A few years ago, I had the pleasure of volunteering for the Victoria Shakespeare Society during their summer season. It was so much fun, I’ve become a regular. Although the society has been a vital part of summer arts programming in the capital region since 2003 (in this incarnation), it wasn’t until the summer of 2009, when a friend of my son’s was in Julius Caesar, that we wandered up the hill to the grounds of Camosun College.
You can read more about my impressions from last year’s blog post – I’ve been enchanted by the accessible nature of the performances, the festival’s willingness to provide a venue for young (under 13) audiences to attend, the beauty of the site, the evident love of the Bard, the hard work of volunteers, actors and crew.
Outdoor Theatre. Photo: Stefan Jonsson, used with permission
Since 2003 the society has staged 16 productions, seen by over 17,000 people, and has succeeded in growing audience participation year-over-year during times that have been increasingly challenging for arts groups.
Our artistic objective is to creatively explore Shakespeare in a way that is interesting and accessible to the general public. We understand that Shakespeare is for the people – every age and demographic should be able to access the Bard. This was true for Shakespeare in his day and it is our goal to transfer the universality of Shakespeare to modern English speakers.
The 2012 summer season has just been announced. The two productions are As You Like It, director Barbara Pogemiller and Much Ado About Nothing, director Ian Case. Both directors are well known to festival (and Victoria) audiences. Previously, Barbara has directed Cymbeline, Pericles Prince of Tyre, Romeo and Juliet, and Twelfth Night for the festival. Ian last directed and played the lead role in Richard III (summer 2010).
Twelfth Night, 2009 Christina Penhale as Olivia and Marina Lagace as Viola/Cesario
Credit: Ariel Rubin
The Taming of the Shrew, 2010 Jane Hancock as Katherine, and Jesse Matthew Cooper as Petruchio
Credit: Tim Bracken
Join friends and supporters at the 2012 festival Launch Party and AGM, Wednesday March 28th, 5:30pm at Moxie’s Restaurant. There will be a chance to sign up as a volunteer, or even grab an audition spot. Everyone is welcome to the Launch Party; only Victoria Shakespeare Society members may vote at the AGM.
Festival tickets go on sale soon. Last year tickets were $16-$22 with children under 13 free. Early in the season there were vouchers for $10.00 and also early bird tickets.
(I will update this post as information becomes available).
Parking at Camosun College Landsdowne Campus (3100 Foul Bay Road, enter off Landsdowne) $2.50
Tickets may be purchased on site or through Ticket Rocket (online or by phone 250 590 6291).
Service fees apply to Ticket Rocket.
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