Young talent directs Summer Festival plays

NEW SCOTLAND — The Classic Theatre Guild will host its 11th Summer Festival at Indian Ladder Farms, presenting Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labor’s Lost” and an original adaptation of “Robin Hood.” Both plays are directed by local, young playwrights.

“My personal favorite part is when you see people walk away and see how much talent there is out there,” said Linda Wilday, grant writer for guild.

Julie Jaster, who is both writing and directing the children’s adaptation of “Robin Hood,” is a 19-year old Rotterdam resident and a theater-arts student at Schenectady County Community College. She also directed one of last year’s Summer Festival plays, “Treasure Island.” Jaster has been “very involved in theater since she was a young girl,” said Wilday.

Phil Bruns, a recent graduate of Hudson Valley Community College who lives in Grafton, will be directing “Love’s Labor’s Lost.” In June, he co-directed “Rumors in June” in which he starred.

His version of  “Love’s Labor’s Lost” will be set in the 1950s. The Shakespearean comedy focuses on a prince and his men who decide to swear off of women, that is, until they meet a princess and her ladies.

The auditions took place about six weeks ago, and rehearsals have been going ahead steadily ever since. Each play is scheduled for five showings at Indian Ladder Farms.

“Robin Hood” runs at 7 p.m. on Aug. 3, 6, and 11, with matinées at 2 p.m. on Aug. 6 and 13. “Love’s Labor’s Lost” runs at 7 p.m. on Aug. 4, 9, and 10 with evening shows at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 6 and 13.

Both plays will also be performed at Proctors in Schenectady on Aug. 19 for the guild’s gala, which costs $20.

The shows at Indian Ladder Farms — at 342 Altamont Rd. in New Scotland  — are free, and will be held outside under tent. Play-goers are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets. Refreshments will be available.

 

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