Shakespeare in Clark Park Open Call for PERICLES

Directed by Carly Bodnar & Choreographed by Kaitlin Chin

Shakespeare in Clark Park (SCP) is seeking community artists for our annual summer production. This year, we’re bringing PERICLES to West Philadelphia’s Clark Park in the summer of 2021. 

We’re looking for anyone ages 9+ who would like to be a part of one of Philadelphia’s most beloved summer traditions. This summer’s production of PERICLES will be an open-air circus adventure, and we want a Community Troupe who’s ready to learn juggling, tumbling and a little bit of Shakespeare.  You don’t need any theatre or circus experience to participate. If you’re interested in knowing more, fill out this google form to get on the Pericles Community Artist mailing list. We’ll keep you updated and let you know how you can apply to be in the show!

In the meantime, post a video of your own mini-circus. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #athomescp. 

SCP encourages people of all ages, races, gender identities, and sexual orientations to participate. Previous experience with Shakespeare is NOT required, however, a capacity for joy and a tolerance for the heat is.

From TheatrePhiladelphia: Twelfth Night and the Accessibility of Outdoor Theatre in Philadelphia

By Angela Bey

“To neglect companies like Shakespeare in Clark Park, Theatre in the X, and Revolution Shakespeare is to overlook the pulse of form. The griots of West Africa, the thespians of Greece, and the kyōgens of Japan were oral, outdoor storytellers-- for the communites, by the communities. These are the true origins of theatre. Why have some of us diverged so far from this history? This dissent is much deeper than enclosed, proscenium spaces.

Free, outdoor theatre in Philadelphia helps wipe away the greasy sheen of elitism. It emphasizes accessiblity and normalizes diversity. It welcomes "non-traditional" audiences  and voices to the mainstream. It reminds us of the electric spirit of the form.”

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From TheatrePhiladelphia: The Community’s King Lear

By Barbora Příhodová

“The communal aspect and the invigorating green setting is what gives this two-and-a half hour production its unique charm, casting one of Shakespeare’s late masterpieces as a treat that anyone can enjoy and, importantly, enjoy with loved ones and as part of the community. Whether intentional or not, this set-up also brings the audience closer to Shakespeare’s times, when theater was a popular, low-cost form of entertainment that took place on bare stages in full daylight, with spectators moving around freely.”

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