La Cañada is Perfect Home for Vanguard Rep's Summer Shakespeare

Vanguard Rep’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, just one of the plays being performed by the Actor’s Equity company as part of the 2011 La Cañada-Flintridge Shakespeare Festival opened this weekend.

Held at the Byrnes Amphitheater on the campus, the festival, which started Friday, runs through July 31, Thursday through Sunday nights.

This second year of the festival also includes productions of two original plays. Tragic Women is a 15-minute avant-guard performance focusing on Shakespeare’s female characters. It runs with After the Autumn, which is described by the company as an examination of the effects of post-traumatic stress, inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

The campus and community were two major draws for the young company looking to combine public performance with education. According to Co-Artisitc Director Matthew Burgos, Vanguard’s President and Co-Artistic Director Sam Ross became interested in the Byrnes Amphitheater years ago when his wife, Liz began teaching at FSHA.

Despite some initial resistance from school administration, Burgos noted that he and Ross, “recognized immediately that the La Cañada Flintridge community was very supportive of their local businesses and activities. And, in the end, we felt that we could bring extremely high-caliber professional theatre to a community's backyard that would actually appreciate and support it.”

Picnics, blankets, and a love of being out under the stars are recommended for those spending the evening at the festival.

While shows start at 8 p.m., patrons may arrive as early as 7 p.m. to enjoy art, music, and even wine while taking in the view.

“The venue is truly special. Everyone who walks down the steps into the amphitheater after driving up the side of the mountain and taking in the views of LA and the Rose Bowl, comment on how lovely the whole experience is,” Burgos said. 

In addition to professional actors, experienced designers and production personnel, and fully designed sets and costumes, Vanguard also offers education through their conservancy.

"Vanguard Rep believes that arts education is absolutely necessary in keeping the theatre alive, exciting and relevant in America,” explained Liz Ross, Vanguard’s Director of Education and also principal of Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy’s summer school. Classes, workshops, and internships are offered through Vanguard Rep’s conservancy.

 “By being in FSHA's backyard, Vanguard Rep can build an outreach and training program that is accessible to talented students” Sam Ross said through email. “As a bonus, FSHA has a beautiful space and a receptive administration."

Tickets for the La Cañada Shakespeare Festival can be purchased by visiting Vanguard Rep’s website. The website also has information regarding classes and other opportunities with the company and conservancy.