24 Hours to The Tempest

While we have always presented our live shows in an outdoor setting, due to the pandemic Vallejo Shakespeare has had to adjust as well. Vallejo Shakespeare in the Park will be mounting The Tempest RenStyle! What does that mean? Vallejo Shakespeare is rehearsing in the tradition of the Renaissance. This means we are presenting our show by mimicking how shows were produced during Shakespeare’s own lifetime. Actors are only given their “role”, not the entire script, and given only 30 days to memorize their lines. Our rehearsals will be limited to approximately 24 hours of live rehearsals over one week, prior to opening July 24 and 25 at Hanns Park, shows at 4 pm.

In Shakespeare’s day they would switch out shows every 10 days or so, leaving very little time for memorization or rehearsals. Therefore a prompter was located off stage to feed the actors their lines if they needed prompting, and because the actors only had their own lines, they themselves didn’t know what would happen next on the stage, forcing them to really listen for their next line and make discoveries during the performance. If the play didn’t go over well at the first performance it was cut and a previously well attended show replaced it. Actors played “to type” - meaning the “Lead” always played that role, the actor who played the “Fool” or “Clown” always played that part in each production. They also did not wear elaborate period costumes (that is a 20th century thing because 1600 was the period when it was written) but their own modern clothes in the latest styles on stage. And every show included some song and dance numbers too.

We believe the arts are an important part of the fabric of a community and we want to do our part to ensure a thriving arts environment and help raise the value of the arts as a public good. We present a bare-bones production, concentrating on the actor’s performances and honest storytelling, with minimal set and modern dress.

This is a free community event, open to the public, with picnic style seating. Patrons are encouraged to bring a blanket or low beach chair to sit on during the performances, there will be no chairs provided. We ask that audience members respect their fellow patrons and not block their view of the stage. Audience members are asked to take personal responsibility to socially distance when seating and masks are strongly encouraged outside of your seating spot. And don’t forget a hat and sunscreen!

We hope to see you at the show!