R&J REHEARSAL AT THE ROSE THEATRE

Anyone who knows me, even a little bit, knows I can be a bit dramatic. I also do love to tell a good story.

I have been performing for most of my life. Whether it was fairytales in grade school, a musical and speech team in middle school, numerous acting classes and shows in high school, or a final acting class in undergrad, theatre’s been a part of my life.

It was always inspiring and challenging to walk into class or rehearsal, unsure who I was going to be that day or what I would be asked to do. But I was always ready to tackle a new scene or monologue.

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A highlight of my high school acting career was studying William Shakespeare, which we performed every single year in class. Whether it was a monologue or a duet, each year I would be learning some new character. This was through rehearsing and writing a character study.

I would spend hours watching different versions of a scene and reading through character descriptions. I made playlists and tried to find a version of myself in each Shakespearean character I played.

One day, I would be furiously ripping up Proteus’ letter as Julia from Two Gentlewoman of Verona, comforting my melancholy Desdemona as Emilia in Othello, messing around with Touchstone as Audrey in As You Like It, being wooed by the Prince and then fainting after being cast off by Claudio as Hero in Much Ado About Nothing, or conspiring and betraying King Richard as Bagot in Richard II. 

It is definitely fair to say that I have a fond attachment to Shakespeare.

Especially, because through my high school acting classes and performances, since I met some of my very best friends. And all that pent up teen angst and frustration was put to good use in performing dramatic roles for class.

Therefore, I couldn’t believe my luck when I heard that a pop up Shakespearean theatre was going to be constructed in a car park during the summer that I am in York.

It felt like fate.

THE FIRST EVER POP UP SHAKESPEARE THEATRE IN EUROPE

The structure built in the car park near Clifford’s Tower is based on the original Rose Theatre, which was constructed in 1586. The original Globe theatre was built 12 years after the Rose.

This kind of theatre is the first of its kind in all of Europe! It took about three weeks to construct and can house about 950 audience members (with 600 seats and room for 350 groundlings to stand).

There is no bad view in the theatre since no audience member is more than 15 meters away from the action. As a groundling, actors often speak their lines and walk through this area and will likely be weaving through the crowd to make their entrances.

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All four shows are being produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions Limited. There are three different directors, Lindsay Posner (Romeo & Juliet and Richard III), Damian Cruden (Macbeth), Juliet Forster (A Midsummer Night’s Dream).

From what I can tell, there are two separate casts. One cast is Posner’s, performing in both R&J and Richard III.  While the other cast performs Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Each show has an incredibly talented array of cast and crew and I could not be more excited to see the product of all their hard work.

ATTENDING THE DRESS REHEARSAL

On Tuesday, June 24, the Rose Theatre had two open dress rehearsals for Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet. The University of York obtained about 150 tickets for these dress rehearsals and sent out an email to advertise this opportunity to its students.

I, of course, was immediately interested.

But I still spent the entire day deciding whether or not to go. I had been at a post-graduate conference all day, and, in all honesty, Romeo and Juliet is one of my least favorite Shakespeare plays.

Yet I knew that I wanted to see it because of Alexander Vlahos and Alexandra Dowling as the titular characters. I had enjoyed both of their performances on television and couldn’t believe my luck that I would be able to see them perform live, especially together!

So I sent out this tweet, not expecting much:

After Alexander responded, my mind was made up. I was going to Romeo and Juliet.

I arrived about 1.5 hours before the rehearsal started to ensure that I got a good seat. I stood at the front of the line and basically had my pick of seats, which was absolutely incredible. The atmosphere of the theatre really prepared me for the show and I sat back in my seat in anticipation.

And I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest.

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With live music and brilliant performances, I actually really enjoyed the performance. I didn’t expect to like the play or titular characters as much as I did. I often find them annoying when I read the play. But the entire cast felt relatable.

We all know people like the characters the cast of Romeo and Juliet created.

We all know a loyal and sensible Benvolio, hot-headed and argumentative Tybalt, a dutiful and noble Paris, an amusing and dramatic Mercutio, a caring and maternal Nurse, a charming and comedic Romeo, and a defiant and independent Juliet.

WHAT I WORE FOR MY NIGHT AT THE THEATRE

When I go to the theatre, I want to look put together, but I also want to be comfortable. Nothing is worse than trying to watch a performance, but constantly fussing with a part of your outfit or complaining about your feet hurting. If you are purchasing tickets in the groundlings area right in front of the stage, I highly suggest wearing comfortable, flat, and closed-toe shoes.

Shakespeare shows are quite long and I don’t think you’ll be allowed to sit on the ground. Also, if the groundling tickets are particularly popular that show, you don’t want to get stepped on by either another patron or an actor.

I also suggest closed-toe shoes for when you’re perusing the village outside of the theatre because of the wood chips/sawdust. Nothing is more annoying than that getting in your shoe and it bothering you during a performance or on your walk home from the theatre.

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Because I had a seat at the dress rehearsal, I felt comfortable throwing on this low pair of t-strap block heels. They very much matched the vibe of my outfit while making it feel a bit more dressed up than if I had styled it with some flats or trainers.

The tee is rather thin so it was perfect for a warm summer evening and I am absolutely obsessed with gingham, so this skirt makes me smile.

MY FUTURE PLANS WITH THE ROSE THEATRE

I could not suggest a better outing than a visit to the Rose Theatre. I would happily pay and see Romeo and Juliet again; that’s how much I enjoyed the performance.

I am absolutely ecstatic for the other three productions and can’t wait to go back and enjoy all that the Rose Theatre has to offer. I want to try the full experience, being a groundling one performance and sitting in the upper tiers in another.

I cannot wait to spend the day in the village, drinking cider and chatting about Shakespeare with my friends. And I hope to capture a few more photos with actors that I admire and create more memories while here in York.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

1. Performances go on in the rain or shine. The groundlings area is not covered, so be sure to dress for the weather. Umbrellas cannot be used during any of the performances though, so bring a raincoat!

2. Taking photos is okay during performances, as long as you’re not obstructing the view of other audience members and you aren’t using flash. You could distract the actors and that’s no fun for anyone.

3. The Rose is encouraging social media engagement, so make sure to tag them and use #ShakespeareRT.

4. If you want to try and meet any of the cast or crew afterward, there is a ‘stage door’ off to the far right of the theatre (outside of the village). But please be kind and courteous with them!

5. Always ask for pictures or autographs, but never expect. They’ve just done their job and are now off the clock. From my first experience, all are very kind and most are happy to do so.

6. Be nice to the employees, volunteers, cast, and crew while there! Be gracious, thank them, and let them know how much you enjoyed their hard work.

Thanks again to Alexander Vlahos for stopping to take this photo. You were so gracious and kind and your performance was absolutely brilliant.