Behind the scenes at Shakespeare in the Grove

Tidewater Community College’s Shakespeare in the Grove is considered a community gem by many.

In the 26 years the show has been running, attending has become a tradition for families from all over the region. Ed Palmer, a veteran actor, says that the tradition is not only special for families but actors as well. Over his 17 years with the production, he has seen the same families in the audience each year and has had the opportunity to see children grow up as they attend the event and learn to love theater.

Autumn Ibanez (Mariane), Ed Palmer (Dorine) and Robert Torres (Valere) rehearsing on the Grove stage.

Shakespeare in the Grove is also a fan favorite due to the unique appeal of outdoor theater. In an outdoor setting, the audience can be comfortable and relax while enjoying the play. Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs as well as their favorite picnic dinner. This event is free and family members of all ages are sure to enjoy it.

The Grove production is presented by TCC Theatre and the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission and marks the start of summer.

This year’s production of Shakespeare in the Grove is “Tartuffe” by the French playwright, Moliere. Tartuffe is a captivating story about fraud and betrayal. The classic plays that TCC Theater performs have something in them for everyone. Palmer explains, “These plays are timeless because they are about the human condition. Everyone can relate to the themes of love and loss.”

Ed Palmer (Dorine) and James Manno (Tartuffe) celebrate after perfecting a scene.

Shakespeare in the Grove is as special to the actors as it is to the audience. Many of the actors return year after year and create a close-knit community as they prepare to, once again, bring live theatre to Chesapeake. Veteran actor, Autumn Ibanez, says that she “continues to come back to Shakespeare in the Grove because the actors are so supportive, and it makes for a great learning experience.”

Assistant Director, Michelle Jenkins, agrees that being involved in the production is an amazing opportunity to learn from experts. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, the cast and crew work side-by-side with theater professionals. Many of whom have been working on Shakespeare in the Grove for over a decade.

Cassandra Dean (Cleante) and Cristina Rose (Orgon) practice their craft during their first outdoor rehearsal.

When asked what advice these veteran actors would give to people interested in joining the production for the first time, all three said, “Do it.” They encourage anyone with a passion for theater to overcome the intimidation and get involved. Based on the support system found in the cast and crew, new actors will find a welcoming environment.

Join TCC Theatre for this year’s production on June 21-25 at 8 p.m. on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road. For more information, reach out to Matthew Gorris at Mgorris@tcc.edu. Gorris is TCC Theatre’s faculty lead and this year’s Grove director.

Shakespeare in the Grove – by the numbers

Join Tidewater Community College for the 26^th Shakespeare in the Grove on June 21-25 at 8 p.m.

For the first time, this year’s production features a non-Shakespeare work. Get ready for “Tartuffe” by Molèire, who has often been described as “France’s Shakespeare” due to the two playwrights’ similar writing styles. “Tartuffe” is a play about a fraud and a pious imposter.

The production takes place at the outdoor theater on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus, located at 1428 Cedar Road. The Kiwanis Club of Chesapeake will be selling some of your favorite summertime food and drink, but feel free to bring a picnic basket and lawn chairs to enjoy the show.

In addition to tickets being zero dollars, here is a list of Shakespeare in the Grove by the numbers!

Part of the cast for this year’s Grove production of “Tartuffe” by Molèire. *(Photo by Katelyn Delaney)*

1: For the first time in the history of Shakespeare in the Grove, TCC Theater is performing a play that was not written by Shakespeare.

4: There are four veteran actors in the show who have previously acted in productions of Shakespeare in the Grove.

5: There are five veteran technicians and crew members returning to set the scene.

7: There are seven TCC students in the cast and crew this year.

6/12: Actors have rehearsed since May 15 four nights a week, three hours each evening. Rehearsals move outdoors on June 12. Until then, actors are in the Black Box Theater on the Chesapeake Campus.

14: Fourteen different Shakespearean plays have been performed by Shakespeare in the Grove over the past 25 years.

19: During the COVID-19 pandemic, TCC was able to continue the tradition by performing radio plays. These radio plays were streamed online for the audience.

26: Bugs, noise, humidity and rain showers are all the trimmings that come along with 26 years of Shakespeare in the Grove.

For more information, contact Matthew Gorris at mgorris@tcc.edu or 757-822-5219. For current show information, including any cancellations, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and search for TCC Theatre.

Calling all actors

It’s time to get ready for Shakespeare in the Grove.

Tidewater Community College and the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission are presenting Shakespeare’s “Tartuffe” and open auditions are available for cast members.

Actors who would like to be part of the summer festival can attend:

Auditions – Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre in the Academic Building on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road.

Callbacks (if needed): will take place on Saturday, April 15 from 10 a.m. – noon. in the Black Box Theatre in the Academic Building on Chesapeake Campus.

The story of “Tartuffe:” The play takes place in the home of the wealthy Orgon, where Tartuffe—a fraud and a pious imposter—has insinuated himself. He succeeds magnificently in winning the respect and devotion of the head of the house and then tries to marry his daughter and seduce his wife and scrounge the deed to the property. He nearly gets away with it, but an emissary from King Louis XIV arrives in time to recover the property, free Monsieur Orgon, and haul Tartuffe off to jail. And so his duplicity is finally exposed and punished. But not before the author has mercilessly examined the evil that men can commit in the guise of religious fervor and the dangers that imperil those who would believe only what they choose to believe despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary.

Cast and Preparation: Twelve roles are open to all genders and ethnicity. Please prepare a 1–2-minute monologue that shows your range. The monologue does not need to be from “Tartuffe” and please no accents.

Rehearsals and Show Information: A read-through will be held on Thursday, May 4 from 7 – 10 p.m. Rehearsals begin Monday, May 8 from 7 – 10 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre. Rehearsals are tentatively scheduled from May 8 – June 20, Monday – Thursday from 7-10 p.m.

Production Dates: Shakespeare in the Grove and the story of “Tartuffe” will be presented Wednesday, June 21 – Sunday, June 25 at 8 p.m., weather permitting.

This is an open call, so come anytime between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on April 8, and showcase your talents. If you have any additional questions, please contact Matthew Gorris at mgorris@tcc.edu.

Behind the scenes at Shakespeare in the Grove

It’s been 25 years since the first Shakespeare in the Grove production took center stage on Tidewater Community College’s Chesapeake Campus.

What began with “a passion and a plank” has grown into a community gem and the largest community theatre production on the Southside in Hampton Roads.

Founder Ed Jacob is the faculty member with the idea to launch outdoor theatre on the Chesapeake Campus with its grove of trees and open spaces. What started in 1996 with a shoestring budget and four platforms to perform on, is now a full-scale production with props, costumes, lights and plenty of technical support.

Cast members during the first outdoor rehearsal of “The Tempest.”

Today, three cast members and director Trey Clarkson, who were actors in the first show, look back and remember the launch of Shakespeare in the Grove. They also talk about this year’s production of “The Tempest.”

“We were just kids when we started, and now we have our children performing in the plays,” said Clarkson. “We met Ed Jacob at Great Bridge High and that began a very long and rewarding association with TCC.”

Brant Powell, who plays Prospero in “The Tempest” added, “To be here at 25 years is exciting, but also surreal. To see this long-standing tradition continue and prosper has been amazing.”

Rehearsal included props, but no costumes yet.

Cat Gendell, who is playing Antonia, noted that the cast and crew have become family and that every summer she looks forward to gathering again. “Every year it’s the same, but different. This is a community gem and there’s magic in every show. The plays are not stuffy, but rather easy and comfortable.”

Performances of “The Tempest” will be held June 22-26 at 8 p.m.

“It feels bizarre to be the adults in the room now,” said Brian Breshears who plays King Alonso. “We were recent high school grads when we started and now we are in our 40s and welcoming new core members to the Grove family.”

The free performances are family-friendly and run for about two hours with a 10-minute intermission. In addition, the Kiwanis Club of Chesapeake offers hamburgers and hotdogs to hungry guests.

“`The Tempest’ is a story of redemption and celebration that is especially fitting after the pandemic,” added Clarkson. “Our story is a celebration with live music, live dance and magic to fill the air as we commemorate 25 years of Shakespeare in the Grove.”

Shakespeare in the Grove is sponsored by TCC and the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner; insect repellent is also recommended.

For more information, contact Theatre faculty Matthew Gorris at mgorris@tcc.edu or 757-822-5219.

The Grove stage is still being constructed for “The Tempest.”

Tidewater Community College presents “Love’s Labor’s Lost” this weekend

In celebration of the 25^th anniversary of Shakespeare in the Grove to be held in June, Tidewater Community College is presenting a mini-play to build excitement for the main event.

This weekend, the community is invited to enjoy a Shakespeare comedy, “Love’s Labor’s Lost” on three evenings, May 20, 21 and 22, from 7 – 8 p.m.

TCC Theatre’s version of “Love’s Labor’s Lost” is a condensed, one-hour comic journey that includes 12 actors, limited props and staging, and the natural light coming from the sun.

The play starts with a royal proclamation as four young men (one of them a king) withdraw from the world for three years, taking an oath that they will have nothing to do with women. But when the Princess of France and her three ladies arrive on a political matter, those vows are tossed aside and the men are tossed head over heels in love. Nature wins out as they learn the most important lesson of all – to follow the heart, not the head.

The play will be presented in the original grove location next to the TCC’s parking garage on the Chesapeake Campus, weather permitting.

This event is free and open to the community and families are encouraged to attend. Bring your chairs, bug spray and a picnic basket to enjoy the show. Parking is available in the TCC’s parking garage.

For more information email Matt Gorris, TCC Theatre professor, at mgorris@tcc.edu.

TCC Theatre presents Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” April 8-16

For the first time since the start of the pandemic, Tidewater Community College is offering the community live theatre in its Black Box Theater on Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road.

TCC Theatre brings “The Merchant of Venice” to the stage for six performances, April 8-16.

As in the original production, “The Merchant of Venice” features a merchant in Venice named Antonio who defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock.

Merchant of Venice cast in high school outfits.

TCC’s version of the play is a one-hour production that brings Shakespeare’s 16th-century work into the modern world. It is set in a high school, and the classic characters become students who struggle with and create, the bigotry, bullying and cycles of violence that are as tragic and timeless as Shakespeare’s immortal words.

Directed by Logan Bennett, the world portrayed on stage at TCC uses cryptocurrency, while texting is lingua franca, and the characters’ use of social media adds layers to the story.

Performance dates and times are:
April 8-9 at 7:30 p.m.
April 10 at 2 p.m.
April 14-16 at 7:30 p.m.

All seats are $10 for general admission. To purchase your tickets visit https://tidewater.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?SeriesID=6

Tickets will also be available for purchase in the theater lobby starting one hour before each performance, with cash and all credit cards accepted. Seating is limited. To make sure you get a seat, reserve your tickets in advance.

***Please note that this production of “The Merchant of Venice,” like the play as originally performed, carries stark and disturbing themes of social injustice that include racism, bigotry, and anti-Semitism that may not be appropriate for those sensitive to such subjects, or for young children.***

For questions about the production please call 757-822-5219.

TCC Theatre presents ShakesFeare in the Grave “The Tragedy of Macbeth”

Tidewater Community College Theatre department presents ShakesFeare in the Grave “The Tragedy of Macbeth” on Friday, Nov. 5 and Saturday, November 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road.

The play is a condensed, one-hour, production and will take place on the Black Box Theater patio, outside the Chesapeake Academic Building, weather permitting.

The play begins with a Scottish lord, Macbeth, becoming convinced by a trio of witches that he will become the next king of Scotland. His ambitious wife supports his plans of seizing power. Macbeth kills the king and becomes the new king and kills more people out of paranoia. The result is a civil war erupting to overthrow Macbeth.

Guests are invited to enjoy open seating on a first-come, first-serve basis. The show is “pay what you can” and everyone is welcome. For more information, email Matt Gorris, assistant professor of Theatre at mgorris@tcc.edu.

Shakespeare in the Grove returns to Chesapeake Campus, June 23-27

Tidewater Community College’s Shakespeare in the Grove is back after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are thrilled to be back with this community gem that welcomes hundreds to the Chesapeake Campus for an evening of theatre under the stars,” said Kelly Gillerlain, dean of Chesapeake Campus. “This family-friendly event is a great way to get outside and enjoy a warm summer night.”

Mistaken identities, romance, revelry and hijinks abound in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night or What you Will” on stage at TCC’s 24th Shakespeare in the Grove.

“Twelfth Night” actors Cai Luzak (Sebastian), Isabella Wisham (Viola), Alina Grace Whitmore (Orsino) and Michelle Jenkins (Olivia).

Sponsored by TCC and the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission, Shakespeare in the Grove includes free, outdoor public performances to be held June 23-27, starting at 8 p.m., weather permitting.

“Twelfth Night or What You Will” is set on the rum-soaked streets of Port Royal in 1692. Pirates, aristocrats and peasants mingle together, making for a raucous comedy. In the plot, Viola loves Orsino, who loves Olivia, who loves Cesario, who is actually Viola! This topsy-turvy play features live music and a festive atmosphere, making for a fun-filled adventure on stage.

This is the fifth production at the new outdoor “grove” platform, located behind the Pass Building on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road. A cast and crew of more than 20 student and veteran actors and 15 technicians will bring the Bard’s wild comedy to life.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner. Insect repellent is also recommended.

Refreshments can also be purchased on-site from the Kiwanis Club of Chesapeake. Offerings include popcorn, ice cream, burgers, sodas and more.

Tickets are not required and the community is encouraged to attend. Due to the need for social distancing, seating for this event is limited.

For more information, contact Matthew Gorris at mgorris@tcc.edu or 757-822-5219.

One week until the greatest show on earth comes to Chesapeake

We’re one week away from opening night for Shakespeare in the Grove, featuring “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Called a community treasure, Shakespeare in the Grove presented by Tidewater Community College and the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission is in its 23^rd year.

Join us for free, outdoor public performances from June 26-30, starting at 8 p.m., weather permitting on the “Grove” stage on the Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes conversation with the director and some of the actors.

Taylor Durham as Helena with Nick Nauert as Demetrius.

A word from director Trey Clarkson:

“Shakespeare in the Grove is a Chesapeake tradition and the largest production on the Southside. I’m always excited to bring together talented actors from all over the 757 to put on a show in our own backyard. I have been with the ‘Grove’ since the very first show. As we enter the 23rd season we return to ‘Midsummer’ with a big-top circus design. On the heels of the film ‘The Greatest Showman’ and the release of ‘Dumbo,’ as well as the death of Barnum and Bailey in 2017, the nostalgia of the circus is the perfect setting for the magic and mayhem of this Shakespeare comedy.”

Why should people come to Shakespeare in the Grove?

“It’s fun! It’s free! And it’s a great way to get family, friends and everyone outside, under the stars, for outdoor theater. It really is the greatest show in Chesapeake.” – Chris Bernhardt, playing Theresa Snout and Wall

How do you make Shakespeare understandable for today’s audience?

“Mostly, you just have to communicate with people. The language can seem dense at first, but once your ear gets used to it, you can easily understand what’s happening on stage. We also do so much physically, that we could almost do it in mime and you’d still catch on to the show. The quality of the play is what makes this timeless classic still relevant today.” – Logan Bennett, playing Nick Bottom and Pyramus

What about millennials?

“Shakespeare really is for everyone. Especially when you look at the universal themes presented, including love and chasing your dreams.” – Sylvie Green, playing Patty Quince

This year’s theme is the circus – why does it work?

“Adapting Shakespeare to different time periods and themes is a common practice, but it’s difficult to do well. Somehow, every year we figure out how to make it work. ‘Midsummer’ seems to fit the circus theme so well with all of the crazy characters, the magical things that happen, with the character changes and people running away to join the circus, it all just makes sense, and you’d think it was the original.” – Patrick Rostock, playing Francis Flute and Thisbe

Zoe Thompson (ensemble), with Sylvie Green as Quince, Bennett as Bottom, Patrick Rostock at Flute, Chris Bernhardt as Egeus and Tristan Hicks as Starveling and Olivia Madrid (ensemble).

How difficult is it to learn lines?

“It depends on person to person how difficult it is to learn lines. But with this show, it’s a lot of poetry, so it flows really nicely, and I think it’s really easy to remember your part.” – Noëlle Peterson, playing Hermia

On being the tallest man

“This has been the most difficult role I’ve ever played. I’ve had to learn unique skills, like walking on stilts, and it’s been a big learning curve acting while being 10 feet tall! – Tristan Hicks, playing the Tallest Man and Moonshine

Challenges of outdoor theater?

“The hardest part is definitely projecting your voice over a very long distance, especially when it’s really humid! And sound interruptions and the weather, of course!” – Andreas Zollos, playing Lysander

What makes Shakespeare in the Grove special?

Cast members accept a donation from Terri Anderson (left) with the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce.

“This is a really high-quality show. The director and actors and technicians are hard working and good at what they do. We can get away with a pretty short rehearsal schedule because we’re all dedicated and give our all in every rehearsal and performance.” – Sylvie Green

“The professionalism, as far as community theater goes, is top notch. This is the only place I’ve been that they hold you to a professional standard. Every TCC show I’ve been a part of, people are really pushing their limits to put on the best show possible.” – Logan Bennett

Enjoy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” under the stars at TCC’s Shakespeare in the Grove

A big-top circus design is the backdrop for the classic tale “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on stage at Tidewater Community College’s 23nd Shakespeare in the Grove.

Free, outdoor public performances will be held June 26-30, starting at 8 p.m., weather permitting.

Get a sneak peek of the play with a one-act performance at the community event “Food Trucks on the Square” on June 12, located behind Chesapeake City Hall at 306 Cedar Road.

Actors prepare for Shakespeare in the Grove — Zollos and Peterson rehearse their roles.

TCC’s version of the play is set under the big top with residents of Athens mixing with fairies from a local forest, with comic results. In the city, Theseus, duke of Athens, is to marry Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons.

Actors prepare to perform "A Midsummer Night's Dream." — Nauert and Durham prepare for Shakespeare in the Grove

“I’m always excited to bring together talented actors from across the 757 to put on a show in our own backyard,” said Trey Clarkson, director of this year’s grove production. “On the heels of ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘Dumbo’ and with the closing of Barnum and Bailey after a 146-year run, the nostalgia of the circus is the perfect setting for the magic and mayhem of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ ”

This is the fourth production at the new outdoor “grove” platform, located behind the Pass Building on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road. A cast and crew of more than 25 student and veteran actors and 15 technicians will bring the Bard’s comedy to life.

TCC and the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission sponsor Shakespeare in the Grove. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner. Insect repellent is also recommended. Tickets are not required.

For more information, contact Matthew Gorris at mgorris@tcc.edu or 757-822-5219.

Enjoy “Othello” under the stars at TCC’s Shakespeare in the Grove

Mistrust, violence and intrigue highlight the classic tale of “Othello,” on stage at Tidewater Community College’s 22^nd Shakespeare in the Grove.

Free, outdoor public performances will be held June 20-24, starting at 8 p.m., weather permitting.

A sneak peek of "Othello" at Food Trucks on the Square on June 6. — A sneak peek of “Othello” on June 6.

This is the third production at the new outdoor “grove” platform, located behind the Pass Building on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road. A cast and crew of more than 20 student and veteran actors and 15 technicians will bring the Bard’s tragedy to life.

TCC’s version of the play is set at the end of the Civil War and Othello, the captain of the 54^th Massachusetts Regiment, has secretly married Desdemona, the daughter of a prominent senator. When the senator learns the truth, he promptly disowns her.

TCC and the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission sponsor Shakespeare in the Grove. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner. Insect repellent is also recommended.

For more information, contact Matthew Gorris at mgorris@tcc.edu or 757-822-5219.

TCC Theatre to hold open auditions for “Othello” on April 21

Tidewater Community College’s Theatre Department will hold open auditions for “Othello,” this summer’s Shakespeare in the Grove production.

Auditions will be April 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Black Box Theatre in the Academic Building on the Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road.

Each audition will take about five minutes, and roles are available for about 15 actors. Actors should have a two-minute, memorized monologue prepared.

Rehearsals will begin April 30 and will run Monday – Thursday from 7-10 p.m.

The production will be from June 20-24.

To request an audition, email Trey Clarkson, director, at clarksoe@chsvb.org.

To express an interest in a technical position, contact Matthew Gorris at 757-822-7041 or mgorris@tcc.edu.