Accidental Shakespeare Company

Love Deals!

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:40:57 -0400

Our Members just received an email with a *2 for $30* or *3 for $40* All You Can Drink Ticket discount. It’s not too late to get this too! Sign up for our Members List by May 3 to cash in on this deal.

Email accidentalshakespearecompany@gmail.com with ‘Sign me up!’ in the subject line. See you on May 4!

Before you come to Hit & Run: Love’s Labors Lost,...

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:02:49 -0400

Before you come to Hit & Run: Love’s Labors Lost, check out our first ever “60 Second Shakespeare” video! Hit & Run actor Julia Giolzetti races the clock to tell the entire plot of Love’s Labors Lost in under 60 seconds!!!

Our Next Hit & Run!

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:22:05 -0400

Accidental Shakespeare Company is proud to announce the next in our Hit & Run Shakespeare series! It’s an evening of lascivious love-games played by a cast with more NEW faces than any Hit & Run ever before! Will these Hit & Run virgins fly or fail? There’s only one way to find out!

Accidental Shakespeare Company presents…

Hit & Run Shakespeare: LOVE’S LABOURS LOST
Saturday, May 4 @ 7:30p

The 777 Theater
777 8th Ave, 2nd Floor
b/w 47th & 48th St.
New York, NY

Prepare yourselves for fast-paced, high-stakes bardolatry. In Hit & Run Shakespeare, there is NO director, NO rehearsal, and NO plan: just pure, spontaneous PLAY! Our ensemble of actors will come together, fully memorized and with fully developed characters, to create a one night only, fully staged production of Shakespeare’s LOVE’S LABOURS LOST.

Accidental Shakespeare Company embraces the philosophy “Play on!” by bringing elements of improvisation to classical text. A referee will monitor the play and ensure that any dropped lines, missed cues, or slack entrances are punished appropriately. Each actor will costume themselves, and is required to bring one random prop to contribute to the play.

We encourage you the audience to contribute props as well!! A prop can be absolutely anything at all – a common household item, something random, something silly, something useful. Props will be placed around the playing space for actors to use during the performance. (Props will be returned after the performance, but please don’t bring anything extremely valuable or breakable. Thanks!)

We believe that the joy of live theater lies in its accidents and screw-ups — and watching actors deal with them creatively. The hilarity, the life, the truth of LOVE’S LABOURS LOST will emerge from this sense of play, and the dynamic it creates with you — our audience!

Visit AccidentalShakespeare.tumblr.com/hitandrun for more information about the ‘Hit & Run’ style and the rules of the game!

Come Play With Us!

CAST:
TBA

TICKETS:
“Scoundrel”: $10 suggested donation
“Drunken Rogue”: $20 (As a special thank you for your extra donation, receive ALL YOU CAN DRINK for the evening!)

Tickets available at the door.Cash only. No reservations required.

Questions or comments? Please contact AccidentalShakespeareCompany@gmail.com.

Accidental Shakespeare Company General Auditions

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:37:06 -0500

Accidental Shakespeare Company is holding general auditions for upcoming Hit & Run Shakespeare series performances, as well as future developmental workshops and productions. Lindsay Tanner and Kim Wong, Artistic Dirs.

Seeking—Classically Trained Actors: Extremely playful, fearless actors who are willing to make mistakes onstage. Must have strong text work. Ability to memorize well a plus. We are seeking actors who are excited by the spontaneity of our work, so please read about Hit & Runs before applying. All types, ethnicities, and ages welcome.

Auditions will be held Saturday, March 23 from 10a-4p, by appointment only. Please email your headshot, resume, and audition day availability to AccidentalShakespeareCompany@gmail.com [subject: “General Auditions - your name”] for an appointment. Deadline for submission is Friday, March 1.

For more information, visit http://AccidentalShakespeare.tumblr.com/home.

Non-union. Possible stipend, dependent upon project.

PLAY ON!

Announcing our next Hit&Run!

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 01:32:53 -0500

Accidental Shakespeare Company is proud to present…

Hit & Run Shakespeare: TWELFTH NIGHT (on Twelfth Night!)
Saturday, January 5 @ 7p

American Globe Theatre
145 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036
between 6th and 7th avenues

Prepare yourselves for fast-paced, high-stakes bardolatry. In Hit & Run Shakespeare, there is NO director, NO rehearsal, and NO plan: just pure, spontaneous PLAY! Our ensemble of actors will come together, fully memorized and with fully developed characters, to create a one night only, fully staged production of Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT.

Accidental Shakespeare Company embraces the philosophy “Play on!” by bringing elements of improvisation to classical text. A referee will monitor the play and ensure that any dropped lines, missed cues, or slack entrances are punished appropriately. Each actor will costume themselves, and is required to bring one random prop to contribute to the play.

We encourage you the audience to contribute props as well!! A prop can be absolutely anything at all – a common household item, something random, something silly, something useful. Props will be placed around the playing space for actors to use during the performance. (Props will be returned after the performance, but please don’t bring anything extremely valuable or breakable. Thanks!)

We believe that the joy of live theater lies in its accidents and screw-ups — and watching actors deal with them creatively. The hilarity, the life, the truth of TWELFTH NIGHT will emerge from this sense of play, and the dynamic it creates with you — our audience!

Visit AccidentalShakespeare.tumblr.com/hitandrun for more information about the ‘Hit & Run’ style and the rules of the game!

Come Play With Us!

TICKETS:
“Scoundrel”: $10
“Drunken Rogue”: $20 (As a special thank you for your extra donation, receive ALL YOU CAN DRINK for the evening!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 10:54:15 -0500

First, the gods bless you for your tidings; next,
Accept my thankfulness.

- Coriolanus, V.iv

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving! We at Accidental Shakespeare Company are so grateful for your support!

What's WINTER'S TALE About?

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 19:29:55 -0500

Hit&Run actor Whit Leyenberger gives his summary of A WINTER’S TALE. Brush up on your Shakespeare before Hit&Run: THE WINTER’S TALE this Saturday! Visit our Facebook page or follow the link below to view the video:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152289589285634&set=vb.140223642710742&type=3

See you at the show!

Have you liked us on Facebook?

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:11:50 -0500

Have you visited our Facebook page lately? We’ve got interviews and bios with the cast of H&R: The Winter’s Tale coming out daily!

Stay up to date on the latest news by liking us on Facebook!

We’ve set a goal of reaching 350 likes by our November 24th Hit & Run performance. If we can reach our goal, Lindsay and Kim will treat the audience to a special, silly performance at the show!! So spread the word!

Happy St. Crispin's Day!

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:47:00 -0400

This day is call’d the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam’d,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say “To-morrow is Saint Crispian.”
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say “These wounds I had on Crispian’s day.”

- Henry V, William Shakespeare

Announcing our next Hit&Run!

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:31:05 -0400

Accidental Shakespeare Company is proud to present…

Hit & Run Shakespeare: THE WINTER’S TALE
Saturday, November 24 @ 7p

American Globe Theatre
145 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036
between 6th and 7th avenues

What better way to welcome in the winter season than with a little wine, a few delicious desserts, and a whole lot of Shakespeare! Prepare yourselves for fast-paced, high-stakes bardolatry. In Hit & Run Shakespeare, there is NO director, NO rehearsal, and NO plan: just pure, spontaneous PLAY! Our ensemble of actors will come together, fully memorized and with fully developed characters, to create a one night only, fully staged production of Shakespeare’s THE WINTER’S TALE.

Accidental Shakespeare Company embraces the philosophy “Play on!” by bringing elements of improvisation to classical text. A referee will monitor the play and ensure that any dropped lines, missed cues, or slack entrances are punished appropriately. Each actor will costume themselves, and is required to bring one random prop to contribute to the play.

We encourage you the audience to contribute props as well!! A prop can be absolutely anything at all – a common household item, something random, something silly, something useful. Props will be placed around the playing space for actors to use during the performance. (Props will be returned after the performance, but please don’t bring anything extremely valuable or breakable. Thanks!)

We believe that the joy of live theater lies in its accidents and screw-ups — and watching actors deal with them creatively. The hilarity, the life, the truth of THE WINTER’S TALE will emerge from this sense of play, and the dynamic it creates with you — our audience!

Visit AccidentalShakespeare.tumblr.com/hit&run for more information about the ‘Hit & Run’ style and the rules of the game!

Come Play With Us!

TICKETS:
“Scoundrel”: $10
“Drunken Rogue”: $20 (As a special thank you for your extra donation, receive ALL YOU CAN DRINK for the evening!)

A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
We are thrilled to be joining up with Caitie Allen of Biscaitie to provide you with delicious baked goods at the show! So don’t forget to bring a little extra cash. You won’t want to miss out on these delicious treats!

Happy Fall, everybody!

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 16:06:29 -0400

We know we’ve been MIA for a bit, but not to fret! Lindsay and Kim are busy behind the scenes planning exciting new things for the company. And of course, the next Hit & Run in November!! We can’t wait to share them with you.

Stay tuned!

Mark your calendars!

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 18:39:11 -0400

Accidental Shakespeare Company is so thrilled to announce that our next Hit & Run Shakespeare production is being produced by the cell theatre! Join us for another round of fast paced, high stakes bardolatry as we tackle William Shakespeare’s bloodiest play:

TITUS ANDRONICUS

Wednesday, August 22 @ 7p
the cell theatre

Details to come! Stay tuned!!!

Click here to see photos from Hit&Run: R&J!

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 22:08:00 -0400

Click here to see photos from Hit&Run: R&J!:

Visit us on Facebook to see the gorgeous production photos from our most recent Hit&Run production, Romeo and Juliet, courtesy of Lisha C Photography (www.lishacphotography.com)!

Thank you!

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 00:53:28 -0400

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to Hit&Run: ROMEO AND JULIET this past weekend!! It was a great success. We had a great time, and hope you did too! Stay tuned for updates on what’s next for Accidental. And don’t forget to visit facebook.com/accidental.shakespeare for photos, backstage peeks, and to share YOUR favorite accidental moment of the evening!

DID YOU KNOW?

Thu, 31 May 2012 14:09:29 -0400

“The first conversation between the two lovers (I.5.93) is actually a sonnet duet: Romeo speaks four lines, then Juliet speaks four; they share the next four and the final couplet, and then they kiss each other. Indeed, they enjoy the experience so much that they immediately start off on another sequence, but after the first four lines the Nurse calls Juliet, and the moment is lost.”

— The Shakespeare Miscellany, David Crystal and Ben Crystal

DON’T MISS HIT & RUN: ROMEO & JULIET ON SATURDAY, JUNE 2 @ 8:30p!!!

DID YOU KNOW?

Tue, 29 May 2012 17:47:42 -0400

The first commercially available barbiturate was marketed under the name ‘Veronal’ in reference to the potion that the Friar gives Juliet to make her appear dead.

DON’T MISS HIT & RUN: ROMEO & JULIET ON SATURDAY, JUNE 2 @ 8:30p!!!

DID YOU KNOW?

Mon, 28 May 2012 14:59:01 -0400

“In Roscius Anglicanus (1708), John Downes records that Romeo and Juliet was given an early revival by Sir WIlliam Devenant’s company (in 1661). It was evidently turned into a tragi-comedy by James Howard, ‘preserving Romeo and Juliet alive; so that when the Tragedy was Reviv’d again, ‘twas Played Alternately, Tragical one Day, and Tragicomical another; for several Days together’.”

— The Shakespeare Miscellany, David Crystal and Ben Crystal

DON’T MISS HIT & RUN: ROMEO & JULIET ON SATURDAY, JUNE 2 @ 8:30p!!!

DID YOU KNOW?

Mon, 28 May 2012 01:23:36 -0400

“The word love is used 154 times in Romeo and Juliet — over half the time (87 instances) by the two lovers. Which of them uses the word more? Juliet says it 35 times and Romeo 52 — but 16 of his usages have Rosaline, his first infatuation, in mind. When Juliet and Romeo actually meet, their opening scene together is appropriately balanced — each uses the word 11 times.”

— The Shakespeare Miscellany, David Crystal and Ben Crystal

DON’T MISS HIT & RUN: ROMEO & JULIET ON SATURDAY, JUNE 2 @ 8:30p!!!

DID YOU KNOW?

Sat, 26 May 2012 13:59:00 -0400

“If there were a competition for the most widely understood word in Shakespeare, the winner would probably be wherefore, when Juliet says:

O Romeo, Romeo — wherefore art thou Romeo (Romeo and Juliet, II.2.33)

The force of modern where overrides the older meaning, which is an emphatic ‘why’. Juliet is asking in frustration: ‘Why are you called Romeo?’ It is one of the 148 instances of the word in Shakespeare. Other instances can be even more misleading, when heard spoken aloud. When Cassio tells Bianca to leave him (Othello, III.4.188), she replies:

Leave you! Wherefore?

To modern English ears, that sounds very much like ‘Where for?’”

— The Shakespeare Miscellany, David Crystal and Ben Crystal

DON’T MISS HIT & RUN: ROMEO & JULIET ON SATURDAY, JUNE 2 @ 8:30p!!!

DID YOU KNOW?

Sat, 26 May 2012 04:45:00 -0400

“In David Garrick’s 1748 rewrite of Romeo and Juliet, Romeo and Juliet are allowed to talk together in the tomb after V.3.114—at ‘righteous kiss’. (In the orthodox version, Romeo dies six lines later, before Juliet wakes up.)

… Arms, take your last embrace; and lips, do you
The doors of breath seal with a righteous kiss;—
Soft—she breathes, and stirs!

[Juliet wakes.

JUL. Where am I? defend me!

ROM. She speaks, she lives! and we shall still be bless’d!
My kind propitious stars o’erpay me now
For all my sorrows past—rise, rise, my Juliet,
And from this cave of death, this house of horror,
Quick let me snatch thee to thy Romeo’s arms,
There breathe a vital spirit in thy lips,
And call thee back to life and love.

[Takes her hand.

JUL. Bless me! how cold it is! whose’s there!

ROM: Thy husband,
‘Tis thy Romeo, Juliet; rais’d from despair
To joys unutt’rable! quit, quit this place,
And let us fly together—

[Brings her from the tomb.

JUL. Why do you force me so? I’ll ne’er consent—
My strength may fail me, but my will’s unmov’d,—
I’ll not wed Paris,—Romeo is my husband—

ROM. Her senses are unsettl’d—Heav’n restore ‘em!
Romeo is thy husband; I am that Romeo,
Nor all th’opposing pow’rs of earth or man,
Shall break our bonds, or tear thee from my heart.

JUL. I know that voice—Its magic sweetness wakes
My tranced soul—I now remember well
Each circumstance—Oh my lord, my Husband—

[Going to embrace him.

Dost thou avoid me, Romeo? let me touch
Thy hand, and taste the cordial of thy lips—
You fright me—speak—Oh let me hear some voice
Besides my own in this drear vault of death,
Or I shall faint—support me

ROM. Oh I cannot,
I have no strength, but want thy feeble aid,
Cruel poison!

JUL. Poison! What means my lord; thy trembling voice!
Pale lips! and swimming eyes! death’s in thy face!

ROM. It is indeed—I struggle with him now—
The transports that I felt, to hear thee speak,
And see thy op’ning eyes, stopt for a moment
His impetuous course, and all my mind
Was happiness and thee; but now the poison
Rushes thro’ my veins—I’ve not time to tell—
Fate brought me to this place—to take a last,
Last farewel of my love and with thee die.

JUL. Die? was the Friar false!

ROM. I know not that—
I thought thee dead; distracted at the sight,
(Fatal speed) drank poison, kiss’d thy cold lips,
And found within thy arms a precious grave—
But in that moment—Oh—

JUL. An did I wake for this!

ROM. My powers are blasted,
‘Twixt death and love I’m torn—I am distracted!
But death’s strongest—and must I leave thee, Juliet!
Oh cruel cursed fate! in sight of heav’n—

JUL. Thou rav’st— lean on my breast—

ROM. Fathers have flinty hearts, no tears can melt ‘em,
Nature pleads in vain—Children must be wretched—

JUL. Oh my breaking heart—

ROM. She is my wife—our hearts are twin’d together—
Capulet, forbear—Paris, loose your hold—
Pull not our heart-strings thus—they crack—they break—
Oh Juliet! Juliet!

[Dies.

JUL. Stay, stay, for me, Romeo—
A moment stay; fate marries us in death,
And we are one—no pow’r shall part us.

[Faints on Romeo’s body.”

— The Shakespeare Miscellany, David Crystal and Ben Crystal

DON’T MISS HIT & RUN: ROMEO & JULIET ON SATURDAY, JUNE 2 @ 8:30p!!!