Courtesy of Theatricum Botanicum
Over the decades it has been a privilege to sit beneath the oaks each summer season at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum and enjoy outstanding performances by the first family of theater in Southern California. Shakespeare, classics, modern and original plays performed by their acclaimed repertory group of actors have graced their large wooden stage and thrilled thousands of playgoers.
Sadly, with COVID-19, the 2020 Summer Season was cancelled, but was quickly replaced by virtual classes that have proved surprisingly popular. Starting this fall, virtual classes are again available for those who would like to experience theater through mind and body exercises—Shakespeare’s Rhetoric, Modern Monologues, and movement with the Alexander Technique and Tai Chi.
“Theatricum has a great reputation,” said Debi Tinsley, Adult Programs Manager. “We have to reinvent and adapt for what we can do digitally; it’s a new adventure for the theater.”
Tinsley emphasized that after learning techniques, it can enrich your life and experience while watching theater, TV and film. “If you can do Shakespeare, it transcends all genres,” she said. “We put stuff up there that we would not ordinarily teach and see if it works [as we] dig into a play, learn how to read Cymbeline, how to do deep interpretation, and how to dissect other plays going forward.”
Tinsley said that there are also virtual fall classes for children and youth. For more information, contact Youth/Teen Programs Manager Cindy Kania-Guasteferro at youth@theatricum.com or online at https://www.theatricum.com.
“We are still here and we have not allowed the current situation to stop our creativity, reach to the community and work with kids,” Tinsley said. “We are looking forward to getting people back into the Canyon again.”
