THE TOWN SCAMBLING (CSC Newsletter)

I hope this finds you both happy and healthy as we approach the end of January (already!?!)    

"I am fresh of spirit and resolved to meet all perils very constantly." – Julius Caesar 

I always think of this quote from Julius Caesar when the new year comes around.  It seems more pertinent than ever as we dive into 2022.  As a company we are grateful to have positive momentum coming out of last year and we extend another tremendous “thank you” to the fantastic support of the Friends of the CSC.  In 2022 we are thrilled to highlight a very simple way to show your support for the CSC.  We are listed as a non-profit entity on Amazon and have renewed our AmazonSmile profile.  That means that with every purchase you make on Amazon a small contribution will be made to the CSC (at no additional charge to you).  Every little bit helps us share the magic of theatre and the brilliance of Shakespeare, and with AmazonSmile, giving couldn’t be easier.  Simply click the link and you can set up your smile account to activate the giving. Link:  https://smile.amazon.com/ch/26-0422048.  

Additionally, we are excited to share that we are completing the final paperwork and will be announcing our first show of the 2022-23 season soon!  A little hint:  It will be one of Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits!  We want to hear from you!  We value your opinion and love to hear from you:   

What Playwright (other than Shakespeare) would you like to see produced on the CSC stage?  Please let us know.  

As the new year settles in we wish you all good things and the time to enjoy them.  “Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast.” -Romeo & Juliet  

Sincerely, 

Brandon

Happy Holidays!  As we approach the end of 2021, we are reflecting back on the friends who support us and the artists who call the California Shakespeare Company home.  While 2021 has welcomed our company back to the stage and live audiences with the “Will Power Shakespeare Hour” at the Santa Monica Playhouse and the world premiere of our original Christmas show, “King Hamlet’s Christmas Carol” at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts in Thousand Oaks, we are resolved to create even more opportunities for audiences of all ages to experience the magic of theatre and the power of Shakespeare. 

If you have not donated to the California Shakespeare Company in 2021 yet, please consider donating to help support live theatre in 2022!  To our friends who have already contributed, your gift means so much and we thank you dearly.  Gifts can be sent via mail to “CSC Education, Inc.” at 1362 Thousand Oaks Blvd #22, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 or via our website or by clicking here.  Please also explore our website to learn more about avenues of giving like Amazon Smile and Corporate Matching.  As a reminder we are a 501(c)3 making all donations 100% tax deductible.  

Wishing you the happiest of holidays and we hope to welcome you back in the audiences in the new year.  Thank you for your help and loyalty as we share the words of the Bard and the power of theatre. 

“For you there’s rosemary and rue; these keep seeming and savour all the winter long: Grace and remembrance be to you both.” 

Sincerely,

Brandon Sharkey

Artistic Director

Happy Thanksgiving! As we reflect on this day of gratitude, we turn our thoughts to those that we are thankful for. Special thanks to our generous friends of the CSC as well as all of the actors, crew and volunteers that have graced us with their talents and time. Without you, we would not be able to share the magic of theatre and the brilliance of Shakespeare. 

With the holiday season upon us, we look back with appreciation and look forward with excitement. This past month welcomed the company’s triumphant return to the stage as the “Will Power Shakespeare Hour” was successfully met at the Santa Monica Playhouse. 

On Saturday, December 11th at 8pm, we invite you to join us for the world premiere of our original Christmas show, “King Hamlet’s Christmas Carol” at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts in Thousand Oaks. This one night only event follows a small theatre company that can’t quite figure out what show they should do to please their patrons and producers and is filled with holiday cheer and hilarity and fun for the whole family. Tickets can be purchased on the website or by calling (805) 307-2413. 

In this season of giving, the support of our friends is crucial. Please consider making a gift to help us spread the magic of theatre and the brilliance of Shakespeare. Gifts can be sent via mail to “CSC Education, Inc.” 1362 Thousand Oaks Blvd #22, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 or via our website or by clicking here. Please also explore our website to learn more about avenues of giving like Amazon Smile and Corporate Matching. As a reminder we are a 501(c)3 making all donations 100% tax deductible.  

“Frame your mind to mirth and merriment which bars a thousand harms and lengthens life.”

Sincerely,

Brandon Sharkey

Artistic Director

Dear Friends of the California Shakespeare Company,

“WHERE THERE’S A WILL THERE’S A PLAY” read the bumper sticker of the “CSC” when making its debut on a strip-mall stage in Moorpark in 1991.

Under the creative and able directorship of William H. Fisher along with the passion and drive of co-founder Monika Copeland, the company successfully presented full-scale Shakespeare plays, school shows, Will Power Hours, as well as contemporary theatre productions for three decades, first on Princeton Avenue and later at various host venues.

Then plans were curtailed by the present pandemic -- but remember, Shakespeare and his Globe also survived a plague in London in 1592.  Shakespeare persevered, and like him, so will the CSC as it begins a new chapter of dedication and history. 

Armed with a similar drive, passion and creativity and with the blessing of its original co-founders, Brandon Sharkey, a longtime member of the CSC and an experienced actor and director was considered the natural choice to inherit the enterprise as the new Artistic Director.  

At the 2021 Annual Board Meeting, long standing plus newly appointed Board members confirmed the transition with unanimous enthusiasm.  It was also recognized that the company will retain its surname of “CSC Education, Inc.” and non-profit status.

In this new chapter, Brandon strives to continue the mission of the CSC by focusing on creating opportunities for audiences of all ages to experience the magic of theatre and the brilliance of Shakespeare.  From developing educational events to mounting full-scale productions, the CSC will continue to create ties with the Conejo Valley and communities throughout California.

In that vein, we are excited to announce upcoming shows and we would be thrilled to see you at the performances:

Saturday, November 6th, 2021 at 2pm - “WILL POWER SHAKESPEARE HOUR” at Santa Monica Playhouse located at 1211 4th St, Santa Monica, CA.  All tickets are FREE!  But seats are limited.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling 

310-394-9779 ext 1.

Saturday, December 11th, 2021 at 8pm - “KING HAMLET’S CHRISTMAS CAROL” at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts located at 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA.  Tickets are $15-$25 and can be reserved on our website CALISHAKESPEARE.ORG or by calling 

(805) 307-2413.

As we look forward to ending 2021 strong and as we look to the future for an exciting 2022 season, the support of our friends is crucial fuel as we adapt to these unique times.  

Please remember we are a 501(c)3 making all donations 100% tax deductible.

Please explore our website to learn more about avenues of giving like Amazon Smile and Corporate Matching. Additionally, please let us know if you are interested in giving your time to help with productions (ushers, concessions, box office, etc.). 

We hope to welcome you in the audience and thank you for your help and loyalty as we share the words of the Bard and the power of theatre. 

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”

Sincerely,

Brandon Sharkey         William H. Fisher          Monika Copeland

Artistic Director             Co-Founder                 Co-Founder