Community SpotlightCommunity Spotlight -- The Barksdales
Chris & Kienan Newton

My family and I have been SBTS attendees for a few years now.  I think the first play we saw was Two Gentlemen of Verona, in the park in Hermosa Beach.  I remember this because I was impressed with the quality and commitment of the players and because my son “loved” the dog.  We’ve talked about that dog ever since.  In fact, it was a key motivation for seeing Two Gentleman at Ashland last year - my son wanted to compare dogs.   Besides Hamlet and CoE last year, we’ve seen Merry Wives and Othello.  We’ve seen shows at Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Pt. Fermin.

I was fortunate enough to attend an exceptional middle school, run by an amazing educator, fiercely committed to what she called “the magic of Shakespeare.”  Each year, the spring months transformed the 7th-9th grades into a production company, in which the students staged a different play.  We auditioned for and played the parts, built the sets, lighting, costumes, etc. and performed each under the evening stars.  It was truly magical and I was hooked for a lifetime.

So, the whole approach of SBTS rings “close to home” for me.  The simplicity of production (not that any production is simple!) - of a roving band of artists, bringing Shakespeare to all - and doing it well, with passion and vigor - to me, that’s the essential core of Shakespeare.  My son (this year graduating from middle school) is, himself, a budding actor and SBTS has been a special part of his exposure to the theatrical arts.

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