Even Shakespeare doesn’t seem so stuffy when it’s performed in the open air and bucolic setting of Congress Park in Saratoga Springs.
Entering its eighth year, the Saratoga Shakespeare Company has established a tradition of serving the community with free, professional outdoor Shakespeare productions. The company employs professional directors, designers and actors, with the cooperation of community volunteers in all areas. But it’s far from a traditional theater experience.
It’s wonderful because you can bring a picnic, you can bring your whole family, your dog, said actor Andy Place, who portrays Don Pedro in this summer’s production of `Much Ado About Nothing.`
`It’s very casual. There’s none of that stuffy atmosphere,` he said.
Then the 10-year stage veteran reconsidered his choice of words. `Not that theater is stuffy ` but this is very relaxed and casual. If you want to stretch out, or if you’re with the kids and they get a little fussy, you can get up and take a walk through the park. It’s a wonderful setting.`
Bill Finlay, artistic director and co-founder of Saratoga Shakespeare Company, agrees.
`There are nights when, as the production winds down, the moon will sit right above the stage. You couldn’t ask for better lighting,` he said.
Finlay said he and the other founders of the company had a vision of an accessible theater event that would bring together people of all ages and levels of exposure to theater, with no limitations to the economically disadvantaged or physically challenged. In 2000, the company made its debut with `Twelfth Night.` Since then, Finlay said, the company has tried to alternate serious and comedic fare every summer, depending on the professionals involved.
This year, a grant from the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust of Saratoga Springs has enabled the company to design and construct the Alfred Z. Solomon Stage.
`We are absolutely thrilled about the grant. A permanent stage gives us a quality playing area and enables our directors and actors to work more confidently,` Finlay said. `Since we debuted in 2000 with a production of ‘Twelfth Night,’ the company’s mission has been to establish a tradition of free professional Shakespearean productions to all who live and visit Saratoga Springs during the summer season. With a permanent stage, we increase our contribution to the cultural life of the community.`
This summer’s production of `Much Ado About Nothing` marks the debut of the permanent, portable playing space. Designed by members of the company, and constructed by Finlay, the stage aims at a modern version of the playing areas of Shakespeare’s time, at the Globe and other theaters. It features twin doors for exits and entrances; raised platforms for balcony scenes; a trapdoor for ghosts, graves and pits; and a hidden `discovery` area.
`We hope it provides the audience a sense of what it was like to watch Shakespeare’s plays in 1600 ` by daylight in the open air, with your imagination joining with the actors speaking this beautiful language to create theatrical magic,` said Finlay.
Finlay thanks his supporters and encourages everyone to come to the park and enjoy some Shakespeare.
`We get a lot of support. We have a very loyal fan base, but we always love to see new faces,` he said.
`Much Ado About Nothing` will be performed on the Alfred Z. Solomon Stage in historic Congress Park Tuesday through Saturday, July 24-28, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, July 29, at 2 p.m.
Saratoga Shakespeare’s productions are performed at no cost to the audience. Donations are accepted after the show on a `pass the hat` basis. No tickets are needed. Audience is first come, first served and more than 1,000 can be accommodated each day.
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