Caryl Farkas has been producing Shakespeare with young people for nearly 20 years. She worked with the Young Shakespeare Players in Madison, Wisconsin, doing educational outreach and directing, founded Upstart Crow Productions in Madison and, with her daughter Anna, started the Upstart Crows of Santa Fe.

The Santa Fe Crows began with three young actors (including Caryl’s younger daughter, Joy) in September 2014 who performed scenes from Twelfth Night. Those performances and outreach visits to Santa Fe schools expanded the company to 13 for A Midsummer Night’s Dream and then to two full casts for Julius Caesar. The Crows now number close to 40, with most members returning for each new production.

The philosophy of the company is that anyone between 10 and 18 years old who wishes to take part may join. There are no auditions; all participants receive substantial roles and become part of the collaborative community creating each productions. Most plays are produced uncut, with the actors taking pride in their understanding of the text. Productions involve two to four casts who rehearse separately and together, offering commentary and analysis on each other’s performances.

Caryl’s experience in Madison and here has been that immersion in the text, in community, produces intelligent and deeply felt performances. Her talk will include demonstrations by some of the Upstart Crows and a look at how the company approaches direction.

$10 at the door
Students are FREE!