This summer, Windham Center Stage Theater introduces their new Teen Shakespeare Workshop, directed by Suze and Mel Quackenbush. The theatrical production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will provide high school students with a better understanding of Shakespeare, and motivation to pursue theater.
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| Windham Center Stage Theater will offer a new Teen Shakespeare Workshop this summer with a theatrical production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' to provide high school students with a better understanding of Shakespeare and motivation to pursue theater. COURTESY PHOTO |
Windham Center Stage Theater (WCST) already provides opportunities for both children and adult theater groups. However, there was no program solely dedicated to teens. This new addition will provide a pathway for children to continue as high school teens and stay involved with WCST. It will also enrich and build the whole community.
The cost to participate in the workshop is $100, but if cost is a barrier, WCST encourages parents to reach out and accommodations can be found.
Suze and Mel Quackenbush, serve as both the directors of WCST’s “A Midsummer Night's Dream”, and as members of the executive board. They both indicated that they developed a passion for theater while growing up.
At just 6 years old, Suze was introduced and became immersed in community theater, when their mother took Suze to an audition for a local production of “Oklahoma.” After that first impactful introduction, “I never left,” says Suze. They have been involved in theatrical organizations such as Portland Players, Mad Horse Theater, and WCST. In addition, like Suze, Mel was also motivated to participate in theater throughout high school.
During the pandemic, when all in-person performances were canceled, Suze and Mel were inspired to start an online group of Shakespeare enthusiasts. For the next two years, together as a group, they would read a series of works by Shakespeare, before ultimately returning to normal in-person gatherings post pandemic. Despite the physical limitations associated with COVID-19, they were able to creatively continue pursuing their passion for theater, keeping it alive for more people in the community.
Collaboration is clearly very important to both co-directors and both Suze and Mel intend to establish a comfortable and fun environment for teens to gain theatrical experience with and through Shakespeare.
By opening young minds to Shakespeare through this workshop, they hope to reintroduce the notion that his works can be both comedic and enjoyable, and not just dramatic. This workshop will bring their love of Shakespeare, which they have had since their teenage years, and introduce it to today's young high school students.
The workshop will encourage and teach participants how to say lines in the script, work with the directors, and collaborate with the ensemble. It will also stress the importance of teaching teens the significance of the entertainment aspects of Shakespeare.
Relating it to modern day entertainment, Suze says, “It was basically like the Marvel Cinematic Universe of the Elizabethan Era.”
The classic “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be a great introduction to Shakespeare for teenagers and into other WCST programs. It may also serve as a springboard for young people considering entering theater.
“It speaks to that youthful experience [of loving someone you cannot have]," says Suze, explaining why they chose this to be the first production. The concept is something that most people in high school can relate to.
Local teens will have the opportunity to work in an ensemble to experience Shakespearian theater. Through inspiring work, and a safe and encouraging environment, the program will become a recurring feature within WCST.
“We are going to work hard, but we are going to have fun,” Suze and Mel said.
For those interested in joining WCST’s Teen Shakespeare Workshop, a sign-up form can be found on the Windham Center Stage Theater’s Facebook page. <
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