Sneak peak: 2009

I'm happy to report that both of our final shows in 2008 are now into rehearsal/preparations, and the company is still in strong enough financial shape that we can now begin to look ahead just a little be to the start of 2009.

Now January is one of the most difficult months of the year to put on plays - the weather is terrible, it's hard to get out to rehearsals and shows, people have usually had enough "social time" over the holidays and are staying at home, and money is at its tightest as the holiday bills come in. So usually there isn't much going on in theatres at this time of year: it's often the time to re-group, do some maintenance, and get caught up on chores, and perhaps even take some badly-needed vacation in a sunnier climate.

At Grinder we don't quite have the luxury of a week in Bora Bora (not that the thought hasn't crossed my mind), and we will have programming January, as well as programming in February and March, so as to ensure that the company has more time to build actors, audiences and production experience before we embark on the 2009 summer season, which will be our most ambitious to date (more to follow on that a few more blog posts down the road).

While I'm not ready to reveal all our secrets just yet, I thought I would let you know about the first show that we will be bringing you in 2009, a show that will open up a new frontier for the company.

We are going to tackle a play written by the greatest writer in the English language: William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

They call this play "Shakespeare's happiest comedy," and I couldn't agree more. It's story of young lovers, an impromptu group of amateur thespians, and the fairies of English folklore, all coming together to bicker, threaten, make mistakes, and then reconcile with each other, and end up doing each other great acts of kindness.

I've wanted to dive into the world of classical theatre for a long time, and "The Dream" is the perfect chance to do it. Its language isn't hard to understand, and its themes are still just as relevant today as when the play was written. I don't think any actor or audience member who is willing to listen closely to Shakespeare's words will have any trouble understanding what is going on. In fact, this play has ample opportunity to use actors of every age, and I'm looking forward to asking some of the youngest talents we have a Grinder to join us this show.

Think you've got what it takes? Maybe you've wanted to try your hand at Shakespeare but have been a bit nervous - this is the play for you.

Let me know if you are interested, and I'll see what I can do to get you on board.

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