Amateurs take on the Bard

Amateurs take on the Bard. Roselyn Kelada-Sedra, left, and Lindsay Sippel Eitzen rehearse a from, 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. Shakespeare in Action is a professional non-profit theatre company in residence at Central Commerce Collegiate and The Shakespeare Challenge is its annual fundraiser that aimsl to raise funds for a subsidized ticket program benefiting young people in priority neighborhoods. Photo/LABONI ISLAM

The actors are taking part in the Shakespeare Challenge, which places everyday Torontonians on stage, performing the works of the most celebrated playwright of all time.

To participate in the challenge, the actors must each raise $1,500. The proceeds will go toward ensuring youth in the city's 13 priority neighbourhoods have the opportunity to see live plays performed by professional troupes.

The Shakespeare Challenge was created by local theatre group Shakespeare in Action (www.shakespeareinaction.org), a not-for-profit organization based in the Little Italy area. Shakespeare in Action brings the works of William Shakespeare to young people across Ontario, demystifying the sometimes-intimidating plays.

The challenge is the latest in a long line of programs designed to ensure all young people have access to the theatre.

"We've done a lot of work in the Jane-Finch area and in St. James Town but we have ongoing programs, such as our library program, in 13 (priority) neighbourhoods," said Shakespeare in Action general manager Shemina Keshvani.

This year marks the first Shakespeare Challenge. The nine actors, whose day jobs range from real estate to the tech sector, had a mere handful of rehearsals under the tutelage of Shakespeare in Action directors Michael Kelly and Adam Seybold during which to perfect - or come as close as possible to perfecting - an abridged performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

"The actors have really gotten into it," Keshvani said. "They're not professionals and some of them had no experience at all but they're having a lot of fun with it."

Toronto real estate agent Suzanne Manvell is one of the nine actors taking the stage for the Shakespeare Challenge. Having never performed on stage before, she had planned on getting more involved in public speaking this year as a means of personal growth. When the opportunity arose to perform Shakespeare, she felt that would be even more fulfilling.

"Just before Christmas I was thinking about the year ahead and I thought I would like to take Toastmasters courses," she said. "This opportunity came up and I thought there was no better opportunity for me to try performing for people."

Having never performed in a play before, the prospect excited Manvell even though it seemed daunting at times. She had a severe case of the jitters on the first day of rehearsal but has learned along with the rest of the cast under the tutelage of the directors.

While she feels far more comfortable now, she admits that she expects to be nervous on the night of the performance.

"I'm sure there will be butterflies the day of, but I'll just imagine (the audience) naked whether they like it or not," she said.

Still, despite the nerves, Manvell said the experience was well worth it from a couple of standpoints.

"It's for a wonderful cause - helping kids see Shakespeare and theatre - and it's been great for my personal growth," she said.

The Shakespeare Challenge performers will stage A Midsummer Nights Dream at the Arts and Letters Club, 14 Elm Street, at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24. For tickets or information, or to donate to Shakespeare in Action, visit www.shakespeareinaction.org/shakespeare-challenge