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Skipper
Yay Justin!!!
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FREE REIGN THEATRE COMPANY presents Julius Caesar |
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| by William Shakespeare | ||
| July 28-31 & August 4-7, 2022 | ||
| at Historic Rural Hill | ||
| 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC 28078 | ||
| Tickets available now! Click here to purchase tickets from Eventbrite! | ||
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ROBERT BRAFFORD |
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| *=Free Reign Theatre Company debut | ||
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*Trigger warning: Please be advised that there will be stage combat with weapons that may be loud to anyone with auditory sensitivities in the second half of the show. Please use your best discretion.*
**This show will run about 2.5 hours in total**
Act I
Act I Scene I
Rome. A street.
Act I Scene II
Same.
Act I Scene III
The same. A street.
Act II Scene I
Rome. Brutus’ orchard.
Act II Scene II
Caesar’s house.
Act II Scene III
Outside the House of Caesar.
Act II Scene IV
Another part of the same street, before the house of Brutus.
Act III Scene I
Rome. Before the Capitol.
There will be a 15 minute intermission
Act II
Act III Scene II
The Forum.
Act III Scene III
A street.
Act IV Scene I
A house in Rome.
Act IV Scene II
Camp near Sardis. Before Brutus’s tent.
Act IV Scene III
Brutus’ tent.
Act V Scene I
The plains of Philippi.
Act V Scene II
The same. The field of battle.
Act V Scene III
Another part of the field.
Act V Scene IV
Another part of the field.
Act V Scene V
Another part of the field.
END
Song List
Music and Sound Effects during the show courtesy of:
Free SFX (https://freefx.co.uk)
Jech, Mari. “Rain and Thunder Sounds” Youtube, Mari Jech, 3 Oct. 2021, https://youtu.be/9W0IxpPhlnM.
Dvořák, Antonín, Composer. “Symphony No. 9 in E Minor/Allegro con fuoco” From the New World, Herbert van Karajan, Wiener Philharmoniker, 22 Jul 2011. 28 July 2022
Pre-Show/Intermission/Post Show:
Mozart - Don Giovanni, K. 527 - Overture by Das Orchester Tsumugi
https://musopen.org/music/performer/das-orchester-tsumugi/
Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/
Other listed pieces courtesy from Choisc website. Music: https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/
Cast
Justin Attkisson
Trebonius, Strato, Citizen
Alexandria Creech
Portia, Pindarus, Citizen
Katie Bearden
Decius Brutus, Cinna the Poet, Publius, Titinius, Citizen
Jonathan Caldwell
Cobbler, Messala, Citizen
Devin Clark
Brutus
Lauren Duckworth
Calpurnia
David Eil
Lucius, Citizen
Savannah Forbes
Carpenter, Popilius, Octavius
David Hensley
Cinna the Conspirator, Lucilius
Chelsea Hunter
Caius Cassius
Jess Johnson
Casca, Citzen
Ted Patterson
Mark Antony
Russell Rowe
Caesar, Ghost of Caesar
Nick Southwick
Marullus, Metellus Cimber, Citizen
Rick Taylor-Rivera
Lepidus
Kristin Varnell
The Soothsayer, Servant of Octavius
Production Crew
Robert Brafford
Director, Flavius, Publius, Volumnius, Citizen
Heather Bucsh
Costume Designer
Megan Hirschy (She/Her)
Stage Manager
Charles Holmes
Fight Choreographer, Technical Director
Meet the Cast
Justin Attkisson
Trebonius, Strato, Citizen
Justin Attkisson is making his return to the stage after a seven year absence from performing and a five year absence from directing. Formerly the Artistic Director of Appalachian Creative Theatre, Justin took time away from the stage/directing after many years of no breaks and wanted to spend as much time at home as a new dad. Justin is thrilled to be returning to the stage with the amazing talents of Free Reign Theatre Company. Many thanks to Robert and Charles for talking him back into the theatre world after such a long break. Justin must send Infinite amounts of thank yous and love to Lynne and Kolton for allowing him the time to jump back into the craziness of the theatre world schedule, I love you both more than anything and missed every second I was away from you both.
Alexandria Creech
Portia, Pindarus, Citizen
Alexandria Creech graduated with her BFA in Theatre Education from East Carolina University in 2010. She currently teaches English full-time in Charlotte and has been a part of the Charlotte theatre community since 2013. It is her firm belief that theatre and the arts should be open and accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. As Oscar Wilde said, "theatre is the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being."
Katie Bearden
Decius Brutus, Cinna the Poet, Publius, Titinius, Citizen
This is Katie's 6th show with Free Reign Theatre Company. Among many of the Bard's most iconic roles, Katie has played Tybalt, Mercutio, Rosalind, Kate, Ariel, Edgar, and many more. Most recently, Katie has worked with Charlotte's Off-Broadway as their fight choreographer for "She Kills Monsters". Katie would like to thank Robert for his guidance and direction, David for constantly being a supportive partner, Charles for his stage combat knowledge, and our friends at Rural Hill who understand that live theatre needs a home in our Carolina community. "We should totally just stab Caesar!"
Jonathan Caldwell
Cobbler, Messala, Citizen
Jonathan Caldwell is a Charlotte native who’s passion for acting runs deep. It all started as a kid mocking his favorite character’s on tv shows, and now he is bringing that same passion and energy to the stage and film. He has been in numerous theatre performances and some of his most memorable roles include Youngblood in Rory Sherriffs production of “August Wilson’s Jitney”, Carl Lee Hailey in Theater Charlotte’s production of John Grisham’s “A Time To Kill” and Lord Marcellus Wallace in Shakespeare Carolina’s production of Bard Fiction. Jonathan is thankful for every opportunity to share his talent and love for acting with the world and feels it is nothing short of a blessing.
Devin Clark
Brutus
Devin’s credits include Othello in Othello for Belmont Abbey College, Booth in Topdog/Underdog for Shakespeare Carolina, Bud in Bud, Not Buddy at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Tom in To Kill A Mockingbird at Theatre Charlotte, Watson in The Curious Case of the Watson Intelligence at Three Bone Theatre, and Styles/Buntu in Sizwe Bansi is Dead at CAST theater. He thanks his mother, family, and friends for their continued support.
Lauren Duckworth
Calpurnia
Lauren is excited for her debut with Free Reign! She's been performing consistently in the Charlotte area since moving here from Rhode Island almost seven years ago. She was last seen in "Love, Loss, and What I Wore" with Theatre Charlotte. Lauren thanks her husband Alex for always supporting her.
David Eil
Lucius, Citizen
David Eil is glad to be once again living in North Carolina and acting in a play after a long hiatus from both.
Savannah Forbes
Carpenter, Popilius, Octavius
Savannah is thrilled to make her debut with Free Reign as Octavius! While Savannah has a background as a vocalist and musical theatre performer, this is her first theatre production in a few years and couldn’t have picked a better group to return to performing with! When not on stage Savannah works as a mental health and disability rights advocate and enjoys spending time with her family, serving with her church, and learning Britney Spears choreography with her friends. She would like to thank the incredible cast and crew for welcoming her and for all their hard work and dedication!
David Hensley
Cinna the Conspirator, Lucilius
David is the owner and creative director of Long Walk Productions, a multimedia company in Rock Hill, SC, and one of the founding members of Free Reign Theatre Company. He’s excited to be back onstage for the first time since 2018 and thankful to Robert Brafford for the opportunity.
Chelsea Hunter
Caius Cassius
After turning down the role of Fannie Brice on Broadway**, Chelsea is thrilled that Free Reign has allowed her to haunt their stage for a third time (They Fight, Romeo & Juliet). While she spent the last decade in Chicago selling knockoff Furbys and writing/improvising at the Second City, she is happy to be back acting in the Queen City (Charlotte had no comment on this). Special thanks to Ben for running so many lines, and to that pizza place across from rehearsal for a great pepperoni slice.
**This is in no way true
Jess Johnson
Casca, Citzen
Jess Johnson is pleased and honored to be making her debut performance with Free Reign Theatre in their Production of "Julius Ceasar". A few of her previous credits include 'LaLa' in Brand New Sheriff's' "The Colored Muesum", 'Izzy' in the Union County Playmakers production of the "The Rabbit Hole", 'Elvira' in Lee St. Theatre's "Blythe Spirit".
Jess would like to dedicate her performance to her wonderful family, friends and send a special thank you to her Mr. (W)right for always being so supportive .❤
Ted Patterson
Mark Antony
Ted is thrilled to be performing in his first role post pandemic. During that time, he went away from twisting balloons to performing the lead in the upcoming short film (“A Twistful of Dollars” by Thingamajig Media), and now designing t-shirts for Free Reign Theatre, Madpark Designs, and The Playbook of Life Clothing.
If you want to support Ted’s art/projects, visit his Instagram or his Redbubble (pattersonted3).
Russell Rowe
Caesar, Ghost of Caesar
Russell Rowe (Caesar) is thrilled to return to the stage with Free Reign Theatre after appearing in their productions of "Saint Joan" (the Archbishop and the Chaplain) and "Lear" (Gloucester). He has also worked locally with Shakespeare Carolina and the late, lamented Charlotte Shakespeare and Carolina Actors' Studio Theatre (CAST). It has been a huge honor to work with this fantastic cast and crew --- hugs to all. And hugs and kisses to the lovely Patricia --- thanks for putting up with it all.
Nick Southwick
Marullus, Metellus Cimber, Citizen
Nick Southwick, avid adoxographer, is pleased to return to Free Reign Theatre. His previous credits include "Beauty and the Beast", “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”, "I Do, I Do", "Oklahoma", and "Hurricane Smith and the Garden of the Golden Monkey". When not performing, Nick can be found playing games, songwriting, or occasionally chasing waterfalls.
Rick Taylor-Rivera
Lepidus
Rick Taylor-Rivera (www.ricktaylorrivera.com) is a tri-lingual Latin American Actor, raised in Brazil, Mexico & Puerto Rico. Graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Communication Arts degree in Television & Radio. Rick worked for over 25 years in Spanish language Television & Radio in Los Angeles, New York & Miami before moving to Charlotte in 2006, where he now works full time as a State Certified Spanish language Court Interpreter & Translator with the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office. Rick is represented by the JTA Talent Agency in Charlotte and has been very active in local Theatre. Some of his most recent credits include Saúl in GHOSTS OF BOGOTÁ at Actors Theatre of Charlotte, Caesar Rodney in 1776, Grandpa Joad in GRAPES OF WRATH, The Rabbi in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, King Louis VII in BECKET, Jacob Marley in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Mr. Brownlow in OLIVER, and David Turner in ART HEIST.
Kristin Varnell
The Soothsayer, Servant of Octavius
Kristin, a mere visitor upon this terrestrial plane, has been performing since she was 5, and swordfighting with Free Reign Theatre since its inception. Her favorite rolls include: French, brioche, and King’s Hawaiian. In her free time she enjoys gardening, hiking, and channeling chaos. Her words of wisdom come from the genius minds of Chumbawumba:
"I get knocked down
But I get up again
You're never gonna keep me down"
To the cast she says, "It has been a privilege and an honor to fight alongside (and with!) you all."
Special thanks and love to Amy, Avery, and Erin!
Robert Brafford
Director, Flavius, Publius, Volumnius, Citizen
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Robert fell in love with Charlotte’s theater community while in college. Since 2012, he has been performing regularly in the Metrolina region as an actor in pieces classical, modern, and (once) musical. When not onstage, he works in the financial services industry. As both an actor and director, his gratitude goes out to God, to his fiancée Gina, to the rest of the wonderful cast, and to the board of Free Reign for giving him the chance to bring life to one of his favorite plays by Shakespeare.
Heather Bucsh
Costume Designer
Heather is honored to be working with Free Reign. Her previous costume credits include: Lear, They Fight (Free Reign), The Picture of Dorian Gray, As You Like It, The Misanthrope (Shakespeare Carolina), Independence (Innate Productions) and Much Ado About Nothing (Ignition Theatre Project).
Megan Hirschy (She/Her)
Stage Manager
This is Megan's 5th show with Free Reign Theatre Company. Megan was part of the first production of [They Fight] with Free Reign and has been with Free Reign ever since. Megan has also assisted with lighting and, with the help of Charles Holmes, designed the lights for Romeo & Juliet. She has also worked with Shakespeare Carolina and Carolina Actors' Studio Theatre (CAST).
Megan would like to give a huge shout out to her Queens University of Charlotte theatre professors Jerry Colbert and Kara Wooten for preparing her for theatre outside of Queens and being super supportive. She would also like to give a shout out to all the cast and everyone involved with the show and for all their hard work!
Charles Holmes
Fight Choreographer, Technical Director
Charles is an actor/actor combatant and the owner of Feint and Parry Stage Combat. He has enjoyed being the resident Fight Choreographer for Shakespeare Carolina (2013-2017) and has choreographed and directed fights for local and regional companies including Actor's Theatre of Charlotte, Theatre Charlotte, Georgia Renaissance Faire, and the Atlanta Shakespeare Company.
Photos
Julius Caesar's first read through of the show with the cast!
Read Through pictured L to R: Russell Rowe (Caesar) and Ted Patterson (Mark Anthony)
Oh, hello fight call! Our first fight call with our brilliant fight director Charles Holmes!
Footwork time!
What is a safe distance for a stage fight? Arms length!
Jonathan Caldwell and Nick Southwick battle it out with swo...sticks?
Nick Southwick and Katie Bearden walking through their fight.
Brutus (Devin Clark) and Lucius (David Eil). Photo Credit: Katie Bearden
Caesar (Russell Rowe) and Calpurnia (Lauren Duckworth) talk about Caesar going to the senate. Photo Credit: Katie Bearden
Brutus (Devin Clark) and Portia (Alex Creech). Photo Credit: Katie Bearden
Caesar at the Senate House
Always protecting Cassius. Pictured L to R: Kristin Varnell, Katie Bearden, Chelsea Hunter
"Nay, press not upon me; stand far off."
"Give me your hands all over, one by one." Pictured L to R: Metellus Cimber (Nick Southwick), Cina (David Hensley), Casca (Jess Johnson), Decius Brutus (Katie Bearden), Trebonius (Justin Attkisson), Brutus (Devin Clark) and Cassius (Chelsea Hunter).
Last outdoor fight call before Load-in
A meeting between Casca (Jess Johnson), Cassius (Chelsea Hunter) and Cinna the Conspirator (David Hensley).
Caesar (Russell Rowe) and Calpurnia (Lauren Duckworth) in their house. Photo Credit: Jonathan Golian
Brutus: "The abuse of greatness is, when it disjoins remorse from power: and, to speak truth of Caesar..." Photo Credit: Jonathan Golian
Flavius: "It is no matter; let no images by hung with Caesar's trophies." Photo Credit: Jonathan Golian
Partners and Supporters
FREE REIGN THEATRE COMPANY
would like to thank the following partners and supporters.
Venue Space
Community Partners
Thank you to our 2022
D&D Fundraiser Donors!
Special Thanks
Thank YOU for sharing an evening of theatre with us!
A big thank you to Jonathan Golian for capturing our final dress. To check out his work, you can follow him on Instagram or Twitter!
Thank you to all who stayed after the matinee show on July 31st for our talk-back moderated by Roshunda Anthony!
OUR MISSION
Free Reign Theatre Company fosters collaboration between ambitious artists to create heartfelt, inclusive, and diverse theatrical experiences.
From Ancient Greek plays, to Renaissance works, to modern-day productions, original works and adaptations, we set out to make our stories live, breathe, and have a heartbeat. These stories are the greatest gift we can give to you, and we want you to be part of them.
Through the presentation of performing arts to the general public, theatrical workshops, and outreach to regional schools, our goal is to help educate our community through our exploration of the history and breadth of the human experience.
Why Free "Reign"?
The phrase is supposed to be spelled "free rein," implying a bridled horse able to run free without anyone controlling it. However, due to the pride we have in our presence in Charlotte, the Queen City, the "reign" spelling best describes us.
MEMBERS
Pictured from L to R Back: Katie Bearden, Charles Holmes, Chelsea Hunter, Robert Brafford.
L to R Front: Shelby Ray Patterson, Alex Creech, Cara Hayes.
To find out more about the members and who they are, check out the link here!
Guestbook
We'd love to see who all attended the show! Please let us know how you enjoyed the show!
Entries
Zebresha Blakeney
Skipper
Yay Justin!!!