Episode 39 - Producing Shakespeare

What goes on behind the scenes to run a full-scale Shakespeare festival? How are the plays selected? How long does it take? How much does it cost? This episode we found out the answers to all these questions with the delightful help of Freewill Shakespeare Festival, the Bicks' very own local Shakespeare show that's been running for just over 30 years! We were so very lucky to be joined this episode by Nikola Tonn, managing director of the festival, and David Horak, the artistic director for Freewill Shakespeare. We grilled them on the numerous steps involved in bringing a production to life, from play selection all the way through to opening night and the tallying of the receipts. We also cover a bit of the COVID blues because they're awfully hard to escape these days. Notes: Check out the Freewill Shakespeare website and maybe consider making a trip to Edmonton to take it in next year if you're at all capable! Macbeth and Much Ado are two of our faves! If you've never been, check out these lovely photos provided to us by the team, showing off the truly stellar grounds that are simply perfect for outdoor theatre!