it gives a sense of depth to the photo and “As far as the equipment...when I focuses on the individual performances.” started I was dealing with cameras and film that today are primitive compared About two-thirds of a show’s 500 to to what I’m using now. There was no 800 shots are done with longer lenses, up autofocus, which is increasingly helpful as close on individual actors. “The actors are I get older. The film kept getting better, in very emotional situations, and you don’t and then, five years ago, I switched to get a chance to capture emotions of this digital. It’s far superior to what I can do intensity in real life. I am blessed to have with film, especially at the low light levels the opportunity to take these pictures.” stage photography requires.” Because actors don’t get to see Blessings, Multiplied themselves perform live on stage, Lee’s Photographers whose work he photos allow them to glimpse their own Blessings have a way of multiplying. admires include the American Ansel “A play is ephemeral,” says Fr. Schubert. artistry. For one moment in time. The Adams, world renowned for his defining moment. “It only lasts for twenty or so performances magnificent landscapes, and Henri and then it disappears. All that remains is a Cartier-Bresson, one of the premiere For the actors, viewing the photos is photograph. Lee has a remarkable ability to portrait photographers of 20th century. nearly a reverent experience. Just as taking capture the moment that encompasses the the photographs is for Lee. 7 whole play. He doesn’t plan in advance; he And then there is a local photographer Lee holds in such esteem,

8 • The Quill, Summer 2006 610.282.will Many Hands Make Light Work: Volunteer Guild Makes PSF a Success

By Christopher Boyer want to welcome our patrons to PSF, in order to make them feel comfortable and Festival When the idea for creating a happy.” Shakespeare festival first whispered FESTIVAL HOST SponsoDeSales University in the dreams of its founder, Gerard The very structure of the Guild is J. Schubert, O.S.F.S., a community determined by providing the necessities of volunteers was as essential to the and the niceties that make the PSF SEASON SPONSOR dream as were the actors, designers experience special. The committees of The Rider-Pool Foundation and technicians. As PSF celebrates its the Guild include: Concessions, Special 15th anniversary season, it is with the Events, Membership and Souvenirs. PSF’s ASSOCIATE SEASON SPONSORS knowledge that the Volunteer Guild, 200 staff liaison to the Guild, Management Harry C. Trexler Trust strong, helps make the Festival truly an Associate Timothy T. Walling, notes, The Morning Call enjoyable place to come and visit. “The Guild has a lot of independence Service Electric Cable TV & and responsibility. For instance, the During the hot summer months, the Communications committees research and choose what Guild provides cool relief to PSF patrons souvenirs and concessions will be sold, and staff alike. PRODUCTION SPONSORS based on the feedback and responses they Air Products “As I researched other Shakespeare get from our patrons.” Alvin H. Butz, Inc. festivals around the country, one person “We work year round to make the Breslin Ridyard Fadero Architects after another told me that there was no summer months go smoothly and to help way to have a festival without a corps The Century Fund provide the festive atmosphere,” says Kelly. of volunteers,” Fr. Schubert says. “So I Dr. & Mrs. Frank J. Szarko knew that we had to have volunteers to The Guild always welcomes new Wills Hall Oblate Community help start the Pennsylvania Shakespeare energetic and dedicated volunteers. Kelly Festival and to keep it growing.” says “the Guild Board is always seeking PRODUCTION CO-SPONSORS volunteers to help make the Festival a Amaranth Foundation The Guild is composed of four continued success. We solicit patrons Jane and Steve Auvil committees and has a board of 19 people when they come to shows during the Capital BlueCross who guide its activities. Act 1 seasons. Keenan-Nagle Advertising, Inc. Mary Ann Kelly, a long time Lutron Electronics Company, Inc. “We put notices in church bulletins Guild volunteer and supporter of PSF, Kathleen Kund Nolan & and local papers. But many of our remembers how she first became involved Timothy Nolan volunteers come directly from the current with the Guild six years ago. “I was a volunteers. We are having so much fun Orlando Diefenderfer Electrical regular patron who came to enjoy the that our friends want to come along. Isn’t Contractors shows, and I wanted to become part of that how most people get involved in Target Select Cable Advertising the excitement at PSF. I was later called something?” by the president of the Guild Board and ACTOR SPONSORS invited to sit on the board. I accepted.” Kelly was originally inspired to Lee & Dolly Butz volunteer with the Guild, in part, because Kelly believes that the Guild in many Richard & Sandy Straube of her son. “About the time that I began ways is similar to a comfortable friendship. working for the board, my youngest son “When I think of the Guild and what we FAMILY NIGHT SPONSOR Ryan was also a freshman theater major do for PSF, I think of how I greet a friend at DeSales. I love seeing him on stage, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of the in my home. When my door bell rings, I and he loves it too. I want our friends and Lehigh Valley answer the door to a friend with a smile family to come out and see Ryan and all and ask them to come in. the other fine actors at PSF.” OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER “Our patrons, who in many ways Lee A. Butz Her involvement will not end with are our friends, continue to come back her son’s future graduation. “I am sure year after year to see our fabulous that when Ryan graduates and goes on shows. As members of the Guild, we elsewhere, I will continue to be dedicated Be a Part of the greet, we smile, we take tickets, and we to the Guild. I am happy to be part of this lend an arm or hand to those who need fun group of people. I have friendships assistance to their seats. We give out PSF Guild with wonderful people here at PSF.” 7 programs, sell souvenirs and provide food and drink at the concession stand. We Call 610-282-9455, ext. 8 www.pashakespeare.org The Quill, Summer 2006 • 9 Shakespeare, With Class, In the Classroom

By Christopher Boyer and activity sessions with the Lisa Higgins actors and their educators. In the age of iPods, Last year’s tour MTV and video games, it featured a production of may seem impossible that Romeo and Juliet set during a 400-year old playwright the Renaissance. This fall, could have the power to Hamlet will tour October 11 reach through time and though November 10. Past clutter to connect with productions have included: today’s teens and young The Taming of the Shrew, A adults. For a generation Midsummer Night’s Dream, more attuned to text Julius Caesar, and Macbeth. messaging than literary texts, the magic of Interactive workshops Shakespeare—the timeless are developed by PSF’s themes, the compelling Artistic Director, who is characters and the also a faculty member at extraordinary insights— DeSales, and are led in the can still captivate. classroom by the acting company. The actors serve Were he writing today, Christopher Patrick Mullen & Christina Keefe in Hamlet (2002). Photo by Lee A. Butz as Shakespearean guides would Shakespeare rap? and scholars, illuminating Would he produce music the richness of the texts and videos? Or would he create informative podcasts? Centuries sharing their knowledge of the Bard. ago, Shakespeare knew how to reach out to the masses, employing techniques which appealed to both the high-born Evaluations from students and teachers help WillPower and the common, the old and the young. make the grade. A teacher at Pottsville High School wrote: “not only did I see my students enthusiastic and engaged, but I Teaching Shakespearean drama can be a daunting task for also learned new techniques and activities that I will take into even the most gifted teachers. How is Shakespeare to survive my classrooms.” in our media driven climate, which often substitutes the slick for the substantial? The Linny Fowler WillPower tour is the A teacher at Wyomissing Area High School agrees. “This answer to this complex conundrum. program is the highlight of our semester. The director’s cutting of the play was terrific and the performance was beautiful. In 2000, PSF introduced WillPower in order to give Thank you for an outstanding experience – both for me and students an opportunity to see Shakespeare the way it was my students.” intended to be performed—by professional actors. PSF new mission statement elevates educational outreach While reading Shakespeare is important, the best way to priority status. WillPower is a vehicle proven to educate and to experience Shakespeare is in live performance. In six entertain a new generation of young people. Will would be years, WillPower has played at 127 schools for nearly 40,000 proud. 7 students. Nearly one out of four students, about 10,000, have also attended workshops designed to give them exceptional access to Shakespeare and his time while addressing specific 2006 Linny Fowler state academic standards. WillPower Tour The WillPower tour consists of a troupe of professional actors who travel to middle and high schools to perform Shakespeare and conduct workshops. Last year, the tour traveled to 26 middle and high schools in Pennsylvania, two in October 11 to New Jersey and one in Delaware. HAMLET November 10 WillPower specifically targets students who may not have Touring to schools in Pennsylvania, another outlet to see Shakespeare because of demographics New Jersey and Delaware or other circumstances. A uniquely interactive program, WillPower incorporates live theater, and hands-on student Call 610-282-WILL [9455] ext. 2 for booking information

10 • The Quill, Summer 2006 610.282.will HEART AND SOUL: THE PENNSYLVANIA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL INTERN COMPANY

By Catherine Pressimone In its 1992 inaugural season, the PSF company included 17 interns. As of this summer, the Festival will have helped more than 400 young men and women to develop their skills as they pursue careers in theatre and related fields. Working alongside dozens of professional actors, technicians, artisans and administrators is a core of hardworking individuals without whom the Festival would be diminished in numbers and in spirit—the PSF intern company. “Every opportunity I’ve had post graduation is because of my time at PSF,” says Jessica Conrad, an acting intern in 2004 and 2005 who was Lady Percy in Steve Burns plays The Narrator in PSF’s production of Aladdin (1994) Photo by Lee A. Butz Henry IV, Part 1.

“Thanks to the connections I made Former interns have a trove of success are students, but during the summer they at the Festival, I booked a tour after my stories. Steve Burns scored the principal shoulder an even greater workload than final summer in Center Valley, I got an role on ’s Blue’s Clues. Christine the theatre professionals they are working apartment and had a support network Negherbon has toured in musicals alongside. As a result, interns frequently established in , and was cast throughout the United States and Europe. acquire employment through the contacts in a production in a respected New York Gus Schulenburg has written and produced they make at PSF—this is a tangible, theatre.” The production she is referring several plays in New York theatres. positive reflection of the contributions to, Rue, was written by August ‘Gus’ Karen (Krastel) Peakes is a seasoned they make to the Festival.” Schulenburg, another former PSF intern, Shakespearean actress and a familiar face at and produced by Theatre for the New City. the Folger Theatre in Washington D.C., as It is a credit to both PSF and its well as in the Philadelphia circuit. intern company that so many former Even those who have long moved interns later return to work for the beyond their Festival days fondly recall No matter how far they travel, Festival in a professional capacity. their internships. however, many of these professionals return to their theatrical roots, spending Casey William Gallagher first worked Ben Fisler, a member of the 1997 summers with PSF. “I feel like PSF is my for PSF in 1994 as an administrative intern company, admits, “Though I have artistic home,” reflects Matt Pfeiffer, who intern. He went on to spend six years worked for youth theatre companies and returns for his tenth season with PSF to as Director of Audience Services at The other summer theatres throughout the direct Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs and People’s Light and Theatre Company in country, as well as the theatre programs the Green Show this summer. Malvern, and was tapped to serve as PSF’s at three different colleges, I have yet to general manager in 2004. uncover a more perfect model of how a Thirteen acting interns comprise the theatre company ought to function, with casts of the children’s show and the Green “From the beginning, I found the professional integrity, efficiency, and Show, and also appear in Main Stage and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival to be polish. It is a model I strive to live up to Arena Stage productions. The technical an environment conducive to hard work in my productions.” interns build costumes, sets, and props, and high artistic values,” Gallagher says. and during each performance, they work Dr. Fisler, who went on to receive Other former interns returning for backstage. Administrative interns staff the a Ph.D. in Theatre and Performance the 2006 season: Erin Clare (Hurley) box office and assist with front-of-house Studies from the University of Maryland Mullen will choreograph the Green operations. in 2005, currently serves as director of the Show, Matthew Given will design the theatre program at Otero College in La “The interns are an integral part Festival sound, Michael Smola will serve Junta, Col., and continues to use his PSF of our company,” says Patrick Mulcahy, as technical director, and Stefani Nicole 7 experience as a paradigm when teaching. PSF’s producing artistic director. “Most Oxman will be scenic artist. www.pashakespeare.org The Quill, Summer 2006 • 11 NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lehigh Valley, PA Permit No. 68

at DeSales University

2755 Station Avenue Center Valley, PA 18034 610.282.WILL pashakespeare.org

15th Anniversary Season: NOW OPEN AS YOU LIKE IT · OTHELLO SLEUTH · MY FAIR LADY SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS Through August 6

New Seats Add Comfort in Arena Stage By Sophie A. Regnier As DeSales University celebrated its 40th anniversary during the 2005-2006 academic year, the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts received an anniversary gift: a more comfortable and completely revitalized Arena Stage. This summer, when you attend PSF’s Sleuth, Othello, or Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, you will discover the Arena’s new and improved seating! Our audience members are partially responsible for this wonderful change – as a patron, you may be familiar with the surveys that are passed out each season. Time and again, you requested more comfortable seating in the Arena Theatre. Thanks to the generous support of Fr. Bernard O’Connor, OSFS, DeSales University president, the school was able to earmark the funding necessary to purchase not only new seats but also new carpeting and draperies. The new theatre seats – the kind that pull down and pop back up, just like those in the Main Stage -- are cushioned and have armrests; in fact, we had to slightly adjust the seating arrangement to make up for these more As You Like It, Shakespeare’s delightful romantic comedy returns to PSF June 21 to ample seats. We welcome you to enjoy our Arena produc- July 9. Callan White (left) and Elizabeth MacLellan in PSF’s 1996 production. Photo tions in much greater comfort. 7 by Lee A. Butz. The Official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania