Thursday Aug 22, 2024
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM CDT
Riverwalk Park
102 Riverside Drive
Columbia, TN 38401
Shakespeare in Riverwalk Park
Watershed Public Theatre presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream August 22–31
(COLUMBIA, TN) August 12, 2024 – William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of the most-performed plays in the history of Western civilization. There are probably hundreds of Midsummer productions happening this month across America. Six very special performances will take place in Columbia, TN—in beautiful Riverwalk Park.
On August 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, & 31, Watershed Public Theatre will keep the “Shakespeare in the park” tradition alive at 102 Riverside Drive. All shows start at 7:30pm, as the day cools down, when audiences can relax in the dreaminess of the evening.
Through its Apprentice Company, Watershed Public Theatre provides training and opportunity for newcomers to become the next generation cast and crew of professional theatre. A Midsummer Night’s Dream will feature the Apprentice Company's director, J.R. Knowles, along with several of the program's current participants: Makayla Harville, Will Riley, Shealey Root and David Sharp. Two graduates of the Apprentice Company, Heather Barnard and Alex White, will grace the stage as well.
This play is enriched by the various levels of experience the actors bring to it. The "fairy king” Oberon is played by stage veteran R. Scott Cantrell. Over his career, he has been a part of twelve Midsummer productions all over the country. "If I could only do Shakespeare for the rest of my life, I would be very happy," says Cantrell, who founded the Spokane Shakespeare Society and now calls Columbia home.
Joining them onstage are Olivia Black, Julia Durham, Maggie Hernandez, Luke McGuire, Will Meyer, Jackson Roy, Katelyn Rust, Tim Rust, Jamie Storvik, Sarah Tatom, Jonathan Thompson, Amaya Weakley and Katie Webb. A Midsummer Night's Dream is produced by WPT's Artist's Lab; Director Caleb Finley and Creative Director Christian Randell bring a feeling of enchantment to the unique environment of Riverwalk Park.
This event is family-friendly and free to attend. Donations are accepted to support the continuation of WPT’s programs. Bring your own lawn chairs and picnic baskets and enjoy the open seating. Watershed Public Theatre is providing a themed photo backdrop and face painting, and a limited number of children’s fairy accessories will be given away at each performance.
Mission Statement:
At Watershed Public Theatre, we believe that theatre is the ultimate collaborative art and work to bring together arts professionals, volunteers, students and patrons to share in the illumination that only live performance can provide. We maintain our focus on nurturing community and practicing social and environmental responsibility while striving for the highest quality of artistic and educational experiences.
For more details or to join WPT’s mailing list, visit watershedpublictheatre.org, email info@watershedtheatre.org, call 931-797-6551 or visit the Facebook page: Facebook.com/WatershedTheatre.