SHAKESPEARE IN SOIN
The Tempest comes to Southern Indiana
Free to the Public
This program is a cultural cornerstone, bridging communities across multiple counties through the timeless works of William Shakespeare. By engaging local actors and actresses from within these counties, it fosters a sense of pride and ownership, enriching both performers and audiences alike. This program not only celebrates the arts but also strengthens community bonds, showcasing the transformative power of literature. These performances are free and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the show!
2024 SCHEDULE
May 10th: Corydon Capitol Historic Site
TIME: 6:30 PM
ADDRESS: 202 East Walnut Street Corydon, IN 47112
May 18th: Jeffersonville Public Library
TIME: 2PM
ADDRESS: 211 E Court Ave, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
May 18th: Clarksville Lapping Park
TIME: 6:30PM
ADDRESS: 2404 Greentree North, Clarksville, IN 47129
May 25th: Charlestown City Square
TIIME: 2PM
ADDRESS: 304 Main Cross Street, Charlestown, IN 47111
May 25th: Bicentennial Park
TIME: 6:30PM
ADDRESS: 118 E Spring Street New Albany, IN 47150
Calling all brave and adventurous school kids!
We need your help to make our production of The Tempest a smashing success! We're looking for enthusiastic youngsters to play sailors, pirates and apparitions in our show, and we promise it'll be an experience they'll never forget. Don't worry, we won't put them on stage if they're not comfortable. Instead, we have a special pre-show coloring activity that they can participate in to help decorate our ship. We provide all the materials needed, including crayons, sailor hats, and wigs for the wicked fairies. So, come join us 30 minutes before showtime and let's have some fun!
A Guide to "The Tempest" (Our Adaptation)
Our adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" condenses the original play into a 75-minute performance designed for clarity and accessibility. We have streamlined the narrative by focusing on key plot points and characters. Below is a summary of what happens in each scene of our production:
Act 1, Scene 1
While returning from a wedding, the Queen’s ship encounters a violent storm, tossing it violently. Onboard are Queen Alonsa, her son Ferdinand, her advisor Gonzalo, and Duke Antonette of Milan. Amidst the chaos, the Boatswain struggles to maintain order as the ship ultimately splits apart.
Act 1, Scene 2
On a nearby island, Prospero and his daughter Miranda watch the storm. Prospero reveals they were exiled from Milan by his scheming sister Antonette and Queen Alonsa. He converses with Ariel, a spirit bound to serve him, and encounters Caliban, a resentful island spirit. When Ferdinand washes ashore, Miranda instantly falls in love, though Prospero suspects him of espionage.
Act 2, Scene 1
Alonsa and her entourage survive the wreck. Mourning Ferdinand’s presumed death, they encounter eerie music and strange occurrences, orchestrated by the invisible Ariel.
Act 2, Scene 2
Caliban mistakes Trinculo for a spirit and hides. When a storm hits, Trinculo, and later the drunken Stephano, take cover under the same cloak. Stephano shares his wine with Caliban, who pledges loyalty to his new "king."
Act 3, Scene 1
Ferdinand and Miranda declare their love amidst their labors, with Prospero secretly observing and finally approving their affection.
Act 3, Scene 2
As Stephano, Trinculo, and Caliban drunkenly plot, Ariel plays pranks to exacerbate their tensions.
Act 3, Scene 3
Ariel’s apparitions haunt Alonsa and Antonette, leaving them terrified, but Gonzalo remains unaffected.
Act 4, Scene 1
Prospero formally consents to Ferdinand marrying Miranda and discloses his final plans to Ariel. Meanwhile, Caliban’s plot against Prospero fails when Stephano and Trinculo are distracted by fancy garments.
Act 5, Scene 1
Recognizing his control over the events, Prospero resolves to end his schemes, seeking reconciliation and releasing Ariel from servitude. The ship and all its crew are miraculously intact, and plans for Ferdinand and Miranda's wedding proceed.
Epilogue
Prospero, now ready to relinquish his magical powers, addresses the audience, stating his freedom relies on their applause.
Cast List
The part of Prospero will be played by Clara Burton on May 10th, while the role of Ferdinand and Antonette will be played by Brayli Temple on May 10th (& May 18th TBC).
Prospero
Jason Jones
Alonsa
Susan Brooks
Miranda / Trinculo
Kaila Gelback
Caliban / Boatswain
Hayley Ginger
Gonzalo / Stephano
Bryce Woodward
Ferdinand / Antonette
Carla Burton
Children's Activities Coordinator
Brayli Temple
Directors
Martin French & James Thompson
Costume / Choreography
Valerie Canon
Script Adaptation
James Thompson
Producer
Martin French
Understudy /
Stage Hand / Sound
Brayli Temple
Graphic Design
Heather Rapp
Program Director
Paig Trinkle
Executive Director
Brian Bell
Cast Biographies
Co-Director
Martin French
A seasoned theatre professional originally from Ireland, now based in New Albany. With a rich career spanning both local and international stages, Martin has made significant contributions as a co-founder and artistic co-director of The Chamber Theatre. His recent directorial endeavors include Clash of The Woyzecks (New Albany - 2024) and It’s Earnest Y’All (New Albany - 2023), along with numerous other productions in Louisville. He also co-directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream with James Thompson for the 2023 SoIN To Shakespeare Tour organized by the Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana.
Martin’s other recent directing highlights include The Crucible at Hayswood Theatre in Corydon (2023), The Library as part of the Theatreworks of Southern Indiana Humanity Festival of 10-Minute Plays (New Albany - 2023), The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Holmes (Wayward Actors, Louisville - 2022), The Trestle At Pope Lick Creek (independent production, Louisville - 2022), and Laura (Little Colonel Playhouse, Pewee Valley - 2022).
Co-Director
James Thompson
A seasoned director and performer from Louisville, Kentucky. He has showcased his talents across the United States and internationally, having studied theatre at the University of Louisville and Accademia dell’Arte in Arezzo, Italy. James thrives in the collaborative directing process, evidenced by his work alongside Martin French on A Midsummer Night's Dream for the SoIN To Shakespeare Tour, and his co-direction of Legally Blonde and Chicago: Teen Edition at the Next Generation Performing Arts Camp with Valerie Canon.
His notable performance credits include playing the Governor in Storia di Qu at Civica Scuola di Teatro Paolo Grassi, Ash in Evil Dead the Musical at Mind’s Eye Theatre Company, and, years earlier, Trinculo in The Tempest at the University of Louisville.
Costume / Choreography
Valerie Canon
Based in New Albany, Valerie is a multi-talented director, actor, choreographer, and costumer. Her notable credits span a variety of productions including Guys and Dolls, The Music Man, The Addams Family the Musical, Children of Eden, Heathers the Musical, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Batboy the Musical, Godspell, The Drowsy Chaperone, Legally Blonde the Musical, and Lizzie the Musical. Valerie is a board member and director at Mind’s Eye Theatre Company and a proud founding member as well as the Musical Theatre Director at Next Generation Performing Arts Camp in Lawton, Oklahoma. Outside of theater, she is a devoted wife to her husband Dan, a mother to three remarkable daughters, and a ballet instructor.
Children's Activities Coordinator/Understudy/Stage Hand/Sound
Brayli Temple
She began her community theater journey in 2018 at Hayswood Theatre in Corydon and has been passionate about the stage ever since. Her most recent roles include The God Committee at Hayswood Theatre and The History of Dating at North Harrison High School. Outside of theater, Brayli is active in archery, the National Honor Society, and choir. She has been taking piano and voice lessons for four years and plans to double major in music education and vocal performance in college. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Prospero
Jason Jones
Local audiences might recognize him, even beneath heavy character makeup, from recent performances at Hayswood Theater in The Crucible, Theatreworks of SoIn in SPAMalot, Bunbury/ShPIel - Performing Identity in Indecent, and The Liminal Playhouse in Edward Gant’s Amazing Feats of Loneliness.
Queen Alonsa
Susan E. Brooks
She has performed with several local theatre groups, with her favorite roles including Lady Beaconsfield in Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical at Oldham County Arts Center and Georgia Dean Rudd in Doublewide Texas Christmas with The Little Colonel Players. Beyond the stage, Susan is an avid artist, painting, drawing, and selling her artwork locally. She extends heartfelt thanks to her husband Martin, her children, and grandchildren for their unwavering support in all her adventures.
Miranda / Trinculo
Kaila Gelback
A junior in high school, Kaila is deeply engaged in her school's theater program, where she currently serves as Vice President of the Thespian Troupe. Her recent performances include Mary Warren in The Crucible at Hayswood Theatre and The Queen in Once Upon a Mattress at her school. Kaila plans to pursue further education in Theater and Theater Education at IU Bloomington. She is immensely grateful to Martin and James for this opportunity. Enjoy the show!
Caliban / Boatswain
Hayley Ginger
She is thrilled to return to Shakespeare, performing in her first production in 10 years! Most recently, she appeared as Electra in Gypsy at Hayswood Theatre, where she also serves on the Board of Directors. Additionally, Hayley recently assistant-directed the acclaimed Clash of the Woyzecks with The Chamber Theatre. With a diverse professional background in acting, managing, and directing, she has built a robust career in the entertainment industry. Outside of her professional pursuits, Hayley is currently studying for her second degree and engages in various creative projects during her free time.
Gonzalo / Stephano
Bryce Woodard
Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup and less than 2% of: caramel color, natural and artificial flavors, sodium benzoate (preservative), phosphoric acid, caffeine, sodium phosphate.
Ferdinand / Antonette
Clara Burton
Although she now resides across the river, Clara remains a proud Hoosier, having grown up in Floyds Knobs and graduated from Floyd Central High School in 2014. In Louisville, she has performed in notable productions including The Importance of Being Earnest at Highview Arts Center, The New Mrs Claus with Bunbury Theatre, Medea with Savage Rose Classical Theatre, and several others like Summer Brave, Richard II, and The Tempest (as Alonsa) at Walden Theatre, where she trained from 2004 to 2014. Clara holds a BFA in Theatre with a focus on Original Work from Cornish College of the Arts, obtained in 2019.
Special Thanks:
