See Shakespeare Santa Cruz in a Redwood Forest
A Magical Midsummer's Night Dream in the Festival Glen
Aug 11, 2009
Each summer Shakespeare Santa Cruz, now in its 28th year, presents several plays held at the University of California Santa Cruz, including at least two by Shakespeare.The summer of 2009 the productions include A Midsummer Night's Dream and Julius Caesar held outdoors under the redwoods. It is easier to attend if one knows a few tips and strategies for seating, parking, seeing the stage well and hearing the actors. A recent evening production offered a few lessons that make attending more enjoyable.
A Midsummer Night's Dream is the Perfect Play to See in a Forest Setting
Reading a summary of the play and a run-down on each character before attending will help theater-goers understand this frantic comedy-drama. Although the fairies are dressed in common fairy attire, the rest of the cast is in post-modern dress, from poodle skirts to cut-offs. A Midsummer Night's Dream is wonderful set in the woods. As fairies, lovers, royalty and buffoons prance around the glen itself, and on and off the stage, one can believe one is really in an enchanted forest. As the wind blows through the trees and the moon hangs overhead, it only adds to the eerie, magical sense of drama.
Choosing What Tickets to Buy and Where to Sit at Shakespeare Santa Cruz
The Shakespeare Santa Cruz Web site has a seating chart of the Festival Glen. Levels of tickets are Premium, Classic and Groundling. Seniors over 62 pay less. Premium seats are closest to the stage in the center, and have chairs. Classic seats also have chairs provided but are either on the side or further back. Both these categories are reserved seats. The Groundling sections are not reserved seats, and have no chairs or benches. Patrons may bring their own blankets and sit on the ground, or bring low beach-style chairs or rent them at the entry to the grove.
How to Find the Best Seats for the Clearest View of the Stage at the UCSC Festival Glen
One of the best things about the outdoor stage performance is that the actors run through he audience as they perform, making the experience three-dimensional. If one buys tickets close to the aisles the actors will dance right by as the production unfolds. Choosing a seat closer to the stage, even on the sides, permits a more intimate feel, and allows for better hearing.
Where to Park if Arriving Early, or Coming Late to a Shakespeare Santa Cruz Play
Enter the campus at the West entrance and follow the signs for parking. There is a $2 fee. If guests arrive late or if the production is sold out, cars are then directed to a parking structure on campus and free campus shuttles take patrons to the Festival Glen and pick them up after the performance..
What to Bring to the Outdoor Shakespeare Performance for the Most Comfort
Anyone with a Groundling ticket will be more comfortable if they bring a low beach-style chair. If they forget, there are some low folding chairs available for rent. A pillow is helpful, too. Otherwise, it's necessary to bring a blanket and sit on the ground. Summer nights can be cold in Santa Cruz, and a warm jacket, scarf or blanket to wrap around the body will be welcome, as the event lasts three hours, plenty of time to get chilled.
What Food and Drinks are Sold Before and During the Play at Shakespeare Santa Cruz
Patrons can bring their own food and drink from home or buy sandwiches, cookies, cold drinks, coffee or desserts provided by Gigi's restaurant, and local wines. Kelly's French Bakery on Ingalls Street, not far from the campus, has Bard's Boxes, which include a chicken Durango, egg salad or tuna sandwich, a side of coleslaw, and a chocolate chip cookie. Call ahead to order for pick-up at 831 423 9059.
Attending a play at Shakespeare Santa Cruz is a mix of the best things about the theater, a picnic and a moonlight camp-out. Prepare for the outrageous, sip a glass of local Santa Cruz Mountain wine and enjoy the spectacle.
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