Meet the Cast of TWELFTH NIGHT - Emilie Doering as Feste

Hello Emilie Doering! This is not your first show with Class 6 Theatre, correct?

I have done one other show with Class 6 Theatre, and it was Comedy of Errors with puppets.  It was both my first Shakespeare and my first puppetry performance. Oh my god, it was the perfect combination of professionalism and a blast! And the callbacks for Twelfth Night were the same. We were all running around, preparing as rapidly as possible to present different scenes with different reading partners, and the environment was so friendly and casual and high energy, it was like a cesspool of creativity, all these germs of comedic ideas coming to life together. Class 6 in my opinion cuts to the quick of theatre, in that it provides this fluid, energetic, friendly environment because it knows much of an actor's best work will come from that. The creative expectations of this theatre are among the highest I've ever dealt with in the Valley, but you don't feel the pressure in a negative way because your fellow actors and the director channel all that intensity and passion into positive channels. There is a reason I've been dying to work with Class 6 Theatre ever since Comedy of Errors, they took a chance on my inexperienced-self and trusted me with the responsibility of sharing their complex creative vision. That responsibility was at times intimidating but also the very thing that inspired me to work my hardest.

Well it is great to have you back! Are you excited for the show?

I'm thrilled to be playing a character typically reserved for a man. Feste is a part with musical demands, physical demands, and comedic timing demands and to get to take that on with a contemporary twist as a homeless street performer and a FEMALE is so exciting. Besides, everyone knows only the fool knows what's going on in a Shakespearean comedy. ;)

Do you have a particular role model?

Audra McDonald is my role-model. Her voice is sent from the gods, she is unafraid to perform in nearly every genre of theatre in a variety of roles (that's how she won 6 freaking Tony's), and she is open about her political views when it matters to her even if it might not be the favorite opinion of her fans. She is clearly smart, hard-working, talented, and pleasant to work with--all traits I would love to be known for someday.

Who did you get on the Shakespeare Quiz?

I am Prospero! 

"You believe there is magic in the world, and use all of your power to try to create your own little utopia. You do have bad luck with storms and boats, though."

I certainly do believe there is magic in the world! But not the Harry Potter kind, the practical magic kind that is about acknowledging the magical in the mundane and choosing to live everyday with a mind open to something a little miraculous.  And yes, I need to have a tiny corner somewhere in the world that I like to be my utopia-space. It's where I go to feel better and recharge my batteries. It requires a home-y environment just messy enough to suggest creativity but clean enough to be relaxing, and lots of my loved ones. Personally, I think I have great luck with storms, but as an Arizona kid I can't say I've tried many boats...

Thanks again Emilie! We can't wait for your performance!

Get your tickets today!

And why not take the Shakespeare quiz yourself? Make sure to SHARE your result and mention #Class6Theatre and #TwelfthNight!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Emilie Doering (Feste) is thrilled to be back at Class6 Theatre. At ASU’s Lyric Opera Theatre, she’s been in Children of Eden (Eve), Smile (Brenda), Little Women (Meg), and La Perichóle (Manuelita). Other: Les Miserable at Phoenix Theatre, A Tribute Concert to Marvin Hamlisch with the Phoenix Symphony, Annie Get Your Gun, Dear Ruth, and Lend Me a Tenor at Hale Centre Theatre. Previously at Class6 she was seen in Comedy of Errors (Luciana). Over the past two summers she’s studied and performed at the Conservatorio Nacional de Música de México in Mexico City and with the Mittelsächsiches Philharmonie in Freiberg, Germany. Thanks everybody!

Meet the Cast of TWELFTH NIGHT - Bradley Beamon as Sebastian/Curio/Officer

Welcome Bradley Beamon! Thanks for taking the time to speak with us a little bit! Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m pretty new here, but the people seem fantastic. I can already sense an equal balance of professionalism and play, which I believe to be crucial for good work.

What would you say excites you most about this production? 

Sebastian has been one of my dream roles for quite a while, and Twelfth Night is among my Top Five favorite works of Shakespeare (the other four being King John, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest, and As You Like It).

Do you think you serve as a role model for anyone?

I attempt to be a good role model for anyone I can. Many times I will fail, but I refuse to give up the effort. As for myself, I look up to the vast majority of my friends, family, and teachers.  Iron sharpens iron, and I surround myself with metaphorical iron.

Which character do you think you most identify with?

I really identify with Sebastian. I would say if I was anyone in Shakespeare’s plays, it is he.  I too have a very close relationship with my only sibling (my little brother, Ryan, of whom I couldn’t be more proud). Like Sebastian, my emotions run deep, and I can be volatile at times.  However, also like him, I can remain calm in a crisis in spite of such emotions.

According to the online quiz, I am Ariel from the Tempest. Because, when in doubt, gender bend.

You're a powerful soul who tends to give your power over to others. You love to help and you often feel indebted to those who are kind to you. Like Ariel, you are playful, friendly, and fiercely loyal. When you can shake off the feelings of guilt, you are a joyful, free spirit.

Get your tickets today!

And why not take the Shakespeare quiz yourself? Make sure to SHARE your result and mention #Class6Theatre and #TwelfthNight!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

An alumnus of Grand Canyon University’s Theatre program, Bradley’s favorite acting credits include Charles in Dial P for Peanuts, Peter in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, and Horton the Elephant in Seussical. He is excited to play his dream role of Sebastian in this production. Bradley is also a screenwriter, currently writing for the new web series Leviathan. He would like to thank his family for their continued support, his friends for providing frequent doses of insanity, and God for all the doors He has opened. www.bradleybeamon.com

Meet the Assistant Stage Manager of TWELFTH NIGHT - Andrea Privett

Hello Andrea Privett! Thanks for taking the time to share a little about yourself. How did you get involved with Class 6 Theatre?

I volunteered to help with the load in for last year's production of Julius Caesar.  I got to know Eric while hanging lights and cutting gels.  Eric invited me to come back and see about maybe becoming a part of the Class 6 team.  I jumped at the opportunity and have been happy to be a part of it since.  I never get tired of the shows.  The actors and production crew are dedicated and it shows.  So far I am having an amazing experience.

That's great to hear! Excited for TWELFTH NIGHT?

I am excited to see the director and cast bring Shakespeare's Twelfth Night to life.  This production will be worth seeing because I am already hearing "interesting" ideas for the show, and that coupled with an extremely talented crew, will make for an unforgettable show and great memories

What Shakespeare character do you think you would be? 
 

I would want to be Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet because this was the first Shakespeare play I read and I thought Mercutio was the most interesting character and that he had the best lines.  His character gets to joke, argue, fight, and die dramatically.  His line "Ask for me to-morrow, and you shall find me a grave man.", sums up his character perfectly and who wouldn't want to be someone who gives such iconic last words?

Get your tickets today!

And why not take the Shakespeare quiz yourself? Make sure to SHARE your result and mention #Class6Theatre and #TwelfthNight!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Andrea Privett is overjoyed to be working with Class 6 Theatre again in their production of Twelfth Night. Most recently she stage managed for Class 6's previous productions of Sylvia and How I Learned to Drive. Andrea is an Arizona native and graduated from the University of Arizona, majoring in Theatre Arts and Business Administration.  Andrea is currently a Theatre Technician at the Gammage Auditorium at Arizona State University. She is also an Assistant House Manager at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Andrea is honored to be a part of the Class 6 team and is looking forward to an amazing run!

Meet the Cast of TWELFTH NIGHT - Toni Jourdan as Olivia

Hello Toni Jourdan! We are so glad to have you on board! Have you ever worked with Class 6 Theatre before?

This is my first time to be able to work with Class 6 but have auditioned another time. I have seen a few plays from past seasons and have thoroughly enjoyed them and thought that they were creative and a delight to watch.

Thank you! So, what excites you about this production?

I am a huge Shakespeare fan and have had the pleasure of acting in "Twelfth Night” before when I lived in California. I was Viola and also Feste. I have also directed a teen production of “Twelfth Night.”  I have also acted in “Comedy of Errors,” (Luciana) “Taming of the Shrew,” (Tranio & the Widow) “Romeo and Juliet,” (Lady Capulet) “King Lear,” (Goneril) “Much Ado About Nothing,” (Beatrice) “Two Gentlemen of Verona," (Julia) “Midsummer Nights Dream,” (Helena)  “As You Like It.” (Rosalind) “Julius Caesar” (Cassius) AND I wrote a show entitled “Green Eggs & Hamlet” aka Shakespeare/Seuss where I paired up the writings of my two favorites William Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss. (i.e.: The Sneetches and the Montagues and Capulets… The Grinch and Richard III…) Like I said… big fan. I am so excited to have the opportunity to look at  “Twelfth Night” from another perspective! Also… I studied Shakespeare at the British American Dramatic Academy in Oxford, England for a summer. 

Do you feel that you serve as a role model for anyone in your life?

In Shakespeare I am quite often cast as the boy who pretends to be a girl (since I’m quite tall). I feel that I’m a role model for those that are not always what they seem. I’m quiet on the outside but just waiting for an opportunity to share who I am… I have a knack with kids, especially the shy ones since I completely understand them and they can see that I’m able to be involved in theatre or programs where I read to kids, or do crafts… they see that there’s quite a few safe environments to show off your stuff without giving yourself away. Does that make sense?  

Do you relate to any Shakespeare character in particular?

I took the quiz of Which Shakespeare Character Are You and came out as Ariel from “The Tempest”

You're a powerful soul who tends to give your power over to others. You love to help and you often feel indebted to those who are kind to you. Like Ariel, you are playful, friendly, and fiercely loyal. When you can shake off the feelings of guilt, you are a joyful, free spirit.

Or so they say… :)  I am definitely a “free spirit.” I think I am more like Rosalind from “As You Like It” (who is also loyal and hidden behind a safe persona, yet not afraid to speak her mind or to take charge, when necessary).

Get your tickets today!

And why not take the Shakespeare quiz yourself? Make sure to SHARE your result and mention #Class6Theatre and #TwelfthNight!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Toni Jourdan (Olivia) - Toni is pleased as pie to be part of Class 6's "Twelfth Night" which happens to be written by her favorite playwright. She studied theatre at the British American Dramatic Academy and has directed a teen version of this same play. Toni is also a playwright having written a play entitled "Green Eggs and Hamlet" where she combined the works of her second favorite writer, Dr. Seuss with Shakespeare. She dedicates this production to Charlie and Nick, who support her and her crazy love of everything theatrical.

Meet the Cast of TWELFTH NIGHT - Kate Haas as the Understudy for Viola/Feste

Hello Kate Haas! Very excited to have you back with us at Class 6 Theatre after seeing you in Julius Caesar last season. Was that your first show with us?

My first show with Class 6 Theatre was Julius Caesar. I had a blast! I loved working on a show with so many women, and it was a wonderful challenge to play 3 different roles.

What would you say excites you most about this show?

Twelfth Night is one of my favorites because of the many characters and subplots woven together. There is so much going on! I am also excited to understudy multiple roles. I don't get to understudy very often, so it'll be a fun exercise and a challenge, I'm sure.

Always up to the challenge! Do you think that attitude has made you a role model for anyone?
  I teach theatre to young students, and I try to be a role model to them. I want to show them that acting can be a great career, but it takes a lot of hard work and perseverance.

Which Shakespeare character do you think you are and why?

I have definitely been in similar shoes as Viola in my life. I try to tackle challenges that come my way. She and I both like puns. I also remember growing up and having a crush on a guy, but he was into my friend and would ask me advice about how to get her to like him. Yes, Viola, I can relate.

From Twelfth Night. Like Viola, you break boundaries and challenge conventions. You try anything, and more often than not, you enjoy it. Because of your courage, friends often draft you to help with their complicated plans, and that's how you end up in quandaries. Be brave, and never compromise your unique personality to fit in.

Get your tickets today!

And why not take the Shakespeare quiz yourself? Make sure to SHARE your result and mention #Class6Theatre and #TwelfthNight!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Kate Haas is excited to work with Class 6 Theatre again, after appearing in Julius Caesar last spring. Previously this season, she appeared in Charlotte's Web, Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, and Girls Who Wear Glasses, all with Childsplay. She has also performed with Rising Youth Theatre, Southwest Shakespeare, Actors Theatre, Phoenix Theatre for Young Audiences, and Stray Cat Theatre. Kate studies at the Megaw Actors Studio and holds a BA in Theatre from ASU.

Meet the Cast of TWELFTH NIGHT - Tess Jenkins as Maria/Antonia

Hello Tess Jenkins! Thank you for taking the time to let our readers learn a little more about you! When was the first time you worked with Class 6 Theatre?

My first experience with Class 6 was to participate in the staged reading of Treasure Island in November 2013. After that, I was cast as Metellus Cimber/Titinius/3rd Plebeian in Julius Caesar and participated in the staged readings of Animal Farm and The Worst Play Contest, all in 2014.

Yes! Great job by the way! Are you excited for this show too?

I love Shakespeare and have a goal to perform in each one of his plays before I die. Twelfth Night is #6. 

Very cool! In addition to Shakespeare, do you have another hero or role model?

One of my biggest role models for acting is Tom Hiddleston. He can pretty much do it all. I watched a video on how he prepared for his performance in Coriolanus, and I was awestruck. Now THERE'S an actor! Plus, he's Loki.

If you had to pick another Shakespeare character that you most relate to, who would you pick?

I was always able to relate best to Beatrice from Much Ado About Nothing, and to play that character is #1 on my bucket list. She's strong-willed, feisty, independent, and won't settle for less than what she wants or thinks is right. After taking the Shakespeare character quiz, guess who I got? Beatrice. Boom.

Excellent! Thanks again for your time; we can't wait to see your performance this Fall in Class 6 Theatre's Twelfth Night!

Get your tickets today!

And why not take the Shakespeare quiz yourself? Make sure to SHARE your result and mention #Class6Theatre and #TwelfthNight!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Tess is thrilled to be back on the Class 6 stage, having appeared in last year’s Julius Caesar, as well as staged readings of Treasure Island, Animal Farm, and The Worst Play Contest. Other valley stage credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Crucible, Alice in Wonderland (Zoni nomination), The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Much Ado About Nothing, to only name a few, as well as last year’s film adaptation of Two Gentlemen of Verona, currently in post production. Tess wishes to thank Keath Hall and Eric Schoen for this opportunity, and the cast and crew. For you, Dad.

Meet the Director of TWELFTH NIGHT - Keath David Hall

Hello Keath David Hall! Thank you for taking the time to share a little bit about yourself with us today! You've done quite a bit for Class 6 Theatre haven't you?

I have worked for Class 6 Theatre for several years on and off stage.  I built the sets for The Comedy of Errors and True West and helped out technically where I could. I acted in It’s Always Sunny in Phoenix, Reentry, and The Comedy of Errors. I’ve done fight choreography for True West and Silvia. Lastly, I directed Afternoon Delight and will be directing 12^th Night.

That's an amazing Class 6 Resume! Do you have a special connection to this show?

Twelfth Night has been one of my favorite plays for a long time.  It is arguably Shakespeare’s most ensemble pieces as the characters have close to the same amount of lines.  It is a hilarious action packed show that somehow manages to tackle some sociological issues that we struggle with today.  Music within the show makes for an emotional roller coaster.

Would you say you have a role model in your life? Personal or creatively?

I don’t know that I have one specific role model. My parents gave me many of there values; my dad’s work ethic, my mom’s creativity.  I’m intensely jealous of Kenneth Branagh for being able to direct himself in Henry V on the big screen at the age of 29.

Being such a big Shakespeare fan, who do you think you most relate to?

I want to say I’m somebody cool or conniving like Iago or Marc Antony…. However most people would probably say that I’m Bottom the Weaver from Midsummer.   Sweet and kind of dumb but full of energy and intensely loyal to his friends. The quiz thinks I’m Iago.

From Othello. You are a plotter and a schemer, and work hard to achieve what you think is rightfully yours. But you must always try not to let your jealousy get the best of you.

Get your tickets today!

And why not take the Shakespeare quiz yourself? Make sure to SHARE your result and mention #Class6Theatre and #TwelfthNight!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Originally from San Diego, Keath David Hall has been an actor, fight choreographer and director across the United States for a dozen years.  His directing credits include Romeo and Juliet and The Pillowman for the Scioto Society in Chilicothe Ohio.  Also he directed Afternoon Delight for Class 6 Theatre Company. "When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained." -S. Clemens