Founded in 2018 by the KCST Outreach Committee, Shakescenes is a showcase of low-stakes one-off pre-modern scenes put on over the course of a two-day festival. It was particularly useful in the 2020/2021 season where troupe members could connect over Zoom in a low-stakes, friendly environment. Since then, it has continued to be a beloved part of the KCST Fall season.
Past scenes include a sea shanty sung by Trinculo, Stephano, and Caliban; a Star Wars duel between Mercutio and Tybalt, and a Julius Caesar that looks suspiciously like Michael from The Office. While traditionally a showcase of exclusively Shakespearean work, all pre-modern, public domain work is welcome. All scenes are intended to be 10 minutes or less, with exceptions granted in conversation with the Shakescenes Committee.
It is meant to be an option for those interested in theatre but not willing/ready to commit to a full-length semester show. Actors can have their scripts in their hands, audience members are often festive, and there are emcee-led breaks to help move the show along.
The theme is decided by the committee producing that year’s production, historically made up of KCST e-board members.
Shakescenes Production History:
2018 - Shakescenes I: Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits
2019 - Shakescenes II
2020 - Shakescenes III: All the World's A Zoom & Shakescenes IV: All the Zoom’s A Zoom
Spring 2021 - Shakescenes V: Here We Goeth Again & Shakescenes VI: Once More Into The Breach, Dear Friends
Fall 2021 - Shakescenes VII: Too Fast, Too Furious
2022 - Shakescenes VIII: Shaken, Not Stirred
“The vibes were immaculate … It felt so celebratory, low-stakes, welcoming, supportive... it was wonderful”
—Alejandra Diaz-Pizzaro, Director, Shakescenes VII: Too Fast, Too Furious
