Aspiring thespians (or just natural hams) will compete to see who can give the most crazed, enthusiastic version of Macbeth’s final line:

Lay on, Macduff,
And damn’d be him that first cries, “Hold, enough!”

The winner will receive complimentary tickets from Delaware Shakespeare Festival and The Grand.

Email your interest by Friday, May 18 to info@delshakes.org (Subject line: “Lay on, Macduff” Contest). Then, arrive at The Grand by 6:15pm on Sunday, May 20. The contest will take place at approximately 6:35pm. The Grand is located at 818 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE.

A ticket package for MacHomer and the DSF 10^th Anniversary Dessert Reception is available for $40 (mention code “DSF10”). Call 302-652-5577 or 800-37-GRAND. See the DSF 10th Anniversary post for more information.

Let’s bring on the crazed Scottish warrior-kings!!!

Erik Mathew as Macduff in DSF's 2010 production of MACBETH

From 6pm-7pm, prior to The Grand’s presentation of MacHomer, DSF will be filling the lobby of The Grand with Shakespearean and Renaissance fun and entertainment. Come dressed as your favorite Shakespeare character, or just in general Elizabethan garb, and you will be entered in the Shakespeare Costume Competition.

You’ll need to check-in with a DSF Staff Member by 6:15 to let them know you would like to enter. There will be a “costume parade” at approximately 6:30, following which the winner will be announced. The Grand is located at 818 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE.

A ticket package for MacHomer and the DSF 10^th Anniversary Dessert Reception is available for $40 (mention code “DSF10”). Call 302-652-5577 or 800-37-GRAND. See the DSF 10th Anniversary post for more information.

We want to see those neck ruffs and puffy shirts, people!

Prior to The Grand’s presentation of MacHomer on May 20, Delaware Shakespeare Festival will fill the lobby of The Grand with Shakespearean and Renaissance fun and entertainment. There will be music and Shakespeare performances from area high school students, a sneak peek of DSF’s 10^th Anniversary production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, children’s activities, and a special guest appearance by Queen Elizabeth herself (the first one, of course).

DSF encourages one and all to come in Shakespearean costume. The best-dressed guest will win tickets to The Grand and DSF. (Click here for more information about the Costume Competition.)

The grand finale of The Bard’s Lobby Faire will be the “Lay on, Macduff!” Contest. Entrants will compete to give the most crazed version of Macbeth’s final line (“Lay on, Macduff, and damn’d be him who first cries, Hold, enough.”). The winner of this competition will also take home tickets to The Grand and DSF. (Click here for more information about the “Lay on, Macduff” Contest.)

A ticket package for MacHomer and the DSF 10^th Anniversary Dessert Reception is available for $40 (mention code “DSF10”). Call 302-652-5577 or 800-37-GRAND. See the DSF 10th Anniversary post for more information.

Come for an entire evening of fun!

Sunday, May 20, 2012 – 7:00 PM

The Grand

818 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware

The evening will begin with a performance of MacHomer in Copeland Hall. Rick Miller’s MacHomer is a one-man vocal spectacular featuring spot-on impressions of over 50 voices from TV’s “The Simpsons” in a performance of Shakespeare’s most infamous play, Macbeth. Immediately following the performance will be a VIP Dessert and Champagne reception in the baby grand lobby.

Ticket package is $40 and can be purchased by calling The Grand’s Box Office at 302-652-5577 or 800-37-GRAND.

Mention discount code DSF10 to reserve your package.

Prior to performance, DSF will fill the lobby of The Grand with Shakespearean fun and entertainment at “The Bard’s Lobby Faire.” Click here for more information.

For more information on MacHomer, please see www.machomer.com for more information.

RICH PRUGH – “Lysander”

When I auditioned for DSF’s production of Midsummer, I had only just completed my freshman year at Syracuse. I was studying theatre as a major, and felt a local summer Shakespeare production would serve me well. Little did I foresee just how perfectly the team we created would exemplify the struggles, comedy, and camaraderie of a classic “acting troupe.” Over the course of the following three summers, I found myself addicted to the rag-tag aspects of outdoor rehearsals and community support.

My time with Delaware Shakespeare Festival would have continued for many more years, were it not for my eventual move to the west coast ‘town’ of Los Angeles. Although LA is a massive city with a firmly focused film industry, I still find myself drawn to the intimate quarters of small theaters and theatre companies. I remember my time with DSF very fondly, and will continue to promote classical storytelling in local venues…especially outdoors!

I miss DSF and wish I could take ‘summer break’ from Los Angeles every year to participate!

KATE MONAGHAN – Audience Member

My husband, Joe, and I attended the final dress of the first Midsummer at DSF, because we were scheduled to leave the next day on our vacation and would have missed it otherwise. We appreciated Artistic Director Molly Cahill Govern and Executive Director Greg Robleto letting us attend (with our two Australian Shepherds).

We remember how much we enjoyed the performance–many of the cast members were our good friends through Wilmington Drama League, including Jim Keegan, whom we now often see on-stage at the Staunton, Virginia American Shakespeare Center. There were the typical first-production struggles with sound and lights, and watching the crew deal with them was a testament to the company’s determination to get DSF off to a good start.

There was something pretty magical about watching this particular play on a midsummer evening–everything Nature and the company did that evening conspired to create the dreamlike atmosphere the play demands. We remember it fondly, and wish this year’s company every success in mounting a hugely successful production.

MIDSUMMER Memory #3

Getting ready for DSF’s 2012 A Midsummer Night’s Dream, each month we’ll hear the memories of a participant in the inaugural 2003 production.
Brian K. Elam – “Robin Starveling”
 
Alright. Seriously. When I did Midsummer at Delaware Shakespeare a LONG time ago, one memory sticks out. On stage as Robin Starveling, I was playing the “moon” in the play within the play. Meanwhile, Greg Robleto, “whom Pyramus presented in his sport,” began his monologue while I, as said moon, stood a bit upstage center, posing.
 
When suddenly, from the midst of the audience, I saw a grasshopper make an extremely long jump from the seats to my bright mint green tunic.

What does DSF and “Dancing with The Stars” have in common?

One of Amanda's designs for "Dancing with The Stars"

The answer to that question will be revealed momentarily. First, DSF is thrilled to announce the creative team for A Midsummer Night’s Dream. (Personal website when available can tell you a little more about these artists.)

Director…David Stradley (www.davidstradley.com)
Set Design…Christopher Haig (www.chrishaigdesigns.blogspot.com)
Costume Design…Amanda Wolff (amandawolff.com)
Light Design…David Todaro (www.davidtodaro.com)
Sound Design…Stephen Manocchio
Property Design…Avista Custom Theatrical (www.avistacustom.com)

While DSF is excited to be working with all of these talented designers, we thought you would be interested to know that Amanda Wolff had two of her designs featured on a November episode of “Dancing With the Stars.” She won a design contest sponsored by Macy’s and the tv show. You can read about her experience on the show here and here.

We can’t wait to see what Amanda – and all of our other designers – come up with for Midsummer.

55 Hours Cover for Article about DSF

DSF in the News

Delaware Shakespeare Festival was recently profiled in 2012 preview issues of both 55 Hours and Spark. People are really looking forward to what we have going on in 2012 – we hope you are, too!

55 Hours Article

Spark Article

Opportunities to take part in the 2012 Festival

DSF recently posted auditions announcements for our 2012 production. We are looking for actors and college apprentices. You can find out more about the February auditions here.

As always, we will need a whole team of technicians, box office and concession stand workers, and volunteers to help the 2012 Festival come off without a hitch. Job descriptions for technicians and front-of-house positions will be listed soon. If you are interested in volunteering, please drop us an email at info@delshakes.org.

Watch for Exciting Announcements

In February, watch for announcements about DSF 10th Anniversary activities and about DSF’s participation in the “Year of the Bard” – an exciting collaboration with a wide array of Delaware cultural organizations.

BRIAN K. ELAM – “Robin Starveling”

Alright. Seriously. When I did Midsummer at Delaware Shakespeare a LONG time ago, one memory sticks out. On stage as Robin Starveling, I was playing the “moon” in the play within the play. Meanwhile, Greg Robleto, “whom Pyramus presented in his sport,” began his monologue while I, as said moon, stood a bit upstage center, posing.

When suddenly, from the midst of the audience, I saw a grasshopper make an extremely long jump from the seats to my bright mint green tunic. In character, I looked slightly down at the grasshopper. The audience totally saw that happen and began chuckling. Still playing as Robin, I took my seeming moon-less hand and quickly tried to swap the bug away. All the while, the audience is increasing with laughter. Greg, nonetheless, continued with his monologue as not once, not twice, but thrice I tried to get this grasshopper off of me.

Until finally, as quick as I could, I managed to pluck the grasshopper off of me and sent it back into the audience and resumed my pose as the moon. The audience roared with laughter RIGHT AFTER Greg finished his monologue and as soon as he said “Moon, take thy flight.” I gave a cheeky smile at this with a thumbs up and whisked off stage, the audience applauding and laughing madly.

Writing this up is probably not as exciting as seeing it and I didn’t want to steal Greg’s thunder. But I hate bugs. Especially when they’re on me. ESPECIALLY WHEN I’M ON STAGE.