American Academy of Dramatic Arts Workshop & Info Night

I'm excited to report I'll be speaking on the alumni panel for the American Academy Of Dramatic Arts (AADA) Workshop and Info Night this Saturday in Seattle, WA! If you are interested in theatre and becoming an actor I encourage you to attend the workshop (run by Mark Knowles, AADA LA Faculty and a former teacher of mine) and join us to learn more about the school and its programs.

AADA was an integral part of my education in the performing arts and in the development of my acting technique and work ethic. It's definitely worth exploring.

The evening is open to prospective students as well as parents and educators. I hope to see you there!

You can learn more about AADA on their website: https://www.aada.edu/

Island Shakespeare Festival 2016

Thank you to all who made the 2016 season at Island Shakespeare Festival a success! The summer is over, and we had an amazing three months working and playing together.  

A SOLD OUT performance of Jane Eyre. Photo courtesy Rose Woods.

The audiences seemed to have a great time, too: 

"I was treated to one of the best acted & well produced plays I have ever been privileged to watch. I was simply transported..."
 

"We just returned from a spectacular evening of Jane Eyre. I cannot even put into words how incredible it was. The cast was world class, better than most I have seen on Broadway. I could not have imagined that a such magnificent performance could be experienced on our little island."
 

"Magnificent performances in As You Like It on August 5. Lovely setting, too. Would definitely see more plays if I'd been on the island for longer."
 

"Amazing job. I took my bros to see 'Julius Caesar' tonight and we all enjoyed it so much. Great performance."

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Julius Caesar
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Corey D. McDaniel

Production photos courtesy of Michael Stadler.

As You Like It
Writted by William Shakespeare
Directed by Susannah Rose Woods

Jane Eyre
Based on the novel by Charlotte Brontë
Adapted and Directed by Julie Beckman

Island Shakespeare Festival

ISF's outdoor stage setting.
© Susannah Woods

Jennifer is thrilled to be performing this summer as a 2016 Company Member of Island Shakespeare Festival!

This year's main stage plays are: 

As You Like It directed by Susannah Rose Woods

Julius Caesar directed by Corey D. McDaniel

Jane Eyre adapted and directed by Julie Beckman
 

Some of Jennifer's roles include Audrey in As You Like It, Portia in Julius Caesar, and Blanche Ingram in Jane Eyre. 

All shows are performed in repertory July 8th through September 11th, 2016. 

Located in beautiful Langley on Whidbey Island, WA. 

From ISF's Company Statement: 

Island Shakespeare Festival believes that art should be for everyone regardless of the ability to pay. In the age-old tradition of free Shakespeare, such gatherings of audience and artists add immeasurably to the quality of life in the community, bringing the classical texts alive with passionate performances, live music, innovative staging, and choreography. The classics remain classic because they express the humanity that exists across boarders and generations. They are part of civilization.

For more information about the company and 2016 season please go to Island Shakespeare Festival's website.

The Nerd

Thanks to everyone who attended our run at Mount Baker Theatre! 

From reviewer Christopher Key: 

There is no doubt that The Nerd is funny and there was no doubt that the opening night audience loved it.  Director Corey D. McDaniel obviously loves Shue’s work and knows how to handle it: balls to the wall, no holds barred and over the top is not far enough.
 

The cast gives it their all and then some.  The energy they pour into this production would wean the world off fossil fuels if it could be tapped.  Frankly, I was exhausted just watching them.
 

Tansy, is about to realize her dream of becoming a weather girl in the nation’s capital, leaving him in Terre Haute.  Rep veteran Jennifer A. Ewing not only looks like a warm front, but is the only character in the play to maintain any shred of dignity.  

Christopher Key, IMHO: Performing Arts Reviews from the Northwest, Feb 12 2016

Directed by Corey D. McDaniel

The Nerd ran Fri. Feb 12th, 2016 7:30 PM - Sun. Feb 28th, 2016 3:00 PM at Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham, WA as part of their MBT Rep program. 

From MBT: 

One of the funniest plays ever written, this extraordinarily inventive, sidesplitting comedy sees an ex-GI beset by a visitor who outstays his welcome with a vengeance.

Now an aspiring young architect in Indiana, Willum Cubbert has often told his friends about the debt he owes to Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved his life in Vietnam. Having written to his savior and offering to repay him in any way possible, Willum is overjoyed when Rick shows up unexpectedly on the night of his thirty fourth birthday. However, his delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a hopeless “nerd”—a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence, and less tact. As Rick stays on and on, his continued presence among Willum and his friends leads to one uproarious incident after another, until the normally placid Willum finds himself contemplating drastic measures.

 

“…the audience almost never stops laughing, handkerchiefs wiping away tears of merriment…” –Variety

 

“…a spring tonic of side-bruising laughter…” – The Milwaukee Tribune

Photo by Damian Vines Photography

Photo by Damian Vines Photography

As You Like It

Thanks to everyone who came out to the show! 

"Rosalind" in As You Like It

By William Shakespeare

November 6-21, 2015 produced by Ghost Light Theatricals at the Ballard Underground in Seattle, WA

Directed by Emily Harvey

Love, sex and philosophy haunt the forest of Arden where best friends Rosalind and Celia have been banished. After Rosalind meets Orlando in the forest, however, she is caught between a feeling of skepticism and crazy stupid love. As You Like It subverts the traditional rules of romance. Gender roles, nature and politics are confused in a play that reflects on how bewildering yet utterly pleasurable life can be. You will see how, as Jaques puts it, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”
“Rosalind is Shakespeare’s most compelling female character,” says director Emily Harvey, “She’s funny, she’s complicated, she’s not quick to jump into a relationship. We also get to see a wonderful female relationship between her and her best friend, Celia. They keep each other grounded, they laugh at each other, they help each other.”

Along with the feminism and the sexy modern romance, As You Like It will feature five songs, expertly played by a live band. These timeless covers, everything from Stevie Wonder to Magnetic Fields to Missy Elliot, will come from the Americana inspired band, played by actors Daniel, Charlie, Heidi and Gabriela with music direction by Tom Wiebe.

Featuring the talents of Jennifer Ewing, Jenifer Ross, Sarah Beason, David Klein, Patrick Daniel Safarti, Patrick Hurlburt, Matthew Gilbert, Rebecca O’Neil, Annie St. John, Charlie Schuster, Gabriela Aleman, Heidi Cheyenne, Rachel Burrington, Ben Symons and Beth Pollack.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director: Emily Harvey

Asst Director: Danny Herter

Stage Manager: Erin Dorn

Production Manager: Abigail Pishaw

Set Designer: Brandon Estrella

Light Designer: Angelo Domitri

Music Director: Tom Wiebe

Sound Designer: Rob Raas-Bergquist

www.ghostlighttheatricals.org