Empty Chair Theatre Company

 Richard III

by William Shakespeare


"Sin will pluck on sin..."


Richard III Actors Ashleigh Brown, Matthew Minnicino, and Rebecca Speas. Photo by Elizabeth Nearing

July 10th through July 13th of 2008, the student created nonprofit Empty Chair Theatre Company opened their third production, Richard III by William Shakespeare, in the Black Box Theatre of HB Woodlawn.

The production of Richard the Third explored the concept of a society built around insecurity and self-involvement.  The stage was embellished with seven mirrors, one for each of the deadly sins. Richard was just one of the many characters whose follies and lies articulate the darker truth that lurks in us all.

The production was directed by Elizabeth Nearing, who is now a freshman at Carnegie Mellon University. She will be directing Measure for Measure for Empty Chair Theatre Company's summer 2009 season.

Richard III Actors Frances Koogler and Rebecca Speas. Photo by Leslie Haase.

Richard III Ensemble. Photo by Elizabeth Nearing.


Richard III Actors Joan Cummins and Matthew Minnicino. Photo by Elizabeth Nearing.

Richard III Actors MaryLynne Smith and Mark Tucker. Photo by Leslie Haase.

Cast and Crew of Richard III

Cast (in order of appearance):

Richard III.....................................................................................Matt Minnicino

George Clarence/King Edward IV....................................................Mark Tucker

Sir Brakenbury/Lord Rivers/Lord Richmond............................Michael Van Ness

Lord Hastings...............................................................................Daniel Cackley

Mistress Shore/Messenger................................................................Julia Sears

Lady Anne....................................................................................Joan Cummins

Queen Elizabeth......................................................................Mary Lynne Smith

Young Elizabeth/ Prince of York ...................................................Caroline Brent

Lord Grey/Sir Ratcliffe........................................................................Drew Levin

Duke of Buckingham...................................................................Rebecca Speas

Stanley Earl of Derby.........................................................Quill Nebeker-Monch

Queen Margaret........................................................................Frances Koogler

Sir William Catesby......................................................................Ashleigh Brown

Duchess of York/ Prince Edward......................................................Tilney Brune

Lord Mayor.............................................................................Olivia Maria Myers

Crew:

Director........................................................................................Elizabeth Nearing

Assistant Director/Fight Choreographer.................................................Julia Sears

Assistant Director..........................................................................David Rodriguez

Stage Manager....................................................................................Allison Miller

Lighting Designer..............................................................................Michael Gibbs

Costume Designer..........................................................................Clara Everheart

Dramaturgy......................................................................................Morgan Green

Program Design............................................Frances Koogler, Matthew Minnicino, Morgan Green

Poster Design.....................................................................................Gina Nearing




Taming of the Shrew

By William Shakespeare

"Come sit on me..."



Taming of the Shrew Actors Alex Richardson and Julia Sears.

In the Taming of the Shrew, one of Shakespeare’s more controversial comedies, a wild cast of characters experience the thin line that separates love and hate. This veritable battle of the sexes examines the place of marriage, family, rebellion, and duty in all societies.

Empty Chair’s production of Taming of the Shrew (January 2008) took a distinct approach to the style in which the play was both rehearsed and performed. Eight actors used renaissance and early modern staging practices as their guide to create a unique production. The cast played multiple roles, had audience on three sides of the stage, and performed the show with the lights on both the audience and the actors. The most notable renaissance practice was that there were no directors or designers involved in the production. By bringing into play these original practices the actors were challenged to make bold choices, push their limits, and work together as a company.

 

Actors Joan Cummins, Alex Richardson, Julia Sears, and Ian Terry in rehearsal for 'Shrew'.




Taming of the Shrew Actor Lucy Shapiro.




Taming of the Shrew Actors Alex Richardson and Julia Sears.


Cast and Crew of Taming of the Shrew

Cast:

Baptista Minola..................................................................Matthew Minnicino
Katherine Minola...........................................................................Julia Sears
Bianca Minola.........................................................................Joan Cummins

Petruccio................................................................................Alex Richardson
Gremio.......................................................................................Nico Zevallos
Hortensio...................................................................................Lucy Shapiro
Lucentio............................................................................................Ian Terry
Tranio...................................................................................Frances Koogler

Biondello..................................................................................Amalia Oswald
Grumio......................................................................................Joan Cummins
Curtis.................................................................................Matthew Minnicino
Nathaniel....................................................................................Nico Zevallos
Joseph.....................................................................................Amalia Oswald
Walter.........................................................................................Lucy Shapiro
Nicholas...............................................................................Frances Koogler
Sugarsop..........................................................................................Ian Terry

Tailor........................................................................................Nico Zevallos
Haberdasher............................................................................Nico Zevallos
Old Man...........................................................................Matthew Minnicino
Widow................................................................................Frances Koogler

Crew :

Producers.........................................................Elizabeth Nearing, Julia Sears
Program Design.............................................Frances Koogler, Nico Zevallos
Poster Design....................................................................Frances Koogler