CAP Artist Registry

http://www.ithacashakespeare.org

smp53@cornell.edu or info@ithacashakespeare.org

My primary artistic endeavor right now is my work with the Ithaca Shakespeare Company, a local group that has been performing outdoor Shakespeare at Cornell Plantations since 2003. 

When I direct Shakespeare, my goal is to make the plays clear and exciting to everyone, without simplifying them. I want to do justice to the whole range of tones and moods found in every Shakespeare play, regardless of genre. I want to bring out all the subtle character dynamics I see within and behind the words. I want the language to come alive and be balanced by a strong component of physical action. I want stunning battles and sword fights, chilling supernatural manifestations, moments of intense passion and moments of moving tenderness. I want to completely immerse the audience in the world of the play. I want productions that are historically informed but meaningful to modern audiences. Most of all, I want those audiences to be riveted in their seats in the serious moments and laughing uncontrollably in the comic ones. 

In rehearsal, I pay very close attention to the details of language, pacing, the dynamics between characters, and stage movement. I aim to create a supportive, collegial, and collaborative environment for the actors and designers who will end up making me look good.

I'm very interested in plays by English Renaissance playwrights besides Shakespeare and have directed plays by Christopher Marlowe and Francis Beaumont so far. Modern playwrights that interest me include Peter Shaffer and Caryl Churchill. I also like theatrical adaptations of literary works.

Outside of directing, I have written a number of screenplays -- several of which have placed as finalists in national screenwriting competitions, though none have been produced yet -- and I have become a relatively enthusiastic amateur photographer, mostly of animals and plays in performance.