Musical theatre junior Cecilia Iole spent last summer studying Shakespeare on the stage where the playwright’s work was originally performed.
Iole was a part of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Program, lasted for three weeks last summer in London. Also participating in the program were 20 other American students from coast to coast, according to Iole, who roomed with a student from Long Island, New York. Most of the students were interested in either acting or the English language, Iole said.
“When I saw the details of the program I knew immediately [that] I had to go,” she said.
A typical day in the program included two classes and scene rehearsals of Shakespeare plays. The students were taught about the background and historical context of the Globe Theatre.
A special treat for the students came in the form of the “Heaven to Hell” tour of the theater, which included details from the theater’s trap doors to its bells. They also witnessed performances of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” “Macbeth,” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” After the performance, the students participated in a question and answer session with the cast.
“It was magical being up close,” Iole said. “The experience was something you can’t get from a typical proscenium theater.”
As part of their lessons, the students were taught how to dance and play various musical instruments, as well as stage combat, Iole said. In addition, the costume designer from the Globe Theatre discussed the detailed process of creating the wardrobe pieces for a Shakespeare production.
This year, the Arizona Repertory Theatre is producing “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, and Iole said the experience prepared her for upcoming performances.
“The show is close to my heart,” Iole said. “It will be helpful to have an understanding of the context after seeing where the material was written. Now I know what it’s like to see a performance as intended. It was an educational and informative experience.”
Iole will be playing the leading role of Luisa in the Arizona Repertory Theatre’s production of “The Fantasticks,” beginning October 20. Musical theatre junior Carolyn Fluehr, who worked with Iole on a past ART show, “Nine,” said she is always enjoyable to work with.
“Cecilia is always ready to go above and beyond. She is focused and driven,” Fluehr said. “Even if she is only in the ensemble, she gets really excited about every performance. She takes the work seriously and yet she still manages to have fun.”
Iole said Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Program made her an all-around better actor for not only Shakespeare, but contemporary and musical theater as well. She also said her experience left her with a desire to travel through her profession.
“Broadway’s my dream,” Iole said, “but after having been to London, I would love to travel and do theater. Every day was an adventure.”
