Rubicon Theatre to Present HAMLET as Part of 'Fearless Shakespeare Intensive', 7/25-26

Rubicon Theatre, a not-for-profit professional regional theatre company in Ventura, California, announces HAMLET, performed by the students of the Education Department's FEARLESS SHAKESPEARE INTENSIVE. Rubicon Theatre's Department of Education's Fearless Shakespeare youth program takes on Shakespeare's classic tale of revenge, retribution, deception, ambition, loyalty and fate.

FEARLESS SHAKESPEARE is a three-week intensive that allows students ages 14-22 to work with industry experts to immerse themselves in script analysis, scansion, verse work and character development. Students form a tight company of actors to bring one of the Bard's greatest masterpieces to the Rubicon stage for a weekend of public performances on July 25 and 26, 2015. Director of Education is Brian McDonald. HAMLET is adapted and Directed by Joseph Fuqua (who garnered critical acclaim for his performance as HAMLET at Rubicon). Jonathan Drahos is Dramaturg. The production team is Jessie Vacchiano (Production Manager), David King (Set Designer), Shayla Dickerson (Assistant Production Manager), Kenny Hobbs (Sound Engineer) and Jon Stover (Stage Manager).

"Hamlet is one of my favorite plays," says director Joseph Fuqua. "We are doing an iconic contemporary production, which allows it to be very accessible for students and audiences alike. I believe that if young actors can conquer Shakespeare, everything else is going to be a cakewalk for them. Fearless Shakespeare allows students a safe environment to explore and learn."

The Fearless Shakespeare Initiative draws students from all over Ventura County. This year's production of Hamlet will feature students Nate Budroe (Ventura), Sophia Ehrlich (Ojai) , Rebecca Graham (Santa Paula), Spencer Jay (Ventura), Caleb Kneip (Ventura), Jason Koch (Ventura), Macaria Martinez (Oxnard), Viviana McIntosh (Ventura), Nick Rada (Ventura), Joey Santia (Ventura), Savannah Simpson (Ventura), Kate Smith (Thousand Oaks), Ashlyn Weatherford (Ventura) and Madeleine Wilson (Oxnard).

Dramaturg Jonathan Drahos continues, "Fearless Shakespeare is an important program because the focus of student training centers on the art of eloquent language and complex ideas. Study of Shakespeare is crucial in a modern culture that de-values language in favor of economy. Shakespeare was able to combine extraordinary poetry with a unique genius to interrogate the human condition. Therefore, when students grapple with his complex language and characters, they are challenged to look deeper into themselves as young people-to understand their place in the community. Our goal is to create exciting theatre while educating our students about the marvelous opportunities of discovery within the plays."

Fuqua and Drahos have partnered together to craft youth adaptations of Shakespeare for the past three years. When asked about their partnership, Drahos said, "The past three summers have been magical for me personally. I am grateful to Brian McDonald and Joseph Fuqua for giving me the opportunity to work closely with this text. We work very well together and our collaborative efforts consist of delving into a deep investigation of the text, imbricated with intense acting and voice training." Joseph Fuqua commented, "We love working together because we are both storytellers at the core. We use Shakespeare- the most exalted language on the planet- to teach kids not only how to act, but how to belong to a team-the play's the thing. It's a team sport."

Performance Schedule:

July 25, 2015 2:00 p.m.

July 25, 2015 7:00 p.m.

July 26, 2015 2:00 p.m.

Advance Ticket Prices: $15.00 for children, $20.00 for adults

If purchased at the door, tickets are $20.00 for children, $25.00 for adults

For tickets, call 805-667-2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org

Rubicon's summer programs include the Stinky Feet Theatre Workshop (ages 5-10); the Fearless Shakespeare Intensive, the Musical Theatre Intensive, the Theatre Camp (ages 11-14), the Acting Intensive, Internships and Apprenticeships. Camps range from two weeks to five weeks and are taught or guided by professional teachers and actors from the Rubicon stage. Although all programs are process-oriented, each culminates with performances on the Rubicon stage with sets, lights and costumes. Upcoming programs presented publicly by young artists include We Are Monsters (July 11), Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr. (July 1 - 5), West Side Story (August 5 - 15), and Hamlet (July 25-26).

Acceptance to the programs is by audition and is based on talent, regardless of the students' ability to pay. More than 100 students from age 5 to age 22 are expected to participate in the 2015 program, with more than half of the students on full or partial scholarships based on financial need.

For more about Rubicon Theatre Company's education programs or summer show by and for young people, visit the Rubicon website at www.rubicontheatre.org

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