Encinal's Will Power Brings Much Ado to the Stage

The Shakespeare Club of Encinal High School is proud to present Much Ado About Nothing. Linnea Arneson, President of the club says, “We established our club last year to offer Encinal students the opportunity to see, read, and perform the works of William Shakespeare. In February, we held our first-ever citywide monologue competition. This year, we are excited to produce a play.”

The club also known as Will Power had to exercise some will to get this play produced this fall. After casting was completed, the original director was unable to continue this production because of a number of scheduling conflicts. The cast was faced with the possibility of postponing the production until spring, or finding another director. At a lunchtime meeting in September, the students decided to continue the play, accepting the challenge of self-directing. “It was important for the seniors in the group to do this now” says Hank Whittaker, a 12th grader in the cast. “We had to seize this opportunity now before the college application filing period hits us,” continues Arneson. The students have gained support from the school and Encinal families to keep them on track. One family hosted rehearsals at their home until they obtained permits to use the school’s cafeteria. The group also obtained support from Alameda Children’s Musical Theatre who has contributed financially and has helped by providing set pieces. Recently, Kathleen Seabolt, an Encinal parent known for directing Shakespeare plays at the Academy of Alameda Middle School for each of the past four years has joined the crew adding her directing expertise.

The students have chosen a present-day concept. In this modern take on Much Ado, you will see what Shakespeare has to say about a high-tech, fame-obsessed society where mobile phones, video games, and social media infiltrate themselves into every corner of our lives. “We keep finding out how Shakespeare’s words and themes continue to be relevant today,” says Arneson. “It’s no wonder people are still performing these plays more than 400 years after they were written.

Proceeds from the ticket sales for this show will be used to further the goals of the Shakespeare Club including a 2nd Annual Citywide Shakespeare Monologue Competition and trips to Bay Area Shakespeare performances. “This has been a rewarding show to be involved with. It’s incredibly empowering for a group of students to take on a challenge like this and see it through to completion.” says Tatum Anderson, one of six freshmen in the cast. You can see how all the students’ hard work has paid off in performances on October 25 at 7pm and 26 at 2PM.

WHAT: Much Ado About Nothing

WHERE: Encinal High School Cafeteria, 210 Central Avenue, Alameda

WHEN: Saturday, October 25, 2014 7:00PM

Sunday, October 26, 2014 2:00PM

ADMISSION: $10 for Adults; $5 for Students and Seniors

MORE INFO: https://ehs-alamedausd-ca.schoolloop.com/shakespeare

Shakespeare@circusforarts.org

510-629-1538