Much Ado About Festival’s 20th Year

It’s a summer of milestones for the Ojai Shakespeare Festival.

As the community-based theater group celebrates its 20th anniversary, the troupe’s student internship program will make its stage debut with a production of “The Tempest.”

In years past, the young Shakespearean actors have performed on the grassy area above Libbey Bowl in Ojai, but director Ryan Lee said they have earned the privilege to perform on the stage.

“ ‘The Tempest’ is a hard play to do; it’s dense and has to do with complex adult issues,” said Lee, 31, a Los Angeles actor who is the intern program’s play director for the second time. “People are going to come away from this play and realize the kids can do a lot more than you think.”

Lee has starred in the festival’s adult productions since 1998 but will take a lesser role in this year’s play.

The student program has been evolving over the last 13 years, said festival President Dave Farber of Ojai. At first, students studied the technical aspects of play production, but in 1997 acting and singing programs were added.

“When the kids start, they have the usual fear of Shakespeare because of the odd language. But the productions always end up being really good,” Farber said. “We have some very talented kids.”

Interns must submit an application, write a one-page essay describing why they want to participate in the program and go through an interview and audition.

This year’s crop of 32 interns, ranging in age from 12 to 18, come from Ojai, Oak View, Oxnard, Ventura and Carpinteria.

They can focus on acting, singing, or both, said festival artistic director Jaye Hersh, who has been with the troupe for 14 years. She is performing in the adult production of “Twelfth Night.”

The cost for the nine-week internship, which includes six weeks of rehearsal and three weeks of performance, is $300.

“Some of the kids work it off by helping out with the sets and costumes, and we also have a scholarship fund set up,” Hersh said.

Many of the students have been with program for three to five years.

“The great thing about having repeat kids is that their level of understanding goes up every year,” said Hersh, whose 12-year-old daughter, Kelsey, is the youngest of the interns. “Some of these kids have done five Shakespeare plays and then been exposed to five more through the adult productions.”

Rosie Gordon, 17, has participated in the program since she was 11. Now in her sixth season, the Ojai girl rattled off a handful of reasons why she keeps coming back.

“I love the attention. I love to act. I get a sense of accomplishment from it, especially with Shakespeare. I love theater people, and I love the backstage smell of sweat and makeup,” she said.

Rosie is cast as the spirit Ariel in the current production. She hopes to continue acting after completing her senior year at Ojai Valley School.

Rosie said she is excited about graduating from the grass to the stage.

“I wasn’t sure about it at first, but it will feel much more like a professional show,” she said. “With the set and the lights, it will be a good experience. It’s very empowering.”

Zach Farber, 16, has been participating in the intern program for five years, but this is his second time as an actor.

The Nordhoff High sophomore will play Alonso, the king of Naples. He said he enjoys acting, but singing in a group is easier on his nerves.

“With singing, it’s harder to notice if you mess up,” said Zach, who is Dave Farber’s son. “But being in front of an audience is really a rush.”

The student production opens Thursday, with performances Thursdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m. through Aug. 18.

The adult production continues at 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 18.

The season was extended one week to commemorate the 20th anniversary.

Cast and crew members from the last 20 years were invited to Saturday’s performance and an alumni party afterward.

Tickets for both plays can be purchased at the box office in Libbey Park or by calling 646-9455.

Tickets for “The Tempest” are $8, with children younger than 5 admitted free.

Tickets for “Twelfth Night,” are $15 to $18 general, $8 to $14 for seniors and students, and free for children younger than 12.