As with many things in this world, it's easy to observe the "finished product" and remain blissfully unaware of the processes, gambles, and pitfalls encountered to bring this "finished product" to the public eye.
A theatre presentation is no exception, especially when referring to smaller independent companies—the local counterparts of what might be described in Western countries as community theater.
Recently, I had the opportunity to witness the Everyman Presents theater company roll out the proverbial red carpet for their backers and potential supporters. They offered a preview, a "showcase," outlining their plans for Season 1, 2024.
Everyman Presents, an educational theatre organization, boasts a mix of professional veteran actors collaborating with groups of students and amateurs, as highlighted by Creative Director Carlos Cariño.
For Cariño, the selected veteran thespians serve not only as consummate actors of the stage but also as mentors and teachers to the kids. This mentoring role is crucial, as Cariño envisions the company as a nurturing ground for future stage actresses and actors.
He aims to provide the younger generation with exemplary models of professionalism and a willingness to share their craft, fostering an appreciation for the love and dedication invested in the art. Creating a culture is paramount, and Cariño underscores this repeatedly, as it aligns with the theater organization's mission and vision.
For 2024, Everyman Presents plans to bring Othello to the stage. This Shakespeare tragedy will be attacked as a very personal human drama, as Cariño noted how presentations of the recent past would harp on Othello’s status as a Moor, an outsider, and for Cariño, the more universal truth is how when slighted, a person can resort to anything to extract his ounce of revenge or retribution - which is what Iago enters into.
Rachel Coates, Issa Litton, Anne Gauthier, Monica Llamas-Garcia, Miguel Vasquez, Dean Daniel Rosen, and Javier Coromina are the seasoned veterans who will be part of Everyman Presents for the upcoming season. Most of them are "old hands" with the company, emphasizing the sustained nature of their roles as mentors.
And this aura of "family" is very evident, and a pleasure to observe. The commitment of the children was evident through the afternoon. There were excerpts from The Trojan Women of Euripides, a comedic scene from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, mixed with some locally-penned works.
Seek out Everyman Presents, and check how you can support their show and their efforts to create a strong creative community.