The first-ever Stratford Theatre Festival in Ontario, Canada opened July 13, 1953. The first season started with Guthrie’s production of Richard III, starring Alec Guinness in the title role.
Fast-forward to today and the festival is the largest classical repertory theatre company in North America. This year’s festival will be attended by Muskies from the theatre program thanks to contributions from alumnus John W. Gardner and his wife, Therese.
“…it’s one alumni and his wife who are also board members at Muskingum, are able to provide this weeklong theater experience to us, which is something we’ve never had a chance to do and probably wouldn’t be able to do without their contribution,” said Assistant Professor of Theatre Cassie King. “which is going to be another really cool experience that none of our students have had before then.”
Eight students will be selected to attend the Aug. 19-24 festival with the only cost to them being $250 for food and the cost of obtaining a passport. The application window for interested students has already closed with 13 interested candidates who have applied.
“So this time around it’s eight. It’s possible in future years if we keep doing this, that number would go up, but we’re sticking with eight the first time just,” said King. “…we are happy to see students take advantage of this opportunity.”
The applications submitted for the trip were accompanied by a short essay of 250 words or less and had follow up interviews at the end of February.
“We’re looking for somebody who can show that they’ve at least like examined the Stratford website, that they understand what that whole festival is and that can prove how that is going to be a benefit to them in their potential future theater career,” said King.
Those selected to go on the trip can experience several productions in four distinctive venues including classics, contemporary dramas, and musicals, with special emphasis on the plays of Shakespeare. There will also be backstage tours and opportunities to have a talk with industry professionals.
