The six students in this year’s program were Carl Ackers, Fisher Alexander, Joe Angelette, Andrea Gros, Carli Kirtland and Emma Lopez. Each gave assured and brightly done performances, putting across an exuberant energy across the intimate Lupin Theatre.
Director Jessica Podewell, assisted by Chaney Tullos, guides the young performers through a condensed rendering of the play, establishing a tight and speedy pace that keeps them on their toes. Even with the edits, they tell the story well, drawing out the characters with distinction.
What is all the more impressive about the youthful performances is that nearly all of the actors are tackling two or more roles. With simple quick costume changes and a shift in attitude, each conveys the distinctly different characters.
They also have been taught well, handling the language of Shakespeare with a natural sense of speech, without losing the inherent poetry of it all.
The educational arm of the festival is dedicated to the memory of Gavin Mahlie, one of the finest Shakespeareans, and all-around best actors to ever take to local boards. He brought a spirit and dedication to every work in which he was cast that lit up the stage. The young actors in this year’s program show what a fine tribute it is to him, as they capture that sense of joy in sharing their art with an audience.
I expect to see some of these students on more stages down the line. Until then, audiences can do the same through this weekend.