Shakespeare by the Sea, Halifax facts for kids
The Shakespeare by the Sea drama group performing The Comedy of Errors in Halifax, Nova Scotia, August 1996.
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| Formation | 1994 |
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| Type | Theatre group |
| Purpose | Outdoor theatre |
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Artistic director(s)
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Notable members
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Shakespeare by the Sea is a fun and professional theatre group in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They put on plays, mostly by the famous writer William Shakespeare.
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About Shakespeare by the Sea
This theatre group started in 1994. They are experts at performing plays by William Shakespeare. Their shows usually happen outdoors in an amphitheatre. This special outdoor stage is made from the old ruins of the Cambridge Battery. This was once a military fort in Point Pleasant Park. Sometimes, they also perform in other places.
The company gets some money from government help and businesses. But most of their money, about 70%, comes from people who donate. This helps them keep putting on amazing shows!
The group was started by Patrick Christopher-Carter (who passed away in 2005), his partner Elizabeth Murphy, and Jean Morpurgo. They have performed every summer since 1994. Each year, they put on three or four different plays.
Family Shows and Musicals
In 1999, Shakespeare by the Sea started adding a "family" show. These shows are based on classic fairy tales or legends. The actors and director work together to create the script. They often include music written by a composer.
From 1999 to 2004, these family shows were known for being very creative. They didn't use normal props. Instead, they used colorful Styrofoam pool noodles to make everything! The noodles became props and parts of the set.
In 2005, the family show changed. It became a musical called The Adventures of Robin Hood. Jesse MacLean directed it. The music was by Jeremy Hutton, and the lyrics were by Hutton, MacLean, and others. This musical was very popular. It even played again in 2011 and in Toronto in 2013.
Special Performances and Growth
In 2005, something very special happened on Canada Day. The group performed The Midnight Twelfth Night. It started at midnight and ended with the marriage of the founders, Patrick Christopher-Carter and Elizabeth Murphy.
After Patrick Christopher-Carter passed away later that year, Elizabeth Murphy and Jennie Raymond worked together. They led the company through a difficult time. In 2007, Elizabeth Murphy became the main Artistic Director.
Sometimes, the company puts on special "traveling" shows. They perform these plays at different historic places around Halifax. For example, they have performed Hamlet at the Prince of Wales Martello Tower. They also performed Richard III at the Halifax Citadel, which is a famous fort.
Elizabeth Murphy also helped create The Park Place Theatre. This is an indoor theatre with 82 seats. It's used when the weather is bad during summer shows. It also lets the company put on plays in the spring and fall. Other theatre groups in Nova Scotia use this space too.
In 2012, Jesse MacLean joined Elizabeth Murphy as a Co-Artistic Director. Jesse has directed many plays for the company since 2003.
In 2013, Shakespeare by the Sea celebrated its 20th season. They performed 68 shows in Point Pleasant Park. About 13,000 people came to see them! This was one of their most successful years. In 2013, they also won the Robert Merritt Legacy Award from Theatre Nova Scotia.
The Studio at Shakespeare by the Sea
In 2019, the company started "The Studio at Shakespeare by the Sea." This is a theatre school for young people. It teaches them about Shakespeare and musical theatre. Jade Douris O'Hara became the first Studio Director. Drew Douris-O'Hara also joined the staff as an Artistic Associate.
Past Productions
Here is a list of some of the plays Shakespeare by the Sea has performed over the years. This information comes from their website.
Plays from 1994 to 1999
| Year | Productions |
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| 1994 | Twelfth Night |
| 1995 | A Midsummer Night's Dream |
| 1996 |
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| 1997 |
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| 1998 |
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| 1999 |
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Plays from 2000 to 2009
| Year | Productions |
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| 2000 |
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| 2001 | Twelfth Night |
| 2002 |
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| 2003 |
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| 2004 |
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| 2005 |
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| 2006 |
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| 2007 |
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| 2008 |
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| 2009 |
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Plays from 2010 to Present
| Year | Productions |
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| 2010 |
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| 2011 |
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| 2012 |
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| 2013 |
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| 2014 |
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| 2015 |
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| 2016 |
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| 2017 |
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| 2018 |
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| 2019 | The Wizard of Oz
Henry V Love's Labour's Lost |
| 2020 | Flagship Season cancelled due to COVID-19.Introduction of the By the Sea series:Hello City ImprovHalifax Fringe Festival |
| 2021 | A Midsummer Night's Dream (dir. Drew Douris-O'Hara)
By the Sea Series featuring Hello City Improv, Adventures by Gillian Clark presented by Keep Good Theatre Company, Halifax Fringe Festival, A Tale on Two Wheels presented by Gale Force Theatre |
| 2022 | Cinderelly (dir. Jesse MacLean)
Hamlet (dir. Drew Douris-O'Hara) By the Sea Series featuring Hello City Improv and Halifax Fringe Festival |
See also
- Culture of Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Shakespeare by the Sea (Australia)
