What brought you to theater? I wanted to perform (read: show off) since I can remember. I also loved writing, drawing, making things and falling off of high places. Eventually I learned that I could do all of these things in theatre. What did 10-year-old Ron think he'd be when he grew up? A veterinarian. What is the greatest challenge that you anticipate in directing A Midsummer Night's Dream? Fitting this big play and these huge characters in this little space. What do you hope that Shakespeare in the Park fans will take away from A Midsummer Night's Dream? Lots of expensive OT souvenirs. Kidding! Sort of. I hope they leave feeling like they’ve been part of a magical, curious, hilarious adventure. Who should play you in the feature film of your life? Visually? Barry Manilow. In terms of personality? Don Knotts. In my dreams? The guy in Off Limits that explores places he’s not supposed to get into. What Shakespeare character do you most resemble? Either Launce from Two Gentlemen of Verona or Holofernes from Love’s Labours Lost. A bumbler who loves his dog to distraction, or a fatuous pseudo-intellectual. I’m trying to be honest here. What's your superpower? Occasional promptness. Tragedy, comedy or history? Ultimately, everything in life is all three, though not necessarily in that order. Truth or dare? Dare. I never learned anything new by telling the truth about myself. Guilty pleasure? Reading a book in front of the fire instead of taking the dog for a walk. Or going to see a show. Or eating. Or pretty much anything. More about Ron: Ron has also directed The Tempest and Macbeth, and designed sets for those shows and for As You Like It and The Winter's Tale for Optimist Theatre, as well as for Alverno College, First Stage, Wisconsin Hybrid Theatre, Milwaukee Public Theatre and Milwaukee Mask and Puppet Theatre. He has had performing roles in Twelfth Night and The Winter's Tale. Ron's one-man show To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now has been performed for more than 80,000 people, and he debuted an original show Bloody, Filthy Shakespeare in Florence, Italy in 2013, which was co-produced by the historic Teatro Goldoni. At least, we have dates for you to write in pencil. And soon, we'll have a cast!! Audition slots have all been scheduled, and from the 60± actors who will be seen, a cast will be selected by early in the new year. Those fabulous men and women will be setting aside the weekends of July 9-12, 16-19, and 22 or 23-26 (more on that later), at a minimum. If the fruits of our upcoming funding campaign enables it, we will also include the weekend of July 30-August 2. So, start planning your summer activities accordingly. We'll certainly keep you apprised as things tentative become things final. Announcing Shakespeare in the Park's 2015 Performance Optimist Theatre is pleased to announce William Shakespeare's rocking and rolling comedy Optimist Theatre has been itching to produce this raucous romp in the woods for five seasons. Finally, the timing is right. The team on. Creativity is flowing.
Casting is still in the ‘DREAMing’ phase, but we’ll keep you posted. |
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