Welcome to Portland Shakespeare Project

Hello, and thank you for visiting Portland Shakespeare Project’s new website. I will be writing here from time to time, as will other members of our Artistic Council, to let you know what we are doing and thinking. I hope you will feel free to communicate with us and let us know what you are thinking. We are building a theatre company from the ground up and we want your feedback and your participation.

I believe that classical theatre is a rich and vital source of entertainment, education and inspiration, particularly when it is performed by actors who have been immersed in classical theatre training. As a long-standing, active member of Portland’s wonderful theatre community, I also believe that Portland needs a strong and vibrant classical theatre company, and I am committed to building such a company: Portland Shakespeare Project.

I am being joined in this effort by an amazing group of people. Karen Rathje is our Executive Director; Sarah Lucht is our Education Director; and Dana Millican is our Artistic Assistant.

Our Artistic Council includes Sarah Lucht, Jon Kretzu, Ronni Lacroute, Luisa Sermol, and Grant Turner. Our teachers include Jonathan Cole, Jon Kretzu, Sarah Lucht, Michael Nehring, Eve Roberts, Luisa Sermol, Grant Turner and me. In addition, I am very pleased to announce that Louis Fantasia, who is the Director of Shakespeare at the Huntington Library, will join us on our opening weekend in July, 2011, and will be offering a master class for actors and directors as well as a public lecture discussion for As You Like It. You can learn more about our classes and our instructors under the Education tab. You won’t want to miss seeing him.

Please visit us often. Right now, we are engaged in casting for As You Like It, and we will be announcing the cast for the show very soon. I think you will be very excited to learn who will be appearing in the show.

I believe with all my heart that we can and should build a classical theatre company in Portland, and I hope you will consider joining me in this endeavor. If you would like to talk to me about what we are doing, please do not hesitate to let me know; I would love to hear from you. I also appreciate any donation you would like to consider making (tax deductible by the way) and I certainly do want you to come and enjoy As You Like It next summer. Tickets will be going on sale soon.

Please join me on this journey. I think it will be a great trip, and that together we will build a great classical theater company in Portland.

Michael Mendelson
Artistic Director