Karaoke, air hockey and an evil hunchback

Not exactly traditional signs of the holiday season, but that’s life at the Shakespeare.

Our STC staff gathered for a little holiday merriment on Monday night, holding our annual party this year in the lobby of Woolly Mammoth. Yes – a rival theatre hosted us! But their pad is so darn hip, and we had such a great time there last year, that we had to go back.

This year’s theme was Shakespeare’s Pub, so in addition to the yummy eats and drinks, we played pool, darts and the aforementioned air hockey. And no party full of theatre people is complete without an opportunity for blatant exhibitionism. Hence, the karaoke. My personal favorite: education staffer Joe Angel Babb singing “Nine to Nine,” his own version of Dolly Parton’s classic. Another highlight was the chance to party with Beaux cast members Veanne Cox and Chris Innvar.

Now it’s Friday, and this office, like most in Washington, is as quiet as a theatre on a Monday. Most of the staff has fled the city for snow-covered hills, plains, [insert idyllic setting here]. Meanwhile, the cast of Richard III is rehearsing away … nothing like the War of the Roses to kindle a little holiday spirit!

Happy Holidays!

Liza Lorenz, Press and Public Relations Manager

ShakesPEERS

Our actors, directors and designers consistently receive raves, praise and recognition, but the Shakespeare Theatre Company does so much more than great productions of the world’s greatest plays. In support of the Company’s mission, we have education programs for learners of all ages. The Company’s after-school theatre program, ShakesPEERS, focuses on the youth of Washington, D.C. The teen component of the program is called the Core Company. This diverse group of approximately 30 students collaborated for 10 weeks, 3 times a week, to present The Taming of the Shrew. They performed 4 times at the MLK Memorial Library for an audience of over 400. It takes a great deal of work and dedication to put on a play, but it is fun, too. This fall’s project was no exception. The work involves understanding 400-year-old language and poetry, then interpreting it for modern audiences. It involves trusting strangers who hopefully and eventually become your friends. The dedication requires teens in the program to attend workshop and rehearsal sessions in the afternoon. In other words, you can’t get grounded or in trouble at school. Dedication means coming even when you are stressed with tons of homework and studying your lines on the weekends. So where’s the fun? Well, after the hard work, you have the laughter, applause and new friends. The recognition of your family and the community is nice, too.

ShakesPEERS is a program for everybody, even if you have never acted or if you have struggled in your English classes. We meet you wherever you are. Just want to hang out with new friends? Great. But if you want to learn, grow and earn some community service hours, this is the place for you. Spring sessions start on January 23, 2007. Stop by any time to just check it out!

Joe Angel Babb, Community Programs Manager

Spotlight on an STCer - Joe Angel Babb

Name: Joe Angel Babb

College/ Education, past jobs: MFA from the University of Houston and a BA from Our Lady of the Lake University
Coordinator of Education and Community Outreach at the Alley Theatre

Current Job Highlights:
Leading the theatre’s ShakesPEERS after school programs. Teaching acting, improvisation and Shakespeare. Facilitating workshops for student groups coming to see our plays.

Hobbies, interests, extra curricular activities:
Acting and Directing, cooking, movies, and painting

Favorite STC Production: Pericles

Favorite Shakespearean Play: King Lear

Favorite Shakespearean Villain: Tamora, Queen of Goths

Actor Spotlight - Christopher Innvar

Name: Christopher Innvar

Hometown: Huntington, NY

Current STC Role: Jack Archer in The Beaux Stratagem

Any pre show rituals? I bike to the theatre, it clears my mind and warms up my body.

Most recent roles include: Tiger Brown in the Broadway revival of The Threepenny Opera

Dream role: Cyrano De Bergerac….which I already played!

What’s on your iPod? (mp3, cd player etc.): I have no iPod, I refuse, but I am currently listening to Poulenc.

Favorite Shakespearean Play: A Midsummer's Night Dream

What’s your favorite vacation spot? Any quiet beach or……Paris!

Favorite Shakespearean Villain: Iachimo

What’s next after The Beaux’ Stratagem? 110 in the Shade on Broadway.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? …….I can’t imagine a movie of my life, uhm…..Humphrey Bogart?