Theatre for all

Southern Shakespeare Company celebrates 10th Anniversary with Shakespeare in the Park

For 10 years, the Southern Shakespeare Company (SSC) has been bringing the beloved works of Shakespeare to life in Tallahassee.

“We are devoted to making his work accessible and exciting for all,” says SSC Artistic Director James Bond. “We do this through providing year-round educational opportunities and workshops, cultivating theater offerings for artists and providing quality performances—including our festival, Shakespeare in the Park, at Cascades Park every year.”

Inspired by the free event which stages Shakespearean productions in New York City’s Central Park, the SCC’s fete will include multiple stage performances, raffles, and drawings, myriad food trucks dishing out some of Tallahassee’s finest cuisine, arts and crafts, and riveting demonstrations of sword fighting and period dancing.

This year, the SCC is proud to present Henry IV Part One, a historical play detailing the titular King of England’s reign. Bond said the SCC is consistent in inviting a celebrity star each year, having previously hosted Kelsey Scott (12 Years a Slave, The Walking Dead) and Kevin McDonald (The Kids in the Hall, Lilo & Stitch).

This production’s lead role will be portrayed by celebrity guest Will Johnson (House of the Dragon, Outlander, Death in Paradise).

“Johnson is a Royal Shakespeare Company actor, which means he has had top of the line Shakespeare training,” Bond says. “We are particularly excited about our guest director this year, Connor Wilson, who is part of the directing team behind Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. With these talents coming all the way down to Tallahassee to do a show, it really feels like we’re stepping up in the world of Shakespeare companies!”

While main seating will be available, people who want a more casual viewing experience can opt to bring foldable chairs and picnic blankets to spectate from the park’s grassy area. While attendees to have the option of sampling snacks and beverages from the event’s vendors, you are free to pack your own refreshments.

The event will also feature a few abridged performances by the Bardlings, SCC’s junior acting company comprised of rising talent from grades 6 to 12. These actors participate in a by-audition-only program fostering valuable theater skills via specialty workshops, community outreach and professionally-led rehearsals culminating in their own productions.

“Some of the Bardling kids will actually be preforming in Henry, but they will also be acting in a truncated version of Twelfth Night prior to the main show on select days,” Bond says. “The Bardlings are always happy to have more people involve with them, and the program is just a great stepping stone to future theater experiences.”

Shakespeare in the Park will take place this May 8–11, with Henry IV Part One showing each evening Thursday to Sunday, and the Bardlings’ Twelfth Night Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Though admission to the event is free, SSC is appreciative of donations and support in any capacity. Enjoyers of their work are encouraged to become an official member of the SSC and seek out more information and opportunities at www.southernshakespearefestival.org.