The  Iowa  Shakespeare  Experience!
Central Iowa's Authoritative Producing Shakespeare Company

Associations: 

Shakespeare Theatre Assoc. of America, Shakepeare Assoc. of America,
Shakespeare World Congress, International Festival and Events Assocation

Proudly Registered on the Iowa Registry of Non-profit Accountabilty

WELCOME TO THE HOME OF

Theatre Classics, Outcome-Focused Youth Programs and Shakesperience Fest - Des Moines' premiere annual outdoor Theatre Festival Under-the-Stars! -

Lorenzo Sandoval, MFA and Robin Heinemann, Executive Co-Producers

 

HUZZAH! Festival 2010 a Smash Hit!   Thanks to our Board, our staff, our donors, our volunteers, and from 300-700 people per night from the Metro  and beyond, Festival 2010 was "a palpable hit!"   With flying colors, we survived fire (highest heat index in 6 years - 110 in the shade - and of course, there was no shade on the bridge!), not just one but TWO floods, and what is now being called a baby tornado - when we decide to do The Tempest, we will have first hand experience, that's for sure!   And challenging tho our battle with the elements was, the situation showed how our Actors truly proved their mettle by rising to a most challenging occaision!    Indeed, the entire community seemed to open its arms around us even wider, as new friends, new donors, and new sponsors rose to the fore!  We are grateful to all of you!   Watch this space for Season 2010 photos from the show, videos from the show, and all sorts of great outcome data as early this fall, we start to plan for Season 2011.    Meanwhile, find below a taste of Season 2010: some terrific reviews and an overview video plus some pre-show photographs of the cast. You'll also find a few GREAT announcements.... and a sneak peak at 2011!    TASTE OF SEASON 2010: Live Shots from A Midsummer Night's Dream Extravaganza for KCCI Television, courtesy of the "On the Spot" series of KRV Entertainments and Modern American Television: Copy and paste the following link into your browser for some fun Video and Cast Interviews from Shakesperience 2010:   AT KCCI WEBSITE: ulocal.kcci.com/_Iowa-Shakespeare...A.../set/.../62904.html ON FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/l/7f357v-l2CSjKRvPKrqCJkGxaOQ;vimeo.com/13651867   REVIEWS AND AUDIENCE COMMENTS Media Reviewers Media Reporter Ryan Kolder, Modern American Television, a subsidiary of KRV Entertainment LLC.: July 18 2010:  (for the KCCI TV Series On the Spot with Ryan Polder): “So here we are once again on the spot with Ryan Kolder, bringing you tonight the 2010 Shakespeare Festival: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Extravaganza!  (We were) dazzled by not only the wonderful stage set up and costumes, but also the performances were out of this world!  As MD Isley, Executive Director of Bravo said tonight 'regular arts is a key quality of life issue for Des Moines, and tonight’s show was definitely proof of (quality of life)!'  Also, from Puttin on the Ritz to It Had to Be You, from original scores or lyrical adaptations, (ISE Musical Director) Tina Haase is by far the musical genius.”  (The segment goes on to interview several ISE company members). The 3 minute segment concludes with this quote from Mr. Kolder to the Actors, Choreographer, Musical Director and Producers: “It was an awful lot of fun tonight- You guys were amazing, amazing, amazing!”   General Audience Members Kathy MB of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute says: “Bravo!  I would not have thought possible that last night’s 2010 performance could have been anywhere near as wonderful as last year’s 2009 shows that I just loved, given the change of venue and all, but I specially drove home early from a trip to Omaha for this anyway-  - and I am happy to say I was wrong!  Last night’s performance, entertainment, state setting, adaptation, actors, all of it was absolutely fabuloso.  It was as good as last year and maybe even better.  Please tell everyone how much we enjoyed it.  Cannot wait to see what you have in store for us next year.  Thank you for a wonderful evening.  Will continue to spread the word through the Greater Des Moines Leadership network!”  "T" says:  "I am speechless.  This was incredible work- incredible acting, seamless play adaptation- and I went on Family Night, which was packed - the looks on the kids faces were priceless.  It was magic. Astonishing too how many, many families happily stayed throught the entire show- we saw one Mom who apparently felt it was her child's bedtime, but the youngster was simply begging not to leave! Yet you certainly never once "dumbed anything down" for the kids.  Its notable that family night was the exact same presentation as other nights- just a different preshow line up designed to involve the kids- and a different seating approach so kids could sit up close.  So, far from dumbing down, your approach elevates the entire audience - adults AND youth - - into the work - it was just a great big wow!" From an anonymous audience member:  "I wanted to go, but my husband said he hates Shakespeare and didn't want to come.  I had to drag him- but he just loved it!  What you do -interlaying songs into the play and also the other parts of the festival- is exactly the right approach!  In fact, my husband loved it so much he said he already wanted to come back next year! I can't wait!"     From Morgan Halgren of Iowa Public Television, noted theatrical actress and popular songstress: "I was there on Sunday night. The evening was just beautiful and so fun - I ended up sitting stage left and had a great seat- and just really enjoyed it - it was fun AND funny, loved the music!  I was singing under my breath to all of the songs, it was really an enjoyable, enjoyable evening - and I also think this adaptation is really really marketable.  Other Festivals will want to produce this! Hollis Monroe was just superb - he is an amazing actor, just superb.  He and the Puck "duet" scene were THE moment for me- just the PERFECT golden moment that you want in theater.  Allie Hade created a real character (instead of the cardboard one Helena often is) - really upped it a notch, very neat experience.  Also, really no matter what anyone says, there is still a stigma about Shakespeare for many people, but when you mix it up a little bit like the ISE does, it makes it SO much approachable, and when the actors really know what they're saying like yours did, it makes it SO fun.  Egeus went beyond angry father- your approach really fleshed him out.  I was aware the show was an adaptation, but was hard pressed to say where the lines were exactly drawn- save that I felt it was SO much more palatable this way."    EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENTS:   The ISE is so pleased to announce that as of July 2010, in stringent competition, it is the recipient of THREE new grants (over $40,000) for Season 2011!  Thank you Iowa Arts Council and Bravo Greater Des Moines!   SUMMER SEASON 2011 SNEAK PEAK: The ISE announces that at least one play of Summer Season 2011 will be the immortal play "Romeo and Juliet" - done strictly Elizabethan style with gorgous "traditional" costumes, live madrigal music, and a wide variety of Renaissance arts.    Watch this space for exciting announcements about some absolutely terrific collaborations (artistic, funding and community-wide collaborations) planned for this show!                                             RECAP OF FESTIVAL 2010 BELOW   About Our FREE Summer Festival 2010 PLAY OUTSIDE!  QUICK FACTS 2010:  Mainstage Play:  William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream Extravaganza!  Play Description:  Shakespeare's beloved romantic comedy of lust, love and laughter in the wooded Gardens of the King and Queen! Play starts 8:15 pm Friday-Monday July 16-19  July 20* is Raindate BUT EACH NIGHT we ALWAYS have shows -BE IT RAIN OR SHINE OR FLOOD!  We have TERRIFIC nightly indoor rain locations AND an amazing alternative outdoor "Flood" location on the historic Des Moines bridges! Gates open at 6pm for nightly picnics,pre-show concerts and activities. For Weather or Flood Info, go to our Site map under Summer Festival - check the Festival Weather pages and FAQs.  TODAY IS MONDAY, JULY 19 at 10:30  am.  Due to the dual challenges of the Floods of 2010 in combination with a very poor weather prognosis for this evening, we are calling the show to our indoor rain location already at this early hour. Our rain location is 519 Park street on the North side of downtown, on the west side of the river, a few blocks from the Amphitheater.  FOR MORE INFO ON OUR RAIN LOCATION:  On this page under our SITE MAP, go to the Section called "ABOUT OUR SUMMER FESIVAL".  In that section, scroll down to our page about "Weather" midway thru the section.  Our Weather page will tell you much additional info.  See you at this terrific indoor site - remember to bring lawn chairs and picnics, even indoors!  Note that we regret that due to continued Amphitheater flooding, we will be unable to hold our additional Raindate Show this year- so our *show on July 20 is cancelled.  Contact us at 515 274 8989 for information about refunds of any purchased VIP seating that is affected by these weather decisions.  TICKETS?  YOU DON'T NEED ANY!  SHOW IS FREE! VIP SEATING?  Check Midwestix.com BE SURE TO CHECK THE LINK AT THE TIP OF THIS BOX...AND DO SCROLL THE HOMEPAGE INFO BELOW...FOR IMPORTANT INFO REGARDING FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS AND FAQS. SCROLLING THESE PAGES WILL HELP MAKE FESTIVAL 2010 THE BEST POSSIBLE EXPERIENCE!   AFTER THE FEST:  Take our EASY Festival Feedback E-Survey!  See bottom of Site Menu.

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We’re A hit! "A very palpable hit!" Hamlet Act 5

• A Quadruple Bravo Award Winner
• A Triple Iowa Arts Council Award Winner
• Two time “Top Ten Arts Project in the state of Iowa” recognition (for Artistic Excellence in stringent, state-wide jurored competion)

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   Are You Shakesperienced?

By only our first year, we exceeded Mainstage Festival attendance expectations by a whopping 66% - and served a grand total of 25,000 people! 16,000 people experienced our radio programming, 5,000 caught our street theatre at the Des Moines Arts Festival and other special events, and the better part of 1000 per night attended our Mainstage Festival shows! ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

"We can no other answer make but thanks, thanks and thanks!” Twelfth Night

Thank you  Iowa Arts Council, Bravo Greater Des Moines, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Metro Arts Alliance, City of Des Moines, Cityview

and Mr. James Collier and Dr. Bruce Hughes !

IOWA SHAKESPEARE EXPERIENCE ANNOUNCES FULL CITY OF DES MOINES SPONSORSHIP FOR SHAKESPERIENCE FESTIVAL! 

THANK YOU CITY OF DES MOINES

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Today’s ISE Homepage Feature:

Shakesperience Fest: the Shakespeare You WANNA SEE!” 

“Summer’s lease hath all too short a date”

Sonnet 18 

Its the "Will of the People": FREE - FREE AT LAST!  Finally - Shakespeare as it should be: "the stuff dreams are made on!"  Premiere actors, memorable interpretations, extraordinary dance and extravgant musical features!  NIGHTLY pre-show concerts. Cool waterside breezes, a twinkling skyline, no mosquitoes- and not a bad seat in the house! AND ALL FOR FREE!

For 7 years, Lorenzo Sandoval, Robin Heinemann and the sponsors above have revived the tradition of offering sensational Shakespeare in Iowa’s capital.  This year they and their top-flight team of professional artists return their beautiful European-style festivities to one of the state's premiere locaitons: the stunning Simon Estes Amphitheater right on the Downtown Des Moines Riverwalk.  And for the second year in a row, shows are absolutely FREE! NO TICKETS REQUIRED!

This prestigious group doesn’t do “yer Grandma’s Shakespeare” - -shows use professional actors and are rich with live music,  sizzling choreography and evocative special effects!

So don’t miss joining in at this beloved tradition of outdoor Shakespeare- a “rite of summer” enjoyed literally all around the world.  Or check out our many other programs, shows, special events and parties which happen all throughout the year!

GET A SNEAK PREVIEW: 

Check out our captivating scrapbook of past show photos, rich videos, and past newsletters.  You'll get a little taste about how we do things here at Iowa Shakespeare- and we know it will whet your appetite for more!

GET THEE TO THE FUNNERY: 

All the Shakespeare You Remember: Told so freshly, you'll never forget!  If our shows were any fresher, you'd have to slap 'em! Because...Here at the Iowa Shakespeare Experience, we really, really "Get It" - and we will help YOU "get it" too!  Our shows will delight you, not mystify you.  Because we're not just a Play ... we're an entire Experience!

BUT at the very same time we draw in Bard newcomers, we also offer fascinating insights and fresh perspectives for the aficionado!  For our shows are not merely creative, and not merely "innovative" - (though certainly they are all of that!) but also they are classic, dramaturfically insightful- and truly world-class.

That's because the way Iowa Shakespeare approaches the Bard is much MUCH more traditional and scholarly than perhaps at first glance, one might think!  After all, in Shakespeare's day, these plays featured Shakespeare's own contemporary music, were set in all manner of historical times and places, and used costuming (or not!) relective of many periods.  Indeed, in Shakespeare's time, these plays were truly the cultural equivalent of our own culture's Rock Concerts!  Audiences in Shakespeare's time enjoyed the outdoors -and did anything but sit stiffly and passively watch! Thus, our approach (one which really draws the audience into the story) really is quite "traditional"... while taking Metro-area Shakespeare to the fresh dramaturgical approaches seen on leading Shakespeare stages all around the world. 

To get a head start on releasing thy personal inner Bard, or to better understand "traditional" and adaptative and historical Shakespeare, check out the topic of "Adaptations" in our ISE Scholarly "White Papers" section of this website - and also take a peek at our "Understanding Shakespeare" page.

HORATIO's HOME PAGE CORNER: 

 A little bit about all “things on Heaven and Earth!”

TODAY'S TIDBITS: A POPOURRI OF FUN FACTS: FESTIVAL 2010!

•  2010 SHAKESPERIENCE FESTIVAL SHOWS TAKE PLACE From July 11 – July 20 (Important to see full Fest Schedule!)

• FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS page and DETAILED FESTIVAL SCHEDULE page has more important info!

•  AT THE MAINSTAGE, YOUR “Rite of FREE Will” INCLUDES: ample convenient FREE parking, FREE theatre (NO TICKETS REQUIRED!), FREE FULL VIEW of the stage (there’s simply not a bad seat in the house!), FREE river breezes, NIGHTLY FREE pre-show concerts - -and glorious mosquito-FREE European-style Festival grounds!  Hmmm  - - did we mention its all FREE? !

 

•  2010 FESTIVAL MAINSTAGE SHOW: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Extravaganza! Shakespeare's beloved romantic comedy of lust, love and laughter in the gardens of the King! Would you like to swing on a star?  Carry Moonbeams home in a jar?  If that grand old melody doesn’t give you all the hints you need about the nature of this year’s delicious show offering and dramaturgical interpretations, then see our Festival pages (especially our 2010 Show Description page) for more information! 

 

•  ISE SHOWS FEATURE top area artists in music, dance, theatre, and playwrighting!  And the stars really come out on Shakesperience night at Simon Estes Amphitheater!  Here's a sample of our 2010 constellations: What do Roxy Copeland, star of the Des Moines jazz scene, Iowa's iconic Tina Hasse Findlay, AND Hollis Monroe, beloved state-wide star of classic radio, have in common?  That's right!  They are ALL part of the Mainstage talent line up for Shakesprience Fest 2010!  How?  Well, as the headliner for EVERY major outdoor cultural festival from Winefest to the Des Moines Arts Festival, Tina never fails to wow the crowd- and as our Musical Director for Shakesperience 2010, she is in rare form.  Roxy?  You'll never guess - so okay, we'll spill the beans: That's Roxy's incredible voice as Queen Titania - because Roxy's theatre roots are showing!  And Hollis - star of both the Shakespearean and Operatic stage all across the nation?  One glimpse of him playing both Egeus AND Bottom - and you'll be in the palm of his hand.  Er - - hoove. 

 


• SINGING IN THE RAIN! We offer raindate options and also a TERRIFIC, ROMANTIC Rain Location!  True to the Old Hollywood flavor of our 2010 show, you’ll find we don’t let it Rain on the Parade! At the unique, stunning ISE rain venues, indoor picnics are always still welcome, along with your comfy lawn chairs and blankets! See FAQs and our Weather page for more information- -and if weather threatens, be sure to check these pages or call 515 274 8989 for the latest available info.

 

• FIE ON FLOODS:  Our riverside location is drop-dead gorgeous but this being Iowa, from time to time, the Amphitheatre does flood because it was specifically built for downriver flood control.  No worries!  We simply fully close our beautful historic bridge and orient a bit more to the extraordinary City riverside gardens, put the stage at the base of the bridge with a background showcasing the historic sweep of the avenue leading right to the Captial steps and "Voila!" - another wonderful site for outdoor theatre is born.  So our site stays open even when the Amphitheatre proper is closed.  And Festival patrons will still enjoy fantastic riverside seats, gorgous adjacent gardens and grounds - and one amazing view of the Iowa State Captial.  After all, Shakespeare may be our middle name - but Iowa is our first!  Our weather pages will keep you fully updated!

 

• SHAKESPEARE TAILGATING! (Or should we say: Tale-Gating!)  Our popular Picnic with Panache Contest returns again in 2010!  You'll have fun no matter how you come to the festival - but to those arriving with a dash of extra humor or elegance, we say: Huzzah!  And you might just win our all-in-good fun contest for on-the-spot seating upgrades!  Because at Shakesperience Fest, we brake for Candleabra! While certainly not required, the “delightfully wicked” tradition of elegant picnics continues. Think gourmet recipes, fine china and linens - maybe catch up a handfull of flowers for a centerpiece bouquet!  Any why not: we set you up just right!  At Shakesperience Fest, you enjoy exceptionally convenient grounds with super-easy access to parking.  Our European-style grounds are largely mosquito free - we even provide complimentary shade umbrellas while they last (or feel free to bring your own).

 

• ALL THE WORLD's A STAGE! WANNA DRESS THE PART? Feel free! Upscale picnic attire or “themes” involving the show or the Rennaissance era are happily encouraged at Shakesperience™ Fest. Floppy hats, seersucker or white bucks, anyone? Or oh heck - bring Men in Tights! After all, there's no need to lug picnics far - -or to rush for good seats, since each and every seat in our glorious Amphitheatre offers a picnic-friendly stunning view of the stage!  Stroll in with style!

 

• MORE ABOUT OUR FUN PICNIC TRADITIONS: SeeFAQs and don't miss the premiere story on our picnics featured in dsm magaizine May-June 2010! Just click on the easy link on this page, top right!

 

• TERRIFIC SPECIAL EVENTS are always a part of the Festival - check out our Director's Talks, parties, concerts, family features, and other events on our full Festival Schedule and and elsewhere on our site map!
  

AT THE FESTIVAL: SPECIAL EVENTS 2010

•  ART MARKET: This year, our delightful on-site Saturday Art Market will double in size!  Featuring the area's most up-and-coming young designers, you’ll enjoy browsing the creative booths – while wine tasting from Jasper and Gelato from Choclaterie Stams sets a wonderful, festive tone!  As last year, this is a FREE collaborative service the ISE offers to benefit our fellow artists in the community.  And you might even find our poster artists making a personal appearance - see below!  (Interested Artists, see contact information below to inquire. )

 

• PARTIES, Young Professional Night and VIP Parties and other VIP amenities: As Puck would say: "The King doth keep His Revels here tonight!" Check out the info on our site map!

 

• SENSATIONAL FESTIVAL CONCERTS FEATURING JAZZ IN JULY, THE BELIN QUARTET- AND OUR OWN 2010 MOONLIGHT MINI-CONCERTS:  The special musical components of Shakesperience Festival 2010 are the “Stuff dreams are made of!” Check out our amazing musical components, below:

SPECIAL JAZZ-In-JULY PRE-SHOW BIG BAND CONCERT ON SUNDAY July 18^th: Featuring the extraordinary Jim Oatts 17-piece big band, what better way to get us “In the Mood” to “Swing on a Star!”  Jim's award-winning ties right in to this year's show. Come early for the concert and you’ll find the great moods continue throughout the play!  Thank you Metro Arts Alliance!

SPECIAL BELIN STRING QUARTET APPEARANCE!  Zounds!  For our Monday night Family focused show on July 19th, the ISE is thrilled to announce the appearance of the magical Belin String Quartet!  One of the region's most lauded musical sensations, the lilting melodic strains of this most celebrated Quartet will be on our Mainstage during pre-show picnics - and will offer chances for young audience members to also be involved.  Courtesy of a terrific new collaboration with Des Moines Civic Music Association!  Come early and enjoy!

SPECIAL PRE-SHOW DRUMMING FESTIVITIES! SPECIAL TO FESTIVAL 2010:  W hat better way to summon the Midsummer Fairy Kingdom than with ancient drumming styles from the wonderful folks of The Social Groove Community Drummers!  This is right up Puck's alley! Performing on Opening Night and also for Family Night, the family night show is particularly special.  Kids of all ages will be invited up to the stage to dance along with the drumming - now, that's REALLY the way to summon the Fae folk!  We believe!

NIGHTLY MOONLIGHT MEDLY - SPECIAL TO FESTIVAL 2010: A coooool summertime treat that couldn’t be hotter!  For this special Midsummer Extravaganza show, we have one heck of a special treat lined up for you!  EACH NIGHT during intermission, our musical director (the legendary Tina Haase Findlay) has invited the Metro’s best crooners to join her on stage for THE most “moon-light-y-est” Medley EVER!  From Moonlight Sonata to Moonglow to Moonlight Seranade and of course, to Stardust and all the other wondrous old moonlit and starry songs, we have created the dreamiest mix of midsummer melodies ever!  This scoop of cool delight features not just Tina, but those amazing talents Fred Gazzo and Max Wellman!  Check our Detailed Festival Schedule page for more information, including a positively delicious collection of Moonlit lyrics.

AND THERES MORE! LOTS OF GREAT FESTIVAL AMENITIES! Huzzah for all the rest of the Festival Best!  Find wines to purchase from Jasper, specially selected by The Wine Club. Enjoy dreamy and rich Gelato treats from the incredible Cholaterie Stams! Select evenings include a Taste of Brittain from Brittish Foods - scones and clotted cream anyone?  Or, have fun with a visit to the Rennaissance Tent of The Forking Queen!

Also, just like last year, don’t miss a chance to say “I was there!” Pick up one of our inaugural Festival T-shirts- or even better, a copy of our first commemorative Festival Poster! By nationally-collectible artist John Sayles, this high quality 4 color poster print on top quality art paper is a beaut- and with only 150 copies (even fewer signed copies), these gorgeous slices of area cultural life will go as fast as summer!  Or - - our incredible 2010 Show Poster by Iowa Artist Alissa Rindels, winner of important arts awards at virtually ALL the area's Renn Fairs! You will NOT want to miss Alissa's lush interpretation of a Des Moines Riverfront positively overtaken by Midsummer Fairies, Frolickers - and other Fae Kings and Queens! Watch for Alissa's booth at the Festival this summer- you will want to meet this wonderful artist in person! 

 

 

"SUCH STUFF AS DREAMS ARE MADE ON" The Tempest

The Iowa Shakespeare Experience:

Shakespeare like nobody else’s business – because it IS our business: 

Shakespeare is our middle name!

 

Contact us at 515 274 8989 or Robin@IowaShakespeare.org

 Inaugural Full Company, A Midsummer Night's Dream, July 2006

All photos above (on this webpage proper below our website banner) are also from our Midsummer Nights Dream 2006 production, 

Lorenzo Sandoval and Robin Heinemann, Producers

PHOTO CREDITS THROUGHOUT THIS WEBSITE INCLUDE

Bill Gentsche and NorthStar Photography

Eric Bench

Paula Maxwell

Michael Rolands

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