The ShakesDown

ApCo Alumni Enjoying Being "At" the Park rather than "In" the Park.

2009-08-28T17:00:00.002-05:00

Photo by Brenda Sparks, August 27, 2009

Some Closing Thoughts From ApCo 2009

2009-08-24T13:14:00.004-05:00

The Cast of The Taming of The Shrew - Apprentice Company 2009, Photo by Jeff Frazier

Demark Grant, ApCo student 2009

Father Ryan School class of 2009, entering University of Tennessee, Knoxville

"The difference between school and life? In school, you're
taught a lesson and then given a test.
In life, you're given a test that teaches
you a lesson."

And man, what a lesson it was! Before entering ApCo, I was hot off the heels ofportraying Seabee #7 in South Pacific, and prior to that, embracing the lunacy of aboundless General Harrington in M*A*S*H. Shrew was going to be my first non-bit role, and in an arena like no other: the fabled, oft mythologized (Nashville)Centennial Park. I had never played an unabashed romantic like Lucentio. Many of my early ideas centered on comic execution, rather than narrative necessity. So Brenda (our wonderful director) had to steer me back on course a few times, inform me of my narrative function, and remind me that the comedy of the piece is rooted in the earnestness of the character's attempting to achieve their objectives, rather than something that may look funny but deter from that authenticity. The most significant evolution has been the maturation of my craft as a live performer. Theater is focus, focus, focus. Undoubtedly, I execute my art with a higher level of truth, precision, and clarity. I must say: I am going to miss the time spent this summer as an Apprentice Company member. There's nothing like being a member of a talented troupe and opening a show every night to a crowd of over a thousand people.

Joseph Stanley, Senior at McGavock High School

Apprentice Company has been a wonderful and exciting experience. I have gotten to know and befriend many others who share my passion. I have been able to play with an ensemble full of mature, intelligent, and exuberant young adults. As a young man with a passion for acting, ApCo has assured me that this is what I live for, and what I want to do for the rest my life.

Last Weekend to See Taming of The Shrew

2009-08-20T08:29:00.001-05:00

Thoughts On The First Weekend from Meredith and Diego

2009-08-17T14:46:00.009-05:00

Performing in "Taming of the Shrew" this first week was the most exhilarating,tiring, wonderful, hottest, grooviest time I've ever had. I can't wait for next weekend!!- Meredith Locke, Belmont University

From what I have learned from doing theatre so far, is that no show is ever the same. The cast is always learning or, adapting to their environment and basically just growing. It does not matter how many times you have rehearsed a show, what ever it is, it will always change with an audience. Our opening night was fantastic because of our amazingly energetic audience. Every actor on stage feeds off of the audience's energy just as much if not more than our audience feeds off of the actors.

The second night was a good lesson in teaching us that we can still make mistakes and wrong choices, but as human beings, who happen to be actors, we learn from them. We pulled through with good energy even though we had a few technical difficulties. Saturday night we had explosive energy thanks again to our magnificent audience. We gave them all we had and they just ate it up. It is shows like these and moments that I notice that will never happen again on stage, that cause me to love and crave to pursue theatre as a career. I love every second/aspect of the theatre world and cannot see myself doing anything else. - Diego Gomez

Say it Hot, or Say it Not - Catlin Kelly on Commitment

2009-08-08T07:40:00.009-05:00

Catlin Kelly as Kate in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (Ben Reed as Petrucio in background) - Photo Brenda Sparks

I am so grateful to once again be a member of the Nashville ShakespeareFestival's Apprentice Company; so grateful for another opportunity to workwith and be taught by such interesting, intelligent, and inspiring individuals.

To spend a summer in the park is sort of like building a tree house in the highest, fruitiest branches of the proverbial Tree of Knowledge. The feat is not easy: it requires energy and drive and awillingness to learn, but if one is truly COMMITTED to absorbing all that the experience has to offer, the fruit will fall in abundance. In fact, if I had to use only one word to describe the most importantand useful thing I've learned this summer in ApCo it would be this: COMMITMENT.

Being a successful member of the Apprentice Company requires commitment, being an artist requires commitment, and, perhaps most importantly in this case, performing Shakespeare requires commitment. Commitment is of course an important concept in any artistic environment,but it seems especially necessary this summer. This summer we are facing not only the usual summer heat, but also the lagging support for the arts due to the bad economy, a smaller budget, a large ensemble encompassing many ages and levels of experience, a short rehearsal period, and an incrediblychallenging text. The odds, it seems, would be against us, but fully committed, there are no odds. I stand by the words Petruchio speaks in act one of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, "Think you a little din can daunt mine ears?"

This summer I have witnessed everyone involved in this summer's productions, from the ApCo members, to the professional actors, to the directors, to the designers and the technicians, rise magnificently to the occasion and commit. And out of this commitment comes constant discovery, endless possibility, truth, comedy,wisdom, awareness, and true connection. In just the past month I have spentt raining with the Apprentice Company and rehearsing for THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, I have realized that any challenge can be faced confidently and successfully if there is a true commitment on my part.

Personally, my greatest challenge this summer has been the text of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW itself. Shrew is a funny play, but it is also, when taken purely on it's literal, surface level, quite misogynistic. The challenge of putting on this show in modern times is how to work within a text and tell a story that is about love, union, and transformation rather than submission, misogyny, and male-domination. At first I was scared out of my mind. How could it be possible? I might be able to justify the story in my head, but how could it possibly be communicated to the audience? The answer was commitment. If I am committed to the story as we are interpreting it, committed to my goals and objectives in each scene, committed to clearly telling the story to the audience, then it is impossible to go astray.

Just as if an ApCo member is committed to learning, it is impossible that he or she won't learn anything. However, it's not as though I stumbled theoretically upon this answer in my little head. I came to the conclusion that commitment is key both onstageand off by seeing examples of true dedication and commitment all around me. Seeing Brenda Sparks, our wonderful director, being totally and utterly committed to the story and totally committed to our interpretation of it. Seeing the professional actors commit their full days to working on two shows, and never giving less than their all even at nine o'clock at night when they've been on their feet for nearly twelve hours. Seeing our amazing costume designer June Kingsbury put in endless andendlessly stellar work, never ceasing to making our costumes better and better. Seeing ApCo members in minor roles commit to so fully to theircharacters that they come up with fascinating and thorough backstories fully supported by the text. Also, seeing the staff of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival; Artistic Director, Denice Hicks, Executive Director, Nancy VanReece and Producer Robert Marigza, and other Festival volunteers devoted completely to Saving Our Shakespeare.

Witnessing all of this commitment is proof enough that it is fully committing to something, no matter how silly or outrageous, not matter off stage or on, no matter whether you are committing to shrieks of fury or utter silence, commitment is that action that opens the doors of the most opportunity. As D.H.Lawrence said, "when genuine passions moves ou, say what you've got to say,and say it hot." That is commitment.

Social Networking Intern Erika Berger Interviews Students Rehearsing At The Park

2009-08-06T12:30:00.002-05:00

Miranda Fisher on The Creative Process

2009-07-29T14:22:00.013-05:00

photo by Brenda Sparks
pictured: Paige Gober, Diego Gomez, Miranda Fisher

I’m continually amazed by the strength and creative expression that theatre allows. The cast of Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s Shakespeare in the Park 2009 production of Taming of the Shrew is comprised of a generous assortment of differing individuals. The youngest being a fourteen year old student and the oldest being a well experienced teacher, it has been a highly advantageous learning experience in each element of the spectrum. I’m learning so much from everyone. It simultaneously reminds me of how inexperienced I am and how much I’ve already learned in such a short amount of time. Last summer, my first time being in the Apprentice Company, was my first real exposure to Shakespeare. I remember at the beginning of my sophomore year being embarrassed that I was unable to name five Shakespearean plays. I was terrified of Shakespeare! But now, only two years later, I’m thrilled to tear apart and analyze any of his text.

The first day of Apprentice Company training I was filled with heaps of nervous energy and apprehension. I’m not some fanatic believer in Murphy’s Law, but the first day of training a couple major things went wrong. One of our workshops fell through because the instructor's wife had a baby that morning! But like a Shakespearean superhero, Nashville Shakes Artistic Director, Denice Hicks made an impromptu text based workshop. I’m constantly reminded of the fortune theatre provides even in the midst of unfortunate happenings.

Nashville Shakes has lost numerous sponsors and support due to this distasteful economy. We’re fighting against the odds, but it’s all good. My experience this summer has been filled little potholes of the like but it seems that, with a little flexibility, anything can be mended.
To say the least, our training went exceptionally well. After we all were acquainted with one another, we chose monologues to rehearse, and began a series of Viewpoint exercises. Anne Bogart’s Viewpoint exercises have been the foundation for our character development, and the creation of our ensemble. Thanks to Viewpoints Brenda Sparks, our director, has been able to effectively communicate broad ideas. We’ve mainly focused on ideas of shape, spatial relationship, tempo, architecture and topography. Viewpoints is an essential part of our creative process.
We just completed our second day of blocking rehearsal and have made it through the entire first act. (With only two weeks of rehearsal , we’re making great time!) Over the next two weeks we’ll be finishing the blocking, exploring specific character interactions and layering in the technical aspects of the show. We’ve already got some groovy costumes, thanks to June Kingsbury. I cannot wait to make it to opening night. Everything is coming together so quickly.

Dude, ApCo has been such an essential part of my growth as an actor and human being. It’s offered such and opportune learning experience. Donations, please! Keep this program around! Young people need this exposure to Shakespeare and the arts.
Miranda Fisher, ApCo 2008, 2009

Alex Spieth talks about her Directing Apprenticeship

2009-07-22T14:39:00.008-05:00

Hello from ApC0 Training!

I have been in two previous Apprentice Companies (in 2006 and 2007) and performed in “Macbeth”, “Merry Wives of Windsor”, and “Two Gentlemen of Verona”.

I have loved Apprentice Company and I believe that any actor MUST/SHOULD AUDITION (for the program) because I grew TONS through the experience. This year I auditioned again but this time as Directing Apprentice for “Taming of the Shrew”. I was ecstatic to discover that I would again get to work with such talented actors and receive the incredible training of Apprentice Company, but I was even more excited to look at Shakespeare through another angle, this time of Directing.

Before Apprentice Company, Brenda Sparks (ApCo and Shrew Director) gave fellow ApCo student Markus McClain and I topics (such as “Social History of the late 1960s and 1970s” or “Themes on Taming of the Shrew”) to research and make presentations to help enlighten the actors on the time period and happenings of where and when the show is set and elucidate the textual work.

So away I went to the Library and began the process of research. It felt so good to feel like I was helping serve as dramaturge and maybe was getting the show more grounded about the times on the late 1960s and early 1970s. Once I arrived as an Apprentice on the fateful first Monday of training, I was nervous about feeling a disconnect with the group. I was nervous about being THAT GIRL who arrived with informational posters aplenty for the first day. But under the guidance of Denice (Hicks, Nashville Shakespeare Festival Artistic Director) and Brenda I never felt isolation.

The Directing Apprentices and the Stage Managing Apprentice were encouraged to participate in all activities—Sometimes I felt ungrounded due to my lack of assigned character, but mostly I had the freedom to create a new character each time we did an exercise, actually feeling freed by my lack of text. As Directing Apprentice, I am still able to participate in all of the incredible explorations with monologue work, vocal training, stage combat (with my boy Gus Gillette!), and dancing. Doing training with the acting apprentices firstly helps create a friendly relationship and secondly creates a common language for the show that everyone understands.

Instead of only waiting for my own discoveries about an individual character, I try to watch to discover the other actors make discoveries. I want to be fairly in tune with the characters they create so when the time comes I can help Brenda mold inspiring viewpoints work into THE REAL SHOW! Watching the actors is inspiring, because people I have known for years still shock me with their talent and bold acting choices and people I hadn’t met before create character habits I would never be able to think of. I feel very close to the other apprentices and can’t wait to see them truly take on scenes and create the “Taming”; they are talented beyond belief.

The next part of the plan for me is to work scenes for twenty minutes before Brenda works them onstage at the band shell, to clear up questions on the script and give the actors another set of eyes. We move from Studio A at the Npt Arts Center to Centennial Park next week!

I am so excited to help this wonderful show develop and get to participate in Shakespeare in the Park again (because it makes for WONDERFUL SUMMERS AND TRAINING EXPERIENCE) before heading to college. APCO FOREVER!
Love, Alex

Lindsey, Alex and Markus Show Off New Comedic Fight Skillz

2009-07-21T17:19:00.002-05:00

First Week of Training Wraps

2009-07-19T10:26:00.010-05:00

Hello everyone! J.R. Knowles here with your ApCo 09 blog update. This is my second year in The Apprentice Company, following being in CORIOLANUS last year, and it's exhilarating to be back! There's such a huge disparity between the first week of this year's training and last year's training, at least from my perspective. Last year, walking into the NPT Arts Center, home of The Nashville Shakespeare Festival, for just the third time (the first and second being auditions and callbacks) was unfamiliar and intimidating; this year it feels like coming back home. After a very busy year's time, I had forgotten just how much I missed working with Nashville Shakes! It seems to be a magnet for all the most illuminating teachers, talented professionals, and eager theatre students.

watch the Npt Arts Break Feature on Nashville Shakes Education Work

On that subject, it's so incredible to be around all my old friends again! Being around all these talented and familiar faces helped jump start me mentally and got me right back in the saddle very quickly. While most of this year's apprentices I've known or met in some in some fashion prior to training, the new friends we're all making is icing on top of the Shakespearean cake. If the packed callback wasn't enough proof, all the new apprentices this year is proof of just how much young talent middle Tennessee has to offer.

Alright then, the training. This year, for myself and at least last year's apprentices, is a mix of review and wholly, completely different training. Er, let me explain. This year marks a return to Viewpoints work. The monologues work we've started on is also a similar but wonderful system of presentation, Q and A, and constructive feedback. However, the aspects of this year's training pertaining specifically to our Groovy Shrew is quite different from what we did to bring Rome to Nashville last year.

Needless to say, this year's Shakespeare in the Park may find a marked decrease in the amount of gratuitous blood and staff-on-club combat :). Amongst watching an Episode of Laugh-In that had us all in stitches(It's Sock it to Me Time!*punch*) and a trip back through Time magazines, we got in a fantastic stage combat lesson with David Wilkerson, with more of a focus on comedy than raw violence. Thursday, we were all treated to a groove-tastic dance lesson with the especially groovy Rowena Aldridge. Just another perk of Apprentice Company!

I mean, honestly, where else are you going to see pieces from HAMLET and KING LEAR one day, and immediately the next day learn everything from The Madison to the Monster Mash?

In summary, J.R. Knowles is alive and thoroughly enjoying every moment of the 2009 Apprentice Company. Stay groovy!

2009-07-16T10:38:00.000-05:00

A student's thoughts on the first 3 days of training

2009-07-16T08:30:00.006-05:00

photo by Brenda Sparks

From ApCo member David Corlew:

We are now three days into the first week of Apprentice Company training. Two ideas have dominated for me so far: a continual process of self reflection and the importance of a wholly connected ensemble.

The first idea, that we should always be probing deeply to learn more about ourselves and how that affects our interactions with the world, comes up in two daily activities.

We warmup each morning with a short yoga routine to center and quiet our focus, and wejournal once a day, writing without pause in a "stream of conscienceness" style to answer quesitons like, "Who am I?" "What are my causes in life?" or "What moves me to action?" There's an obvious benefit in forcing yourself to come to terms with who you are. But in thinking about these answers for ourselves, we are also practicing a mode of observance that every actor uses in trying to create characters. If we are honest, which we try to be by writing without reserve, our answers will make us feel both good and bad, revealing traits we like and traits we don't like, nobility and shallowness together; and this is a reminder of the complexity of all human beings and thus all characters. That's not to make the training sound isolating - really, it is anything but. The group is very open and feels very connected, both while working and during breaks (for VitaminWater10...added by mangement ha!).

Another daily activity is Viewpoints work, which is too complicated to try to explain in one online blog entry (or really any number of online blog entries). Suffice it to say that it gets us thinking about the physicality of our characters. It is a way to begin working on the outer manifestations of whoa character is - how they walk, what their posture is like, etc. - by actually doing it. It really breaks down barriers in the group and makes everyone comfortable. Instead of feeling self conscious, or wondering if what you're doing is right (or worse, convincing yourself you have some more thinking to do before you try doing something) you are forced to jump the gun and try something. Plus you benefit from watching what seventeen other people are trying. All that takes place in the morning.

The afternoons vary every day - Monday we worked on textual analysis (working through the poetry of Shakespeare's plays and identifying how that poetry can even direct us to clues about who our characters are), Tuesday we watched Laugh-In (our inspiration for the setting of our TAMING OF THE SHREW) and looked through magazines from the '60s for ideas about our characters, and Wednesday we did stage combat (!). Theory is a tempting weed to action. In math, I always like to understand every facet of every tool I am using to solve a problem before I start trying the problem. Fifteen minutes later, when I'm fifteen problems behind my classmates, I normally give in to just working each problem and find that I pick up (at least most of) the theory that way. In relationships, we sometimes obsess over the best way to approach bumps in the road, but the decision all that thinking pointed toward is so often thwarted or transformed (you pick the slant you like) when it is put in the hands of the friend we're trying to patch things up with. Thinking is most rewarding when coupled with action. It's often hard, in shows, for me to jump overthe hurdle of first trying what I've thought about my character. So far the coolest thing ApCo has done for me is force me to jump that hurdle immediately and really quite effortlessly. It's not that theory or thinking is bad, but it's strongerwhen coupled with action. When one actor has an idea, that idea won't reach its full potential unless the actor brings it into the real world, where it is vulnerable to be shaped by other actors and constantly evolve. It is this sort of organic possibility to which Viewpoints helps open up our group. It sounds pretty obvious now that it's spelled out plainly here, but it was a very striking revelation to me earlier about how important it is to have courage to shoves omething out there and availability to work with what's being shoved back."

Gathering Up For Day 1

2009-07-13T11:54:00.000-05:00

Everything is Groovy This Year

2009-06-29T13:51:00.006-05:00

The 10th class of The Apprentice Company has been selected and everyone is gearing up for for a wonderful summer. Training begins July 14, 2009.

Follow this blog for information about the process from the student's POV.

This year, ApCo students will join with the professionals in a Shakespeare in the Park production of a 1970s Laugh-In inspired THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, directed by Brenda Sparks.

The performances will run Thursday-Sunday for the first 2 of the 5 weekends of the 22nd Annual Shakespeare in the Park, produced by The Nashville Shakespeare Festival.

Here is a Calendar

The 2009 Class of The Byron & Beth Smith Apprentice Company

Ricardo Beaird
David Corlew
Lee Daniel
Kylie Davis
Miranda Fisher
Diego Gomez
Denmark Grant
Paige Gober
Caitlin Kelly
John Ryan Knowles
Meredith Locke
Veronica Longo
Markus McClain
Lindsey Myrick
Haley Oldham
Mariah Parris
Alex Spieth
Joseph Stanley
Cody Woodside

Final Curtain Call

2008-09-09T15:16:00.004-05:00

I can’t believe this was the last week of performances. Our Friday night performance was rained out, but the apprentice company handled their responsibilities swiftly and efficiently. There were a few faithful audience members who were willing to wait it out with their umbrellas, but Mother Nature wouldn’t let us do the show. Fortunately, this was the only performance that was rained out for the whole run.

On Saturday afternoon the cast and crew gathered for a barbeque. It was so nice to spend the afternoon together eating and hanging out. The technical crew prepared an award ceremony for everyone to see at the barbeque. Brenda Sparks, from the professional cast, got a trophy for being the best microphone hunter. Many other awards were presented, and everyone enjoyed the Shakespearean Christopher Walken skit courtesy of Patrick Waller and Sam Spanjian.
Saturday night was absolutely fabulous! Audience members started vocalizing along with us during the opening protest, and the energy level was buzzing. Sunday night was great as well. There was a huge crowd and we had an amazing final show.

I have learned an incomparable amount of knowledge from being in the Apprentice company. When I think about all the loving and talented people I have met, and the experience I gained, I realize that I wouldn’t trade this for anything in the world. I learned so much about acting and the other departments involved in theatre. Besides that, I’ve discovered a lot about myself as well.From the nervous energy of the first day of training with Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s education department at NPT’s Studio A, the scorching hot combat training at Roy Cox’s farm, and bonding with the professional cast, this summer has truly been a journey.

I never would’ve believed how close we’d all become if you tried to tell me the first day at training. Saying goodbye to everyone was so hard to do, we are one big family now. I know that this isn’t really the end, and the bonds we’ve formed will hold strong for the rest of our lives. Thank you to everyone who helped and guided us along the way. I love you all so much and look forward to seeing you again.

-Maddie Hicks, Harpeth Hall

Week Two of Performances

2008-09-03T14:33:00.003-05:00

Week Two of Coriolanus performances started off a little slow, but that was probably because of the three-day break we had. Energy was down on Thursday, but we brought it all back up by the end of the show. Friday was a good show and the combat scenes went really well.

We were missing our fellow Apprentice Company member, little AW (AshleyWhite) Brothers, we were very thankful Emily was prepared to step in for her. Coincidentally, Emily was absent Saturday and AW had to fill in for her. Both girls did a great job taking on each other’s roles.

Saturday was our best night, the energy level of the cast was incredible and was only increased by the energy from the huge audience we had. Everything seemed to go so smoothly, and the audience just loved all of it. Sunday seemed to lag a little more than Saturday, but the energy was brought back up by intermission.

I think that during this week we, as a cast, grew stronger and more together. It is amazing how relationships grow so fast with people in such a short time. Being part of Apprentice Company is such an amazing experience it is almost impossible to put into words. What I can say is that the Apprentice Company will change your life completely for the better.

-Diego Gomez, graduate of Nashville School of the Arts

Week Two of Rehearsals

2008-08-12T13:43:00.003-05:00

We just finished our second week of rehearsal for our production of Coriolanus. We’ve put so much time, effort, sweat and fake blood into this play, which makes it seem like we’ve been rehearsing for much longer than two weeks!

I could go on for hours explaining all we cover in just one rehearsal. This week we focused on every aspect of the production. We finished roughing through all of the blocking for both acts. To be expected, as the week went on numerous changes were made. After blocking the play, we did a couple walk-throughs of what we had established. This allowed us to get a better sense of the flow of the play, and to make changes where they were needed. We also spent time this week working through the scenes individually, polishing the acting and really getting into the core of what was happening in each scene. Our director, Mark Cabus, describes the process as “building up the play, tearing it all down, and then building it up again.” It was beautiful the way bits and pieces of a script started to morph into a work of art.

As the play started to come together, technical aspects of the production also began to take shape. It was amazing to watch all of the lights being put into their places. Seeing the cords, tape, and fresh paint brought a smile to my face. We are less than a week from opening night! I don’t think the words exist to explain the feeling; perhaps an insane mix between exhaustion and euphoria is the best way to describe it. For obvious reasons, I was dreading our 12 hour Saturday rehearsal. Spending all day in the park heat, sweating, and working all day didn’t seem nearly as appealing as sleeping. I was shocked at how quickly the time passed and how much fun I had. When we first arrived we were fitted for costumes, something everyone has been waiting for. The costumes are so awesome! We did scene work, a read-through, and then we began a technical run-through of the play. During the run-through we stumbled upon some problems but in my opinion, it went wonderfully. I feel that it was one of the most successful rehearsals yet. I left that night in awe and with an incredible amount of excitement. I know that quite a few members of the cast share my eagerness for an audience. We’re all so excited to show everyone what we’ve been passionately working on for weeks. When the Apprentice Company first joined the primary cast, we had already spent two weeks training together. In no way was Apprentice Company training a boot camp of any sorts. We had built relationships and developed countless inside jokes, all while learning an inconceivable amount. I felt I could spend the rest of my life working on Shakespeare’s text, doing movement exercises, and of course eating delicious meals provided by Whole Foods. I will admit that I was a little apprehensive about joining the primary cast and actually working on the play. I thought that maybe professional actors would somehow ruin atmosphere that we, the Apprentice Company, had developed. As these last two weeks flew by I have to say that I couldn’t have been more wrong. The adults have added a wonderful element of experience that has been such a joy to learn from and to watch. It’s such a rush to have the opportunity to hear their thoughts on how to approach certain aspects of their character or of a scene. It’s phenomenal.

I feel so incredibly grateful to be experiencing this. So, thank you to everyone involved in our Apprentice Company training and everyone involved in this production. This is a summer that I will never forget. I can’t wait for the next opportunity to expand and grow from all that I’ve learned. I can’t believe this is only the half way mark.

By Miranda Fisher, Nashville School of the Arts

Rehearsals Begin

2008-08-05T08:56:00.003-05:00

I can’t believe it’s only been one week since our first rehearsal! I feel like I’ve been in the park with the adult actors for months. It’s surprising how fast relationships grow when you’re bonding in the hot Nashville sun. At the end of last week’s Apprentice Company training, I felt like one of the best experiences of my life had just ended. But when I walked into the bandshell Monday afternoon to begin rehearsals, I realized it was really only the beginning.

Saturday was a read-through which was exciting. It was my first chance to meet the actors and actually see what the play was about. It was one of the most interesting read-throughs I have ever been to because the actors switched parts. Sweet Valeria was reading the part of warrior Coriolanus, while big Sicinius was reading the part of motherly Volumnia. Needless to say, during some parts it was hard to hold back giggles! On Monday and Tuesday we began choreographing the major fight scenes throughout the play. When I first heard the schedule, I was terrified. Last week I had gotten a taste of fighting at Roy’s farm and let’s just say I was not a natural fighter. It turns out I had nothing to fear, for the more skilled actors were always willing to slow it down or help me learn a new move. They were really nice about it and never became impatient.

The rest of the week was spent blocking the play and getting to know our characters. All of the Apprentice Company students are part of the huge city mob in the production. It’s a great part to play because the commoners are just learning their own strength. They are in a new position where they are in charge, and it is cool to see them test their boundaries. On Sunday we were given the chance to go to Whole Foods to perform our monologues. I was so nervous because it felt like training was decades ago. In the audience I could see friends, classmates, and even some of the adult actors who had come to watch! It felt great that our fellow Coriolanus actors had come to support us.

The play is just beginning to take its form and it is looking awesome. I am so proud that I get to be in such a great production which such talented actors. I am learning more than I thought was possible, and I am grateful to be given the chance. It seems that at the end of the day the sweaty clothes, sunburned skin and bags under my eyes are worth it!

- Lindsey Myrick, student at Harpeth Hall

The cast choreographs a fight scene during rehearsals in Centennial Park.

Apprentice Company Training - Week Two

2008-07-31T14:46:00.007-05:00

Apprentice Company members take a break during stage combat boot camp.

The second week of Apprentice Company training led us one long van ride out of Nashville to Westmoreland, the home of Roy Cox, our fight choreographer. Imagine the biggest, baddest, most intimidating man you can think of. Now, give him a beard and a great sense of humor. That’s Uncle Roy, a Marine and ten time world jousting champion. Last Monday and Tuesday the Apprentice Company and the adult staff worked with Roy, learning hand-to-hand, staff, and club stage combat. With the combined companies moving in unison to Roy's instructions, it looked like we had a real Roman army on our hands. We even got to choreograph some one-on-one fights of our own! Uncle Roy deserves a big hand for all his hospitality and teachings over the course of our combat training.

On Wednesday, we had the privilege of working with Christopher Brown, Coriolanus himself, on sound production. We had worked previously on communicating through body movement and position using the techniques Claire Syler (Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s Education Director) and Denice Hicks (Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s Artistic Director), had taught us, but communicating through man-made percussion and vocal production was a pretty new experience. We created scenes based on death, judgment, battle, and animals. He then taught us a Stanislavsky technique of warming up the mind and body known as “The Cat”, a series of fierce body movements and sounds meant to both center and limber up the body. I've been trying to do it at least once a day, but I just can't get past the standing frog move! It was a lot of fun working with Chris. Working with and learning from seasoned actors is one of my favorite things about my Apprentice Company training.

Thursday was the Apprentice Company's dress rehearsal for the unveiling of our monologues. We practiced introducing ourselves to our audience before delivering. We then presented our monologues to the entire Apprentice Company and received praise and constructive criticism. Chris Brown was even able to come in for a bit and watch some of us. Friday was show time, the lifting of the curtain to show off our monologues to an audience of parents, Nashville Shakespeare Festival staff, board members and Apprentice Company alumni. Everybody gave a great show and gave it their all when it came time to present. A celebration was in order! The after party was a great reunion of past Apprentice Company members with current, and with sugary snacks galore. There was a powerful feeling of brotherhood and camaraderie between the Apprentices that I won't forget. We've worked, played, bared our souls, and formed great friendships together over the past two weeks. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world.

And so, our Apprentice Company training ends! We received Apprentice Company certificates and some really awesome Coriolanus t-shirts, with “Apprentice Company” written on the back to commemorate our training and special place in the show. So, 50+ hours down, 175+ hours to go. The training may be over, but the show is just beginning! We move to Centennial Park Monday to join with the adult cast and start rehearsals in earnest.

- J.R. Knowles, Rising Senior at Wilson Central High School

Special thanks to Whole Foods for a hot lunch and snacks for everyone and to Vitamin Water for keeping everyone hydrated! See the Apprentice Company students perform their monologues at WHOLE FOODS GREEN HILLS this Sunday, August 3, from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

2008 Apprentice Company Training Begins

2008-07-24T13:00:00.001-05:00

Playwright John Patrick Shanley once said that “theater is the safe place to do the unsafe thing.” As the first week of Apprentice Company (ApCo) training began, I definitely felt like I was doing the ‘unsafe thing!’ Being the oldest member of ApCo this year, my nerves were running pretty high as I stepped into my first day. I expected that I would have a hard time fitting in with the younger folks and that it would take a couple days to start feeling comfortable. I was totally wrong. As we got going with our ice-breaking games and morning yoga exercises, it felt like we were all opening up more and more to what everyone else was bringing to the table. Even by just introducing ourselves through our own personal gestures, we learned more about one another and accepted each person in the group right from the start.

From there, we’ve begun to explore our limitations as an ensemble and as individuals. This week for me has been about taking risks and knowing that this environment is a safe place to try new things with my monologues or in a group exercise without the fear of being shot down or laughed at. We get constructive and very polite criticism where we need it as well as praise for things that we hit the mark on. What’s even more exciting about all the work we’re doing is that we’re all excited for one another. You can’t help thinking “that was so awesome” each time you see others around you create and make so many different kinds of discoveries!

For week two of our training, we’ll be traveling with the professional cast to our fight director, Roy Cox’s, studio to continue our stage combat training which I’m very excited about. There is so much stuff we’ve already learned in our workshops with Roy this past week: different kinds of punches and slaps, tumbling, pushing and pulling. Trust me; it’s all a lot of fun. The physical exercises we’ve done have also helped me so much in understanding how my body works and how I can use it onstage. Yoga and Suzuki have helped the most in finding out how to focus my mind and center my energy so that I’m ready for anything and can stay in the moment at the same time.

That, in a rather lengthy nutshell, is what has affected me most from this first week in the Apprentice Company. I can’t believe that it’s only the beginning!

- Jillian Frame, Rising Senior at Trevecca Nazarene University

Apprentice Company Responses

2007-10-08T15:52:00.000-05:00

“These two weeks have influenced the way I view the acting world more than any other experience. Apprentice Company has taught me so much, from monologue development to juggling to ensemble awareness. Thank you!”
-Tommy Harless, Montgomery Bell Academy Sophomore

“For the second year in a row I’ve had the distinct honor and enjoyment of working with some of the most talented young artists in the area. Apprentice Company not only enriched our experiences, it shifted our attitudes, sharpened our abilities, and helped us discover connections that will last for years to come, which will ultimately enhance the local community. On a personal level, I learned to juggle, sword fight, audition, improvise, direct and share a story for an audience. I look forward to another show in the Park!”
-Ben Greaves, West Wilson County High School Graduate
The University of the South Freshman

“While I often find myself in the position of an outsider, this year’s Apprentice Company truly provided me with an opportunity to learn a wealth of information and take a myriad of risks without fear of rejection. I cannot think of a time where it seemed that the only consequence of your action was to get another opportunity to aim for success. I’d heartily recommend the Apprentice Company to anyone considering it.”
-Zack McCann, Father Ryan High School Graduate
Belmont University Freshman

“Apprentice Company has been one of the greatest acting experiences of my life. I’ve learned to juggle, clown and be vulnerable and open. Combat has been great and will benefit me for years to come.”
-Sam Spanjian, Community High School Senior

“This Apprentice Company experience was amazing. I had no idea what I was getting into, and no idea that I would have this much fun! Everyone is insightful, intelligent and a joy to be around. I’ve bonded with this ensemble more than any other. In the course of two weeks I’ve learned so much about theater, clowning, my fellow cast mates and myself. I’m amazed that in so little time I’ve been affected this much. I will take this training and apply it to future acting jobs and life.”
-Ricardo Beaird, Nashville School of the Arts Senior

“Apprentice Company has aided me beyond belief. Each day has been jammed with new and challenging exercises, eye-opening vocal training and ensemble building that has made me love each and every ensemble member. I cannot thank the faculty enough for inspiring me and allowing me to feel comfortable. I would advise and encourage everyone to take this leap and join Apprentice Company. I am so grateful!”
-Savannah Frazier, Hume Fogg High School Senior

“Being part of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s Apprentice Company has been an awesome experience. Through working with professional actors and working with my fellow Apprentice Company members, I have learned to take risks both in my acting and in my life. The various responsibilities Apprentice Company gives have helped prepare me for other aspects of my life that will require more responsibility as I grow older. Apprentice Company has been fun, and I have made friends that I will keep with me for years to come.”
-Christy White, Nashville School of the Arts Graduate
Transylvania University Freshman

“I loved the ensemble feeling of the Apprentice Company. I learned so much – not only about myself, but also about how to work and create in an ensemble. I became more confident and comfortable with myself and my art as a result of the Apprentice Company training, everything from Viewpoints to pratfalls to intensive monologue work. Every minute was worth it!”
-Caitlin Kelly, Nashville School of the Arts Senior

“This has been my second year in the Apprentice Company. I came in feeling confident that I knew the ropes and I wouldn’t be thrown for a loop. After the second day I realized I was in for another great journey. I feel so accepted by the other ensemble members. I learned how to truly become a clown and a better person. Apprentice Company is an excellent opportunity to get to know the Nashville theater community and to learn about yourself, not only as an actor but as a human being. After being instructed by actors in Nashville, one leaves with not only an audition monologue but a new confidence in oneself as an actor.”
-Alex Spieth, University School of Nashville Junior

“The 2007 Apprentice Company gave me the means to be the best possible. After some difficult high school days, Apprentice Company reminded me that no matter how hard you fall you can still get up to fall harder. Whenever someone made a mistake, the group lifted them. The Apprentice Company training was a refreshing step into success through vocal coaching, clown training and pratfalling!”
-Brad Burns, Home School Senior

“I have learned so much doing the Apprentice Company training. Firstly with voice, I learned how to use my diaphragm. I really enjoyed the clowning, where I learned about direct communication through acting and relentless commitment to the character’s motive. I really thought it was challenging to bring the text to life, but in the end the training paid off and was very beneficial.”
-Anna Millard, University School of Nashville Sophomore

“Apprentice Company is, in all honesty, the best thing that has happened to my acting. In the 2006 company we learned control; this year we learned to let go of control and let the words take over. I am a more open and less timid actor because of the Apprentice Company.”
-Steven Berryessa, Home School Graduate
Watkins College of Art & Design Freshman

“As an acting and directing apprentice, I’ve had so many opportunities to grow in this summer’s program. As an actor, I’ve been allowed and encouraged to go out of my comfort zone and explore. This has opened up a whole new world of possibilities to me and has made me feel more secure as an artist. As a director, I’ve had priceless experience coaching my peers, and I know that there is no other program where my advice would be as welcomed. This program never fails to inspire me, and it makes me grow not only as an artist, but also as a person.”
-Cassie Tesauro, Nashville School of the Arts Senior

2007-08-31T13:51:00.000-05:00

The City Paper

THEATER REVIEW

Outrageous comedy finds love in Milan
NSF Apprentice Co. shows ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’

BY AMY STUMPFL
astumpfl@nashvillecitypaper.com

As one of Shakespeare’s earliest works, The Two Gentlemen of Verona offers a whimsical story of young love and friendship. So who better to stage such a lighthearted play than the Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s Byron and Beth Smith Apprentice Company?

Featuring 15 talented teens, as well as a number of professional stage veterans, The Two Gentlemen of Verona incorporates a fanciful circus theme – complete with colorful clown costumes, silly sound effects and plenty of onstage antics.

The play introduces us to lifelong friends Valentine and Proteus – the two gentlemen to which the title refers – who travel to Milan in search of their fortunes. Instead, their friendship is tested when the fickle Proteus falls for Valentine’s beloved Silvia. Of course true love prevails, but not without the obligatory series of comic complications, including everything from a botched elopement and a merry band of outlaws to a heartbroken female character forced to disguise herself as a man.

Directed by NSF’s Education Outreach Coordinator Claire Syler, Two Gentlemen maintains a lively pace while showcasing the considerable talents of the young ensemble.

Standouts include Sam Spanjian and Steven Berryessa as Valentine and Proteus respectively. Savannah Frazier (as the lovely Silvia) and Christy White (as poor jilted Julia) offer memorable performances, managing to hold their own against outrageous male counterparts.

But as with many of Shakespeare’s works, the servants provide much of the wisdom – and most of the laughs. In this regard, Alex Spieth is excellent as Valentine’s loyal Speed, delivering tongue-twisting dialogue with a wink and a smile.

Likewise Chris Baldwin is hilarious as the dim-witted Launce, working the enthusiastic audience to maximum effect with a seemingly endless stream of puns – and with a little help from a dog named Crab. Indeed, the pooch (played by the charming Mr. Biggles) is adorable, innocently wagging his tail as Launce repeatedly scolds him and calls him “the sourest natured dog.” As with the NSF’s concurrent production of The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Two Gentlemen of Verona benefits from the talents of a top-notch creative team. June Kingsbury’s costume design and Scott Boyd’s set reflects the production’s youthful and animated tone. But make no mistake – with the exception of a few technical glitches early on – this show is every bit as polished as any open-air theater production can be. True to its mission, NSF continues to educate and entertain audiences through the timeless stories of Shakespeare. CP

2007-08-23T15:17:00.001-05:00

Post Five
By Ricardo

I can’t believe it’s here! After all of the work and excitement, it’s finally opening night of The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

It’s hard to believe that we started rehearsals over a month ago. Looking back, I’ve learned so much while having a lot of fun. I had no idea what was in store for me when I was accepted as a member of the Apprentice Company. This is my first time experiencing this magnitude of theater. Everyone always brings their “A-game.” We have amazing directors, stage managers, sound engineers, musicians, actors, and lighting directors. Not to mention the people in the audience, many of whom I became familiar with last week at opening night of The Merry Wives of Windsor – they’re great.

The past two weeks have been especially intense. With school starting, we’ve had very long days. The Apprentice Company has really bonded during this time, and we have helped each other make it through. We are a family now, and I’m happy that I have gotten to know everyone. I’m dreading the time when we must part on September 9 because we have grown so much together.

This summer has been one of the best summers of my life. I don’t know how I’ve learned so much in such a little time. Between learning how to juggle, Shakespeare monologues, clowning, and admiring professional actors, the summer has gone by so fast.

Opening night is tonight! We are super-excited. Neither long hours, nor 110-degree heat can stop us...FOR WE ARE APCO ‘07!

2007-08-14T12:27:00.000-05:00

Post Four
By Cassie Tesauro

Last week I realized just how compassionate the members of the Apprentice Company are. I woke up last Tuesday morning, and as I started to get ready for rehearsal I developed a horrible migraine. I kept getting ready, but eventually I had to stop and lie down. I missed half of rehearsal because of my migraine and was sick for two days. I made it through rehearsal, but I had to lay low.

Being a member of the Apprentice Company is like being a member of a big family. When you’re ill, everyone watches over you. I even had one of the professional actors tell me to “stop sweeping the stage like a crazy person” because they knew I was still sick.

It’s inspiring to watch the professional actors, both on stage and off stage. They’re all role models for me. If I can grow up to be half as kind and talented as they are, I’ll be happy.

This is my third year in the Apprentice Company, and the reason I keep auditioning is not only because I have a passion for theater, but also because I have a passion for the people who work in theater. There is nowhere else in the world where you can find a group of people who support each other as much as we do.

2007-08-03T10:01:00.000-05:00

Post Three
By Zack M.

This is my first year with the Apprentice Company, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was active in my high school theater program, and after graduation I decided to step outside my comfort zone and train with the Apprentice Company. The experience of taking this risk and trying something new is similar to what I am now experiencing through the rehearsal process. I have learned that taking risks is necessary and often it will lead you to places previously unimaginable.

I’ve always considered myself to be a talented actor, and in the past it has been hard to keep my ego in check. Soon after my first few days as a member of the Apprentice Company, I realized that this was a whole different ball game. I was surrounded by a myriad of talented people.

This week a lot has changed. We’ve begun the rehearsal process for The Merry Wives of Windsor and moved to Centennial Park for rehearsals. Our schedule (12:30 – 9:00 p.m.) makes for a long day, but it’s worth it in order to put on a good show. One of the most exciting things as an Apprentice Company member is the opportunity to work with professional adult actors. It’s been quite an experience. The way the professional actors explore their craft is inspiring and has given me many ideas of what I can do to improve my own performance.

It’s also been very cool because my former teacher Randall Lancaster is playing the character of Ford in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Having the opportunity to act with a former instructor has been extremely fun. While it’s very hot outside, everyone is working their hardest despite the heat in order to bring Nashville a fantastic show come mid-August.

During the first two weeks that we built our ensemble, I learned numerous things that have helped to shape the clown world we are preparing. Without a doubt, Apprentice Company training has been one of the most informative theatrical experiences that I have ever had.

2007-07-31T15:25:00.000-05:00

The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Sam Spanjian, Savannah Frazier, Steven Berryessa
Photo by http://www.jefffrazier.com/

2007-07-27T14:54:00.000-05:00

Post Two
By Christy Whit

I cannot believe it’s already time to start rehearsals for The Two Gentleman of Verona tomorrow. This is the third time I have been a member of the Apprentice Company, and I am always so surprised at how fast it goes by.

Today we perform the monologues that we have been working on for our friends, families, and fellow actors. Herb Parker, a professional actor and member of The Merry Wives of Windsor cast, came in yesterday to work with us on our monologues. He was such a help. Everything he said applied to me in some way. He helped me to see my monologue in a completely new way. I am always surprised at how many different ways Shakespeare can be translated…there are so many options!

Today we also started working with noise makers for The Two Gentlemen of Verona. It was so much fun! We gave our sun salutes, which are the yoga exercises we do every morning, sound effects. It was interesting that even though we were making such funny sounds, our sun salutes kept their integrity and their seriousness. We came to the conclusion that if we had tried to make our sun salutes funny by acting funny instead of doing them the way we always do, it would have taken away from the simplicity of the sounds.

Simplicity is something we have been talking about throughout the training process. We talk about it in relation to monologues, but also in relation to clowns. We have discovered that just one simple and clear clown action is much more funny than something sloppy. For example, if I were to wave at someone as myself then I would wave by moving my hand back and forth repetitively. This isn’t funny. If I were waving as a clown it would be one simple movement. It is amazing how much better things look when they are simple and clear.

I am excited about monologues today. I’m not particularly nervous right now, although I’m sure I will be when it comes time to perform. That’s how it always is for me. I’m fine right up until it is time to walk on stage. Oh, well. I hope my dad can come.

2007-07-20T16:15:00.000-05:00

The Apprentice Company will be performing The Two Gentlemen of Verona at Shakespeare in the Park 2007 with a clown theme. In order to prepare for their roles, Apprentice Company students have been working with a professional actor, specializing in clown techniques. Read on for a first hand account from one of the students...

Post One
By Brad Burns

When I found out that I was going to be training to find my "inner clown,” I was worried that I might focus too much on pleasing the audience and getting a laugh. But, I realized clowning is actually unflinching, serious acting. I loved how we ran with it.

In just our first week we have already done text work, and some of us have taken our first steps in learning how to juggle! That doesn't sound like much, but it's quite an achievement for a young actor. On top of that, we learned different pratfalls and clothesline swings. One day all we did is practice falling…over and over and over. It was fantastic!

The adult actors from The Merry Wives of Windsor cast are great people to watch. They really make Shakespeare’s play come to life. I love being with the Apprentice Company and the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, and I cannot wait to perform at Shakespeare in the Park with them.