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

3 Comments

  1. Michael
    Great to meet you at the intermission of LEAR yesterday. It was exciting to hear about your new project. Also, the website is beautifully organized and informative. Can’t wait to see AS YOU LIKE IT (already put July 17 on the calendar); Nelson’s 2 ACTORS sounds almost as exciting.
    Here’s the link to the Kent State website I was telling you about yesterday: https://www.ourhamlet.com/aboutus.html. It might not be quite as exciting as I made it out to be?
    Also, check out my website http://www.ShakespeareManuscript.com. I can get you a free, prerelease galley copy if you’ve got an e-reader, smart phone or (tablet) computer to read it on.
    Best of luck in your endeavor,
    Stewart



  2. mvmendelson on at

    Stewart,
    It was wonderful to meet you and your wife during LEAR. Some of those images still live with me. I’m so glad to hear you’re excited and Portland Shakespeare Project is on you callendar. I will check out both links you’ve sent. Thank you for taking the time to talk at the show and here on our blog. Should you feel so inclined please consider becoming a supporter of our inaugural season.
    We will take all the luck you can give us.
    Sincerely,
    Michael Mendelson



  3. Tricia on at

    Looking forward to taking my teen girls to the show this weekend! Thank you for bringing this to Portland!