Bard in the Quad opens tonight

Starting tonight, the Oregon State University theater department will be putting on William Shakespeare’s production of “The Taming of the Shrew.”

The theater department puts on an annual summer play as a part of “Bard in the Quad.”

Unlike the OSU main theater in Withycombe Hall, this production will take place in front of the Memorial Union, providing a much bigger stage and wider interaction range for the audience and actors.

The director of this production, George Caldwell, has worked for Oregon State for 10 years and looks forward to the outcome of this production.  He is having the re-enactment of the play occur during the early Renaissance era with a cross of the Elizabethan era. The costumes are regal in appearance.

“Editing the script and working with the movement was probably the most difficult part, but also the most enjoyable,” Caldwell said. “It was wonderful seeing the gags and script come to life, and the cast take over the play.”

Like most OSU productions, the actors and actresses had auditioned, and were paired up to see who would work best. The leads in this play, Erin Cunningham and Rowan Russell, look forward to their parts and have enjoyed the entire process.

“It was fun working with everyone and seeing it all come together,” said Russell, an OSU graduate in theatre  communications.

“I enjoy working with everyone,” said Cunningham, a junior in theatre arts, who is currently attending Southern Oregon University. “I grew up in Corvallis, so most of these people I’ve known for quite a long time.”

The entire cast is eager for the performance, because it has something that no other MU production has had in the past. Microphones have been made available to the cast, a luxury that previous productions did not have. Every audience member is guaranteed to get the full experience.

The setting will also be outside in the Memorial Union quad, a large and open area.

For those who are interested in coming, there are several things to be aware of:

“Chairs will not be provided, bring a jacket and a blanket, and arrive early to claim your seat,” said Sarah McKenny, stage manager of the production. “‘Bard in the Quad’ is often one of our most popular events, and attracts larger audiences.”

There will be eight performances of this production, from Aug. 8 to Aug. 12, and Aug. 15-19, all at 7:30 p.m.  They will be held in the MU quad on the outdoor staircase.  

It will cost $15 for general admission, $10 for students and seniors, and $5 for OSU students.  

The box office is located in the center of the MU quad, and opens before each performance at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets are also available online at bardinthequad.com, and can be ordered via phone.  For the OSU Theatre Box Office call 541-737-2784 or call the MU Business Office at 541-737-2416.

Amanda Antell, news reporter
news@dailybarometer.com