Flatwater Shakespeare's Blog News

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Give to Lincoln Day 2023 is May 24 and also Online NOW

 


A Letter from Marshall Carby, Executive Artistic Director, Flatwater Shakespeare Company


Greetings, Flatwater Shakespeare Community!


If I haven’t had the opportunity to meet you at one of our productions or educational programs, I would like to introduce myself to you now. My name is Marshall Carby, and I am the Executive Artistic Director for Flatwater Shakespeare Company. I was hired in January of last year, and it has been my honor to continue the rich tradition of bringing high-quality theatrical productions and community-based educational programs to Lincoln, as we have for the past two decades.


Last year, our annual Short Shakespeare Tour kicked off the season with a hilarious and endearing production of Much Ado About Nothing. This production ran for four performances at the historic Wyuka Stables and then we took the show on the road performing at several of Lincoln’s parks bringing FREE performances to families from the surrounding areas. The parks tour brought Shakespeare’s classic story to over 800 people in Lincoln. For me, it was a joy to see families share this classic work together.


Another part of our season that I found thrilling was our Little But Fierce summer camps, serving children from kindergarten age through tenth grade. Taught by several of Lincoln’s leading Shakespeare practitioners, children engage with the Bard’s text and explore the twists and turns of these characters and situations. Taught in three separate sessions, with goals geared towards their respective age groups, each course concluded with a performance showcasing the skills developed during the week. I can tell you, these young people are tremendous!


Our fall production of Julius Caesar was one of my favorite directing experiences to date. The cast was comprised of faces new and old to Flatwater Shakespeare Company. This being my first time directing for Flatwater Shakespeare Company, I quickly learned that previous Artistic Director Bob Hall and Executive Artistic Directors Becky Boesen and Summer Lukasiewicz left very large shoes to fill. What I learned most during the production is the strength of this organization. Flatwater Shakespeare is constantly built and sustained by collaborative artists and a dedicated audience base who make what we do possible. Thank you all for your past support.


Flatwater Shakespeare is one of the best organizations in Lincoln. I am humbled to be a part of Flatwater Shakespeare Company and I look forward to our 2023 season. We have developed an exciting season of shows and programs for the coming year. This season’s plays include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Desdemona: A Play About a Handkerchief, and The Winter’s Tale. Please visit our website for show dates and times.

www.flatwatershakespearecompany.org


To help continue our mission and expand our programming, please consider donating to Flatwater Shakespeare Company during the 2023 Give to Lincoln Day fundraising drive. We pride ourselves on being a theatrical organization that believes in paying every member of our production cast and crew, educators, and staff. We also strive to bring affordable and often free programs to ensure Shakespeare’s work is accessible to everyone. If you are in a situation to make a monetary contribution to Flatwater Shakespeare Company, please do! Give to Lincoln Day is May 24, but you can donate online anytime.

https://www.givetolincoln.com/nonprofits/flatwater-shakespeare-company


With gratitude,


Marshall